A study directed by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) and co-sponsored by the Hanover Insurance Group, came to some rather disturbing conclusions regarding the number of drivers on the road without any form of auto insurance. In short, there are more people driving without insurance than you might think.
How Many People Are Driving Without Insurance?
According to the study, nearly 1 in 8 U.S. drivers are on the road without car insurance. Not only does that put those drivers at risk, but it also puts all the drivers around them at risk. Think about it, if you get in an accident with someone who does not have the money to pay for damages out of pocket, and does not have car insurance, then you will end up having to foot the cost for damages yourself, even if you are not at fault in the crash. Having drivers on the road without car insurance is bad for everyone.
Related Reading: What is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Texas?
Is Driving Without Insurance Illegal?
While it is not a federal law, 49 of the 50 states have a law that makes it illegal to drive without car insurance. Despite that, a surprising number of people are on the roads without insurance!
This study found that 12.6% of all U.S. drivers were uninsured in 2019. To put that number in perspective, every 7th car you pass could be driving without insurance. To be fair, these numbers are not the worst this metric has ever been. Since the industry started measuring uninsured drivers, the highest came in 2003, when 14.9% of drivers on the road in the U.S. were uninsured.
Uninsured Motorists in Texas
In 21 states and Washington D.C., it is required that drivers carry uninsured motorist coverage. In Texas, it is not required, but with 1 in 12 drivers getting on the road without proper insurance, it is a good idea to invest in it. This protects you from hit-and-runs and drivers without adequate insurance.
TGS Will Help You Be Properly Covered
Why are so many people choosing to drive without insurance? For many, it’s because they think a proper auto insurance policy is just too expensive. However, if you find the right insurer, they will work with you to find the policy that fits your needs and budget! Contact a TGS Insurance Agent to get your vehicle properly covered.