January 23, 2009 – A study issued this week by the Insurance Research Council indicates that an estimated 10 percent of Delaware drivers are driving without auto insurance and suggest that is one of the expected consequences of the recent economic downturn. The report predicts, based on current unemployment projections, that the percentage of uninsured motorists will increase nationally from 13.8 in 2007 to 16.1 percent in 2010.
An increase in the percentage of uninsured drivers would result in a greater likelihood that if you’re involved in an auto accident, it will be with someone who has no auto insurance. Allstate is reminding consumers that there is a way to help protect yourself in the event you are injured in an auto accident caused by someone who doesn’t carry auto insurance.
“Accidents are unpredictable. Having the proper coverage can help reduce the financial impact to you and your family of being injured in an auto accident caused by an uninsured motorist,” said Tom Wisely, Allstate exclusive agent in Newark. “Knowing that there may be more uninsured drivers on the road, you may want to consider uninsured motorist coverage. Even if you already have the coverage, now is a good time for you to review your auto insurance policy anyway to ensure you have the coverage amounts you need.”
Generally, uninsured motorist coverage provides coverage for certain damages you (or another person insured under the coverage) are legally entitled to recover from the owner or operator of an uninsured motor vehicle. While coverage varies from state to state and is subject to applicable policy terms, the coverage is typically divided into two types:
• Bodily Injury Coverage – helps pay, for example, for medical expenses you incur because of bodily injuries you sustain in an auto accident caused by an uninsured motorist. In addition to providing coverage for medical expenses, the insured may also be eligible for coverage for, for example, loss of wages or pain and suffering.
• Property Damage Coverage – helps pay for damages to your car caused by an uninsured motorist. This coverage is not offered in every state, so check with an Allstate agent to find out if this is available.
Coverage may also be available, separately or as a part of the uninsured motorists coverage, for damages caused by an underinsured motorist.
For more information on uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, visit a local Allstate agent, call 1-800-Allstate or visit @link href=’http://www.allstate.com’target=”_blank”>www.allstate.com/link.
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan, the company serves the community by contributing to local economies and supporting nonprofit organizations. The company has invested over $749 million into municipal bond holdings and $1.3 million for Delaware state taxes. Allstate has awarded 4 Agency Hands in the Community Grants in the state of Delaware with a value of $2,000. On a local level, the company has contributed $13.6 million in business-to-business spending for 886 businesses in the state. Also, Allstate employees, agents and financial professionals countrywide give generously to charitable causes with Allstate offering a 15 percent matching contribution. Most recently, the total amount raised was $6 million.
