Uninsured motorists are those that operate a vehicle without having insurance coverage. In Indiana uninsured motorist laws require that individuals have at least $25,000 of coverage per person and $50,000 per accident in order to legally operate a vehicle within the state. Statistics estimate that one in every five drivers in Indiana is operating their vehicles without proper insurance. Uninsured drivers result in million dollars of damage every year. The state of Indiana has enacted laws that provide uninsured motorist coverage for responsible drivers and penalizes those that choose to operate a vehicle without insurance.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Indiana
Drivers with insurance should always purchase additional coverage in the form of an uninsured motorist policy in the event that they are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. Individuals in Indiana can purchase uninsured motorist coverage from the insurance company that provides them with their regular car insurance. An uninsured motorist policy will pay for your damages up to the monetary limit of your policy. Insurers are required to set the minimum limits for uninsured motorist coverage at $50,000. Drivers can get policies for both property damage and any bodily injury that occurs as well.
Penalties for Uninsured Motorists in Indiana
Even if you are not involved in an accident, but undergo a routine traffic stop you must have insurance coverage. Failure to have coverage that is valid on the day you received the ticket will result in the suspension of your drivers license for 90 days and a reinstatement fee of $150 the first time you violate the uninsured motorist law. A second offense will carry a 90-day suspension and a subsequent fine of $225. A third offense will also result in a 90-day suspension but the fine is increased to $300. If for some reason you are stopped and actually have valid coverage, you should take the financial responsibility form that will be mailed to you from the state to your insurance agent to prove that you had valid coverage.
Seeking Legal Help
Seeking the advice of an attorney is important whether you are the uninsured driver that is facing losing your drivers license or if you are the driver of a car that is involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist. Only a licensed attorney in your area will be able to provide you with sound legal advice. Attorneys can negotiate with your insurance company or assist in the retention of your drivers' license. Uninsured motorist laws can be a tricky; so don't handle it on your own, make sure to hire an experienced lawyer to assist you.
