Economy leaves millions of drivers uninsured

Alex Johnson Reporter • Profile

Insurance regulators and safety activists are alarmed at what they describe as a stunning rise in the number of drivers who are cutting back or even dropping their auto insurance to save money during the recession.

“It’s been a shock,” said Chris Pringle, owner of All American Insurance Agency in Little Rock, Ark., who said up to 20 percent of his clients had dropped their policies or missed payments in recent months. “I thought we were somewhat in a recession-proof business, because (auto insurance is) required for everyone to have.”

Karl Newman, president of the Northwest Insurance Council, a trade association based in Seattle, warned that “we may be looking at record numbers of uninsured motorists across the nation.”

“When you see a multi-car collision on the freeway ... if there’s more than three or four cars there, at least one of them is likely to be uninsured,”  Newman said.

Industry figures back up that concern. By next year, 1 of every 6 drivers on U.S. roadways is likely to be uninsured, according to the Insurance Research Council, a nonprofit group financed by the insurance industry. To calculate that figure, the council reviewed accident claims processed by insurers covering half of the nation’s drivers.

All but two states require motorists to carry liability insurance — New Hampshire and Wisconsin are the exceptions — and over recent years, the percentage of drivers without it had fallen steadily, reaching a modern low of 13.8 percent just two years ago, the research council said.

But last year — the first full year of the economic recession that started in December 2007 — the rate spiked to 14.6 percent. It is forecast to reach 16.1 percent by the end of this year, which would work out to more than 33 million licensed drivers across the country without coverage, based on figures compiled by the Federal Highway Administration.

“As a police officer, we see it all the time,” said Steve Ellis, a sheriff’s deputy and driving instructor in King County, Wash. “It’s gambling with your money, and it’s gambling with other people’s lives.”

Big gamble for small return
The phenomenon is directly attributable to the sour economy, said Elizabeth A. Sprinkel, senior vice president of the research council.

The report found that an increase in the unemployment rate of 1 percentage point was directly associated with an increase in the uninsured motorist rate of more than three-quarters of a percentage point. Sprinkel called that finding “an unfortunate consequence of the economic downturn (that) illustrates how virtually everyone is affected by recent economic developments.”

10 ways to save on insurance Shop around and compare rates regularly If you don’t compare rates every once in a while, you’ll never know if you could be paying less. Increase your deductible The higher your deductible, the lower your premium. Insure your home and your car with the same carrier According to the Insurance Information Institute, a multi-line policy can save you up to 15 percent on both premiums. Pay your policy in a lump sum Extra administrative fees are often applied to payments when you split your premium into installments (e.g. monthly, quarterly, etc.). Take advantage of good driver discounts If you haven’t had any accidents or tickets in the last three to five years, you’re probably eligible. Don’t overpay just because your record isn’t perfect Many companies specialize in insuring different types of drivers. If you shop around, you might be surprised at what you find. Look for a safe vehicle car insurance discount Many car insurers offer discounts for various safety features on your vehicle, including air bags, alarms, factory-installed mechanical seatbelts and antilock brakes. Pay less when you drive less Many car insurance companies will offer discounts on vehicles that incur low annual mileage. Take advantage of good student or senior discounts Many companies feel conscientious students and experienced senior citizens make conscientious drivers. Don’t pay for coverage you don’t need If you don’t keep a close eye on the details of your car insurance policy, you could end up paying for things you don’t need. For example, you may be a member of a car club that provides roadside assistance yet also pay for towing on your car insurance policy. SOURCE: InsuranceQuotes.com

Tommy Manzullo, an agent with A Ace Insurance Agency in Baton Rouge, La., said that when he calls clients to remind them to pay their premiums, he usually gets the same response: They can’t afford even the minimum liability coverage required under state law. Food and rent are more immediate concerns.

But no matter how tight finances get, dropping your auto insurance is one of the worst steps you can take, law enforcement officials and insurance industry representatives say.

The average auto insurance policy cost $72.25 a month in 2007, the last year for which full figures are available, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners said. But dropping it can cost considerably more.

“Uninsured motorists face legal fees, fines (and)penalties, including a suspended license,” said Elaine Zeinner, a spokeswoman for AAA.

That’s not to mention tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in hospital and repair bills if you’re in an accident. And in states without “no-fault” insurance laws, you could also be on the hook for the bills of other drivers or passengers, who could sue and, if successful, tap your bank accounts and garnishee your wages.

“You could lose your house because someone is going to be suing you for medical bills and damage to the vehicle,” said Travis Bennett, an agent with AIC Insurance in Redmond, Ore.

‘In the long run, it’s going to hurt’
It can also be a bad idea to cut back on the coverage you have, agents and regulators said.

“Going underinsured is a financial nightmare,” said Bob Davis, an agent with State Farm Insurance in Evansville, Ind., who said he had been busy in recent months changing customers’ policies.

“They’re lowering liability charges and actually getting rid of comprehensive coverage,” Davis said. “Yes, they are saving $13 to $14 a month, but what they find in the long run (is) it’s going to hurt.”

Even with the legal minimum policy in most states, paying for repairs out of pocket is out of reach for most drivers, said Brian Hazelrigg, an agent with State Farm Insurance in Columbia, Mo.

An msnbc.com-NBC News special report Alex Johnson is a reporter for msnbc.com. The following NBC stations contributed to this report: KALB of Alexandria, La.; KARK of Litle Rock, Ark.; KING of Seattle; KOMU of Columbia, Mo.; KSHB of Kansas City, Mo.; KSL of Salt Lake City, Utah; KTVZ of Bend, Ore.; WAFF of Huntsville, Ala.; and WFIE of Evansville, Ind.

“I would make sure they understand what happens if we drive out of this parking lot and have an accident,” Hazelrigg said. “What are they sacrificing from losing that coverage?”

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, which represents insurance regulators in all 50 states, said most Americans were woefully uninformed about what was covered by their auto policies.

A quarter of Americans rarely or never review their policies, the association reported in a survey, while three-fifths review their coverage only when they file a claim or renew their policies. As a result, tens of millions of Americans are driving around with policies that don’t reflect major changes in their incomes and family situations, it said.

The survey, which questioned 1,000 U.S. adults in December, reported a margin of sampling error of 3.1 percent.

“Now, more than ever, consumers need to be mindful of the impact their insurance decisions can have on their financial future,” said Terri Vaughan, chief executive of the association.

More from msnbc.com Easing job losses point to wobbly recovery Cars are approaching ‘auto’ pilot mode Were you paying attention? Take our news quiz  Facebook’s fantasy games cost more than time How readers got pieces of Berlin Wall | Gallery  Not supposed to worry about troops at home On Twitter: Breaking news updates | Weird and wild

MORE FROM LIFE

Life Section Front

Philly transit system running as strike ends Late-season hurricane takes aim at U.S. Utah girl’s pierced nose brings suspension Jobless: 10 percent is tougher than it used to be Cavern could collapse, taking part of city Gay marriage opponents win with kid card Life Section Front   Add Life headlines to your news reader: