U.S. Drivers Dropping Auto Insurance Coverage at Alarming Rate

Despite the high rate of dropped auto insurance coverage, most Americans are finding a better way to respond to worsening economic conditions. SaveTodayAutoInsurance.com reports increased usage as drivers seek lower auto insurance rates as a safer alternative to canceling their policies in response to the economic downturn

Lexington, Kentucky (PRWEB) June 26, 2009 -- Thinking about dropping your auto insurance coverage (http://www.savetodayautoinsurance.com/online1) as a means to cut expenses in these recessionary times? Let's face it, such actions are risky.

When asked if they were to drop their car insurance coverage due to economic conditions, 15% of respondents of a 2009 comScore survey¹ indicated that they didn't think their insurance company would increase their rates when later reinstating their policy. And 72% of the respondents were not sure. Though most were not likely to go without auto insurance coverage due to the economy, few consumers understand the consequences.

During Recessionary Times Don't Drop Car Insurance Coverage

This year the Insurance Research Council reported that one in six drivers in the U.S. may be driving uninsured by 2010 due to a continuing economic downturn. "It just isn't worth the risk" says Jim Musselwhite, a founder of http://SaveTodayAutoInsurance.com/online1. "There are 3 compelling reasons to avoid the temptation of skipping your auto insurance coverage", says Musselwhite.

1. Driving without car insurance is a crime

2. Your auto insurance rates will increase when you reinstate your policy

3. You very well may incur stiff penalties

Yes, it is a crime in all states to drive without car insurance coverage. No driver can be certain that he will avoid an accident. You might think you can get away without it, but you can't be sure. On top of that, your odds of being in an accident with an uninsured driver are substantial.

Remember, most states have laws requiring you to show proof of insurance. Many states make it a practice to stop drivers unexpectedly just to inspect if the driver has proof of car insurance. And if you cannot furnish proof of auto insurance coverage, you will be required to mail in proof of insurance showing you were covered on the day you were inspected.

If you think car insurance coverage is expensive now, just try getting it after being caught without insurance. You'll be in a new high risk category, and you'll be expected to pay a lot even though you're not a bad driver.

For those who choose to drive without insurance, they could lose any assets they own if they hit someone and get taken to court. Letting your coverage lapse can result in having to pay an initial 25% to 50% surcharge for a new policy. Because they consider such drivers irresponsible, Insurance companies charge more upon policy reinstatement.

Penalties for failing to maintain car insurance can range from a fine, to a suspended license, to jail time. If you get caught, your car or license plates could be impounded until you can pay the fine. Then, you have to pay another fee to reinstate your registration.

Don't Drop your Policy - Get Competitive Auto Insurance Quotes Online Quickly and Easily

Another recent study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) found that nine percent of drivers reported dropping auto insurance coverage in response to the economic downturn. Yet twenty-eight percent of the respondents reported shopping for lower rates in lieu of dropping their coverage. Adds Musselwhite, "Most Americans are responsible, and resist the temptation to drop auto insurance coverage in tough economic times. These drivers are willing to shop for alternatives auto insurance providers as a means to reduce insurance costs".

One website is finding a huge increase in shoppers as a result of the recession. The service offered by SaveTodayAutoInsurance.com (http://www.savetodayautoinsurance.com/online1/) is fast, free and easy to use. Shoppers can obtain auto insurance quotes from well-known and respected insurance providers including Allstate, State Farm, and Nationwide to name just a few. After entering just their basic insurance requirements, shoppers finding new policies through their service can ultimately save as much as $500 or more on their annual policy.

Don't skip on auto insurance. It's just not worth the risk. Instead, get the most competitive rate possible by using an online quote service like that of SaveTodayAutoInsurance.com (http://www.savetodayautoinsurance.com/online1) to stay insured or save the most.

¹ comScore 2009 Auto Insurance Report

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