Slammed - Helps Fuel Surge in Tight uninsured drivers

 

Thursday, Mar 26,2009, 2:19:49 PM   Click:

Commercial Appeal, The
Published: Tuesday 24 March 2009
Maybe that's a minor fender bender caused by a backup on a parking space. Or perhaps, as in the case of Kenneth Berryhill, a suspect fleeing the slap in your car at 100 mph.

But if an accident is large or small, that the chances are increasing at least one of the drivers involved will be uninsured.

A recent study by the Insurance Research Council estimates that in 2007 some 20 percent of drivers Tennessee and 28 percent of drivers were uninsured Mississippi - classification of the Mid-South states sixth and second at the national level, the 'Arkansas, with an estimated 15 percent of uninsured motorists, scored 15.

"We hope it will increase this year," said David Corum, Vice President of IRC, near Philadelphia. "And as the unemployment rate to rise, you should expect more drivers to take that risk. "

Nationally, the estimated percentage of uninsured drivers in 2007 to 13.8 per cent is expected to reach 16.1 per cent in 2010.

Only New Hampshire and Wisconsin do not have compulsory automobile insurance, liability law, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Many states, including Tennessee, have no mechanism in place to check regularly licensed drivers for liability insurance.

"Because of the economy, there is a huge surge of money and people are scrimping on the cover -" I must keep the house if I lose the car so be it, "said said Collierville Any State official Rod Lovelace.

The economy, while playing a substantial role in the trend, this is not the only reason why people without automobile insurance.

"We do not know why people are uninsured," said Corum. "They prefer to go on vacation or whatever. For various reasons ".

Historically, and increasingly, the suspension or revocation of a license is a factor. Therefore, is in an accident while uninsured or being stopped by law enforcement and not be able to present proof of financial responsibility. "

Since 2002, the Tennessee law required drivers to show proof of liability insurance or other financial responsibility, if they were arrested for an offense in motion. Do not do that is a crime that could include a fine of $ 100.

Department of Safety statistics show an increasing proportion of drivers who do not have the financial responsibility and did not pay to have their license reinstated after suspension or revocation.

In 2002, approximately 19 percent have not received their license reinstated. In 2005, the figure rose to over 36 percent. And in 2007 it exceeded 52 per cent.

Berryhill, 46, was struck by an uninsured driver, who was prosecuted by the Shelby County, sheriff's deputies.

Sheriff's Department Steve Shular said the spokesman of the two members who have driver were suspended without pay for 10 days after being in arrears in obedience to a superior order to abandon the hunt.

Shular said deputies stopped at the line of Fayette County. A Somerville police report said the driver of the Dodge truck was going 110 mph in 2000. A little later, the truck has a stop sign at U.S. 64 and West Street, striking Berryhill.

Tennessee does not require proof of insurance to obtain a driver's license or tags. However, if an accident in which property damage exceeds $ 400, or injury or death is involved, all drivers must within 20 days following the date of the accident, submit a report of accident to the state Department of Safety.

Berryhill, an electrician, who lost his old job, and recently accepted a poorly paid one, received $ 4,000 from his insurance company of its total of 1999 Grand Prix.

Although he has uninsured motorist coverage, it is still trying to dig from medical bills, and the other driver did not pay the court ordered $ 10,000 restitution.

"I have not seen a penny," said Berryhill.

Meanwhile, even motorists who choose to insure their vehicles are prepared to cover.

"We have people who ask to see what we can do to save money," said Ginna Walker, an agent for State Farm in Arlington. "Sometimes they will drop their collision and comprehensive, if c 'is an old car, and take that risk. "

-Don Wade: 529-2358

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Regional and national drivers uninsured rates for 2007

Arkansas: 15 percent

Tennessee: 20 percent

Mississippi: 28 percent

At the national level: 13.8 per cent, is expected to increase to 16.1 percent in 2010

Source: Insurance Research

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Originally published by Don Wade / dwade@commercialappeal.com.

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