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Should your state crack down on uninsured motorists?

GasBuddy Blog -- Some states take this problem very seriously. In Florida, regretfully, it's a joke. But just a few months ago police in South Florida (where at least 1 in 4 motorists is uninsured) decided to crack down.

In Broward County, the Sun-Sentinel reported that hundreds of South Florida law enforcement officers were part of a one-day crackdown on uninsured motorists a few weeks ago.

Nearly 25 percent of all drivers in Florida don't have insurance, according to the nonprofit Insurance Research Council. That's about one in every four drivers, putting Florida in the top five of states with uninsured drivers. Uninsured drivers is one reason Floridians pay $1,476 a year, on average, for automobile insurance, according to estimates by...

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Submitted Dec 10, 2012 By: PD

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garywa01 Sophomore Author Alberta Posts:130 Points:401,215 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Dec 16, 2012 8:53:43 AM Ignore garywa01 Report Abuse get em off the road.
RicanChief Rookie Author Virginia Beach Posts:18 Points:1,390 Joined:Dec 2012	Message Posted: Dec 15, 2012 11:49:16 AM Ignore RicanChief Report Abuse OK, not sure what to say about this. I dont think we have that problem here in VA.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,828 Points:1,637,220 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Dec 14, 2012 5:57:18 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse time to crack the ol' whip.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,828 Points:1,637,220 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Dec 14, 2012 5:56:47 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse friend of mine was t-boned many years ago. He's a quadruplegic. Uninsured motorist. He's left with literally several million dollars in medical bills that no one wants to pay.
mgbirish Rookie Author Fort Wayne Posts:2 Points:73,240 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Dec 13, 2012 11:18:33 PM Ignore mgbirish Report Abuse my bad, I thought it read "does" instead of 'Should'
mgbirish Rookie Author Fort Wayne Posts:2 Points:73,240 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Dec 13, 2012 11:16:00 PM Ignore mgbirish Report Abuse only if it is A union member Democrat! LOL
epjensen Rookie Author Iowa Posts:4 Points:27,655 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Dec 13, 2012 7:08:14 PM Ignore epjensen Report Abuse Sure, they cracked down on the uninsured health care.
carloco75 Champion Author Richmond Posts:3,852 Points:627,780 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: Dec 12, 2012 11:12:34 PM Ignore carloco75 Report Abuse Nahhh...why do the right thing...
Oilman9117 Rookie Author New Orleans Posts:7 Points:6,325 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Dec 12, 2012 12:57:50 PM Ignore Oilman9117 Report Abuse Without a doubt. But the insurance card is not proof enough as too many people pay the first installment to get the card and then don't pay again and the police are none the wiser. And elhefe2003 in Louisiana it is the 1 year statute of limitations on the injuries that make our rates so high. The attnys are getting all the money you pay to the insurance company. I came here from New Hampshire and for the same coverages and vehicle I went from 625 a year to almost 1700.
bston Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:1,955 Points:669,990 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 11:42:18 PM Ignore bston Report Abuse Tough to enforce overall, but if taken care of in a swift & timely manner, eventually people will realize there will be consequences for not obeying the law.
elhefe2003 Sophomore Author New Orleans Posts:136 Points:27,580 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 8:32:05 PM Ignore elhefe2003 Report Abuse Yes. Yes. and Yes. This problem causes the paying insurance customer higher insurance prices. It is really bad down here in Louisiana...
peridotgal Rookie Author New York Posts:8 Points:8,215 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 7:39:14 PM Ignore peridotgal Report Abuse Absolutely! In addition, the people who are driving around without insurance should have to surrender their vehicles to the authorities. You have to hit them hard in the wallet to get the message through to these individuals. These individuals are showing a lack of respect for the laws and other citizens who abide by the laws.
mnrick041 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:14,477 Points:1,396,760 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 5:26:09 PM Ignore mnrick041 Report Abuse If caught without insurance in MN you get towed and your car gets impounded. Your license also gets revoked. With all that people still drive without and I do not know what possesses them to do so. I got rear ended at a light a few months ago, the other driver had no insurance and it caused over $15,000 in bills to my insurance company for a accident that was the other person's fault. Your insurance is there to protect YOU. It will pay to fix or replace your car and also cover you from liability. If you are driving without it then you are just a plain idiot.
CheckitoutGuy Champion Author San Diego Posts:1,311 Points:772,890 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 4:15:50 PM Ignore CheckitoutGuy Report Abuse Tough but yes
1cbjfan Rookie Author Ohio Posts:4 Points:306,055 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:56:40 PM Ignore 1cbjfan Report Abuse Yes, police should have access to all available resources to uphold the law. Here in Ohio, we only have to sign a form at the time of registration renewal stating we have insurance. We don't have to show proof at that time, however the state sends letters to random drivers requesting proof of insurance be sent to them. My wife just had to do this last month. This is good because you never know when and if you'll be selected.
bigrigAZ Champion Author Phoenix Posts:1,818 Points:1,069,860 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:54:31 PM Ignore bigrigAZ Report Abuse Yes!!! There are a lot of cars here from out of state with Expired license places which also indicates no insurance. An accident I was rear ended sitting in constuction area -stand still with 3 lanes of stopped traffic On my motocycle when a car plowed into my rear, threw me off, into the center lane. Right shoulder damaged, spine lower back compressed disc., and right quad muscle damaged. (hurts to this day). Driver had no license (suspended), no insurance, suspected drugs. End result - appeared in court before the highway Patrol could be there and case was dismissed. I had un and under insured motorist coverage and my insurance covered the cost. First thing I did was get a motorcycle lawyer. Case ended up with my medical bills paid, $10,000 to cover Honda Goldwing and helmet loss, included in the $33.000 was the lawyers fee, the motorcycle replacement, and medical coverage. Cost my insurance co $33.000 and he walked. Should every one have insurance (D*m right)and if they don't call a taxi,impound the car for 6 months and a heavy fine, if not done this way jail time.
Ebaz Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:3,340 Points:737,965 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:49:29 PM Ignore Ebaz Report Abuse Unfortunately, people can't drive.
bridgerunner Champion Author Virginia Posts:4,927 Points:1,034,535 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:49:07 PM Ignore bridgerunner Report Abuse It is not against the law if they never have an accident and get caught.
bearzz Champion Author California Posts:1,573 Points:446,320 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:48:39 PM Ignore bearzz Report Abuse Repeat . . . as far as I'm concerned, driving is a privilege . . . no insurance, no driver's license or car registration, however it works out for protection. In CA, it is the law that one be insured, yet I still have to carry and pay for uninsured motorist coverage to protect myself.
pecos Champion Author Columbus Posts:7,804 Points:2,132,015 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:48:36 PM Ignore pecos Report Abuse As long as the EPA stays out of it...
ItisAJeepThing Champion Author Tucson Posts:20,030 Points:2,179,280 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:48:25 PM Ignore ItisAJeepThing Report Abuse YES!!! Someday traffic on freeways will be on autopilot with speed, spacing and direction controlled by sensors in the vehicle being linked to sensors embedded in the roadway. Until then we will have distracted drivers and more accidents every year. Highway fatalities are, however, dropping due to built-in safety systems.
CORKYWC All-Star Author Chicago Posts:575 Points:2,138,850 Joined:Apr 2004	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:46:07 PM Ignore CORKYWC Report Abuse not surprising
Tiernan2012 Champion Author Sacramento Posts:1,234 Points:203,960 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:45:55 PM Ignore Tiernan2012 Report Abuse Yes, if it's the law, enforce it!
kelly1016 Champion Author Victoria Posts:1,953 Points:353,065 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:44:17 PM Ignore kelly1016 Report Abuse many uninsured drivers have few assets to go after in the event of an accident leaving victims on the hook
WTLITNG Champion Author Virginia Posts:1,977 Points:1,042,365 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:43:10 PM Ignore WTLITNG Report Abuse Here in VA the owner simply checks a box on the registration that they have insurance. It's like telling someone you can cure cancer.
jwalkerh Champion Author Louisiana Posts:6,197 Points:1,377,430 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:42:10 PM Ignore jwalkerh Report Abuse It's the law, enforce it...
moesmith Rookie Author Topeka Posts:44 Points:626,960 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:41:09 PM Ignore moesmith Report Abuse Good about time they do something !!!!
Bubba44612 Champion Author Ohio Posts:7,531 Points:1,904,385 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:40:55 PM Ignore Bubba44612 Report Abuse Yes.
badharley Champion Author Tampa Posts:1,154 Points:766,915 Joined:Jul 2010	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:39:17 PM Ignore badharley Report Abuse Put a lock on there vehicle if they don't have insurance.
ftsgt Champion Author Illinois Posts:13,174 Points:2,508,320 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:37:58 PM Ignore ftsgt Report Abuse Its just part of the I dont care attitude from people...Definately should be more enforcement of this
MG_Sputnik Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:7,439 Points:1,987,820 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:36:52 PM Ignore MG_Sputnik Report Abuse Absolutely. And everywhere too.
Stos1946 Rookie Author Atlanta Posts:60 Points:327,080 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:32:16 PM Ignore Stos1946 Report Abuse This is just another example of a law passed but not enforced. Law enforcement officers definitely should have access to auto insurance records.
WGW1 Champion Author British Columbia Posts:1,382 Points:416,940 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:31:46 PM Ignore WGW1 Report Abuse wow almost unthinkable not to have insurance. I guess it's "if you have nothing to lose mentality".
barodacop Rookie Author Michigan Posts:69 Points:327,220 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:31:07 PM Ignore barodacop Report Abuse Uninsured motorists cost Michigan millions of dollars ever year. But the problem is that many people get an insurance binder good for 30 days so they can get their plates immediately. After the 30 days are up, no one monitors whether someone has valid insurance unless they come in contact with the police. In Michigan, failure to have insurance is a one year misdemeanor and requires a warrant to arrest. Michigan should change the law to make it a 90 day misdemeanor violation should the police can write the ticket immediately.
Discovery02 Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:2,825 Points:338,365 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:29:14 PM Ignore Discovery02 Report Abuse YES!
fulldawg Champion Author Georgia Posts:7,113 Points:951,210 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:28:58 PM Ignore fulldawg Report Abuse I agree with Isea11
luvmyburgi Champion Author Ohio Posts:5,972 Points:987,920 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:28:48 PM Ignore luvmyburgi Report Abuse Absolutely
Isea11 Champion Author New York Posts:1,154 Points:413,905 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:27:13 PM Ignore Isea11 Report Abuse All states should have direct access to a data base that informs the Police Officer if someone has auto insurance.
CSF Sophomore Author Cincinnati Posts:171 Points:120,725 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:27:10 PM Ignore CSF Report Abuse Hang 'em high!! ;-)
jnseyeongas All-Star Author Milwaukee Posts:846 Points:616,005 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:25:52 PM Ignore jnseyeongas Report Abuse No insurance - - - - take the car
LarksNY Champion Author Albany Posts:1,469 Points:657,465 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:25:49 PM Ignore LarksNY Report Abuse In NY cancellation of auto insurance triggers license suspension process. More could be done tho.
f4driver Champion Author Maine Posts:2,633 Points:699,405 Joined:Aug 2007	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:25:48 PM Ignore f4driver Report Abuse I used to live in south Florida, Broward County. Had a 2002, 35th anniversary edition Pontiac Trans Am. Paid $1568.oo yearly ins premiums. Moved to Maine. Bought a GMC Sierra excab, 1500. Pay $555.oo yearly for double coverages and no deductible. Something to be said for the rural lifestyle.
KarateDude Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:2,491 Points:851,815 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:22:55 PM Ignore KarateDude Report Abuse In Ohio they require proof of insurance when you are pulled over...
jaccks Champion Author Kansas Posts:1,810 Points:2,181,070 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:21:28 PM Ignore jaccks Report Abuse In Kansas you have to show proof with up to date ins card when you buy tags
BigKart All-Star Author Indianapolis Posts:841 Points:249,205 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:17:31 PM Ignore BigKart Report Abuse Indiana requires that you identify an ins company when getting plates, but to my knowledge, does not verify what you tell them.
yelobus Champion Author Houston Posts:5,743 Points:1,584,540 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:16:59 PM Ignore yelobus Report Abuse Long answer: Yes.
rodzilla123 Champion Author San Diego Posts:4,538 Points:1,062,005 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:16:57 PM Ignore rodzilla123 Report Abuse Not as bad as it used to be here in California, But the Problem still exists and it costs the rest of US every Year!!!
CAD69 Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:3,346 Points:873,940 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:16:10 PM Ignore CAD69 Report Abuse Yes, you should need proof when you want to get your tags!
AnObserver Champion Author New Jersey Posts:8,494 Points:2,285,480 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:14:17 PM Ignore AnObserver Report Abuse Yep - uninsured motorists raise the price for everyone
boldrph Champion Author Topeka Posts:18,533 Points:3,478,590 Joined:Oct 2002	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:10:30 PM Ignore boldrph Report Abuse confiscate the vehicle and revoke the drivers license