Policy Verifying Uninsured Drivers Takes Effect, Proving Many Texans Don't Have Liability Insurance
I recently posted a page on my website about Texas’ new policy of installing computer systems in police cruisers which are capable of verifying, with the click of a mouse, whether or not a driver is insured. I think this is a really important topic for people to know about. The new policy took effect about two months ago on a temporary basis in Travis County. With the new program, police can check at the scene an insurance database to see if drivers have the required auto liability coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage. If a driver is found without insurance, he or she will be ticketed, and if it happened more than once, his or her license may be revoked.
Well, the trial run is almost over now and the policy will eventually be used state-wide, but the trial period grossed some really scary numbers. One in four drivers are uninsured in Travis County—and that the number may be higher in other parts of the state. Even though it may not be surprising, to me that is a wildly alarming statistic. I hear too often cases made by those who were in a wreck with an uninsured driver. What a bind someone is in when they’ve been hurt, they have medical bills and property damage and the responsible party does not carry insurance. Being in a wreck is burden enough. Get insured people—it is the law! Because so many people are uninsured, I think it is a great idea to carry uninsured motorists coverage on your own car. I encourage all of my clients to do so.
