Do I Really Need Car Insurance?
Car insurance is an expense so there is a temptation to skip it or to ask: do I really need car insurance? Truthfully, most people with a driver’s license should carry car insurance, even if you don’t own a vehicle. Carrying car insurance is the law in Washington State if you drive a vehicle.
But I Don’t Own a Car…Do I really Need Car Insurance?
If you are a licensed driver without a vehicle you should still strongly consider carrying car insurance for the following reasons:
- You could still need Liability. If you ever drive a friend’s car or decide to take a vacation and rent a car; you will need liability coverage.
- You could be a passenger in a car accident and need medical care. Some health insurance companies actually exclude coverage for medical care in the event of an accident. Even if your health plan does offer this coverage, car insurance could help to pay for your out of pocket expenses and physical therapy.
- When you lapse on car insurance you can pay a higher rate when you sign up again. Continuous coverage can save you money in the long run.
Tip: You can be added as a driver to a friend or family member’s car insurance policy while you don’t own a vehicle. You could also purchase a Named Non-Owner car insurance policy which is cheaper than a traditional car insurance policy because it does not cover physical damage to a vehicle. This type of insurance does cover liability.
I Lease a Car… Do I really Need Car Insurance?
If you are leasing a car, then you need car insurance. While you technically don’t own a leased vehicle, you are responsible for insuring the vehicle while it’s in your possession. You may actually be required to carry full coverage insurance if you lease a car; Gap insurance is also highly recommended.
I Can’t Afford it…Do I really Need Car Insurance?
While car insurance may seem expensive, you will save money and hassle in the long run. You will be stuck paying out of pocket if you are in a car accident or be labeled as a high risk driver and pay higher premiums later. Car insurance is required by Washington State law, so if you are pulled over without insurance you will be assessed a fine of at least $450. You can reduce coverage to bare minimums and shop around to find the best rates.
I Can’t Drive Right Now… Do I really Need Car Insurance?
If you are sick or disabled or your car is broken down for a period of time it could be tempting to cancel your car insurance but it is not recommended. If other people are driving your car you will definitely want to maintain coverage. If no one is driving your car you could try to get listed on someone else’s policy which will provide you with medical coverage in case of a car accident in someone else’s car. Maintaining coverage can help you avoid paying higher premiums later.
I’m Deployed in the Military…Do I really Need Car Insurance?
Active duty military personnel are not required to have car insurance while deployed overseas and will not be labeled a high risk driver upon their return. You will only need to carry car insurance for a family car at home, driven by a spouse for example.
Bare bones coverage is better than no coverage. Shop around to get the best policy for you circumstances.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
