As a driver, it is critical for you to have motor insurance. You must also be aware of the limits and extent of your cover. The insurance companies have requirements associated with each insurance policy.
The requirements stipulated in the policies are intended to protect innocent motorists and passengers from bearing the financial burden of being involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.
Many car owners who are uninsured prefer to stay that way due to various reasons. Some of which are that they simply cannot afford to pay the high premiums; they feel that the risk they are exposed to when driving is relatively minimal. However, this is not the case and the said drivers pose a dire threat to the safety of others on the roads.
What Can You Do When You Encounter Uninsured Drivers?
The Best Defense Is An Offense
It is illegal in Kenya to operate a motor vehicle without insurance, but some drivers shall still choose to disobey the law. Cases that involve an uninsured motorist will be difficult to claim. As a driver, it is important for you to take the following precautions:
Make sure you know the law: Try and ensure that you are not on the wrong side of the law during the accident. This also means that you must understand the stipulations of the law regarding all accidents and understand what your policy will cover during an accident. This is so you can also be able to get reimbursed during an accident, regardless of whose fault it was.
Ensure your policy liability coverage is enough: Create time to talk to your insurance provider on the specifics of your plan and ascertain that it meets all the requirements of the law. Inquire from your insurance provider if they are able to provide additional packages that offer coverage against motorists without insurance.
Practice driving defensively: Probably the safest precaution, learn to remain alert and observant on the road. In the event that you do notice an unsafe or erratic motorist, shift to a different lane or slow down. Avoid distractions like texting, eating, making phone calls or drinking.
How to React When You Get Into An Accident
In the event that you get into an accident with an uninsured motorist, stay calm and be sure to take the following actions:
Record everything: When involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, make sure you obtain their contact details, take down the model of the car, the make, and the vehicle’s license plate number.
Document the accident: As soon as you can, take pictures of the accident scene and other party’s car with your phone, or a camera. Be sure to take the pictures before the cars are moved from the scene. This will help you establish the scenario clearly.
Get a witness: Write down the names of a witness who saw the incident occur and get their contact information. This helps establish which party is at fault during the accident.
Call the police: Inform the police so as to obtain a police report to present to the insurance provider.
Inform your insurance service provider: Notify your insurance policy provider of the accident and ensure you speak with an agent informing them about the situation.
If you do all this, you better your chances at ensuring that you do not get blamed for the accident, you are able to establish the cause of the accident and you can get the settlement from your insurance provider.
To be on the safe side, just make sure that you invest in a good insurance policy and you engage a reliable insurance company. On the other hand, insurance is not a luxury but a necessity.
While it seems practical in theory, the reality of getting into an accident with an uninsured driver shall not be so straightforward. So make sure you are careful and drive safely. All the best!
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