June is National Insurance Awareness month in Tennessee, and across the nation. The origin of this important holiday is unknown, but many insurance agents opine that it was developed to encourage motorists to update their policies ahead of the July 4th holiday, when traffic accidents and injuries traditionally spike by more than 95 percent.
Most people do not update their insurance policies unless they purchase or change vehicles. But insurance agents recommend that motorists review their automobile insurance policy every year to make sure that they are in compliance with state laws – and that it still reflects their current needs.
Requirements for Tennesseans
Tennessee law states that if you are caught driving without insurance, you could face a minimum of $300 in fines – and recent legislations makes the offense a Class C misdemeanor. Your driver’s license and registration will be suspended, and your vehicle can be towed on the spot – these penalties are for first-time offenders.
In Tennessee, vehicle owners are required to have the following insurance coverages:
- Bodily liability insurance in the amount of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability in the amount of $15,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist in the amount of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Next Steps
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident and you believe that the other driver has no insurance or may be underinsured, please call the law offices of George R. Fusner Jr. immediately to schedule a free case evaluation.
While you are still at the scene of the accident, ask for information regarding the other driver’s insurance policy. Document everything with pictures and go immediately to the doctor for a medical evaluation. Keep a journal and make notes of your injuries and any pain or discomfort you may experience.
More crashes in the summertime
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Forbes and the Los Angeles Times, there are more car wrecks in the summer than in the winter months.
From July 4th to the end of August, drivers appear to lack focus and concentrate – data indicates that they are more distracted. The actions of these inattentive drivers lead to a significant increase in accidents.
Reports indicate that July 4th is the most dangerous holiday of the year – and the primary cause of catastrophic injury and death on Independence Day is vehicle accidents. The National Safety Council predicts that when the 4th of July falls on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, the number of car accidents doubles. This year Independence Day falls on a Wednesday, but NSC officials report that when the holiday falls in the middle of the week, celebrations begin the weekend prior.
Policy check
Insurance agents suggest reviewing your policies once every year, to provide the peace of mind that in case of a car crash over the holiday, you will be sure to have the coverage and protection that you need. A few common insurance policy changes consist of:
- Increase or decrease deductible
- Increasing coverage for non-insured motorist coverage
- Change of address that might lower insurance premium
- Additional discounts for safe driving, accident free, good grades
I personally recommend at least $100,000 in both liability and uninsured motorist coverage. Further $100,000 in med pay which can pay for your medical bills if you do not have health insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage covers you if the other driver has no insurance or just minimum limit’s. For more than 40 years, we have represented the interest of the injured. Our team has the skill and diverse experience to get you the justice and compensation that you deserve.
Call 651-251-0005 to schedule a free consultation.
Law Office of George R. Fusner Jr.
424 Church Street, Suite 2000
Nashville, TN 37219
800-427-8960
