I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve always been a bit skeptical about stacking on every possible coverage. I mean, the odds of actually needing uninsured motorist seem low—at least where I live. Most people I know have insurance, and I’ve never had a hit-and-run (knock on wood). The premiums add up fast, especially with a family car and all the other stuff we pay for. Sometimes it feels like insurance companies just play on our fears... but yeah, stories like your neighbor’s do make me second-guess things.
I totally get the hesitation—insurance can feel like a money pit sometimes. But I’ve seen some weird stuff over the years. Had a client who swore everyone in their town was insured, then got sideswiped in a grocery store lot by someone who just took off. No note, nothing. The uninsured motorist coverage basically saved them from a huge repair bill. Odds might seem low, but when it happens, it’s a lifesaver. Still, I get wanting to trim costs where you can... it’s a tough balance.
Honestly, I hear stories like that and I get it, but I still wonder if the odds really justify the extra cost. I’ve had insurance for decades and never once needed uninsured motorist coverage. Maybe I’ve just been lucky, but sometimes it feels like you’re just paying for every possible “what if” scenario. Not saying it’s useless—just not sure it’s as critical as some folks make it out to be. Guess it depends on your risk tolerance and where you live, too.
I get what you’re saying about feeling like you’re just paying for every “what if.” I’ve had plenty of clients over the years who felt the same way. Funny thing is, most of them never thought twice about it—until something actually happened.
A few years back, a friend of mine got sideswiped in a parking lot. No note, no cameras, nothing. He figured his regular coverage would handle it, but nope… that’s where uninsured motorist came in. He’d always grumbled about that line item on his bill, but after that incident, he was suddenly a believer.
You mentioned,
That’s spot on. In some areas, the number of uninsured drivers is way higher than people realize. If you’re somewhere with low rates and you’re comfortable rolling the dice, maybe it’s not as urgent. For others, it’s peace of mind. I don’t think there’s a one-size-fits-all answer, but I’ve seen enough “never thought it’d happen to me” stories to stay cautious myself.“Guess it depends on your risk tolerance and where you live, too.”
I’ve been digging into all this as a first-timer, and honestly, uninsured motorist coverage was one of those things I almost skipped. It felt like paying for a problem that probably wouldn’t happen… until you read stories like these. I mean, it’s wild how many folks drive around without insurance—my state’s numbers surprised me when I looked them up (and not in a good way).
The “what if” part bugs me too, but the more I think about it, the more it feels like locking your front door. Most nights, nothing happens. But the one time it does, you’re really glad you bothered. I guess I’d rather grumble about an extra $10 a month than get stuck with a bill I can’t handle if someone else messes up.
I do think there’s something to be said for knowing your area. My cousin lives in a tiny town where everyone knows each other, and she swears nobody would ever just drive off after an accident. Where I am, though? People don’t even leave notes when they ding your bumper at the grocery store.
It’s probably not as dramatic as some other coverages—I’m not losing sleep over it—but it’s one of those “better safe than sorry” deals for me. If nothing else, it keeps the anxiety at bay when some mystery driver vanishes into the sunset with your side mirror.
