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    • More Uninsured Drivers On The Road Save Email Print
    Motorists with insurance end up paying more
    Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com
    45 comments
    A | A | A

    More than 20 drivers a day in Omaha are caught and later convicted of driving without insurance. The numbers indicate chances are good you could be in an accident caused by someone unable to pay for damages or medical bills.

    A Christmas Eve crash left Larry Berray limping into the new year both physically and financially. “It's even worse when the guy doesn't even respond or call, let us know if he's got insurance, this can be taken care of. I'm paying for it all out of my insurance and out of my pocket."

    The police report says Steven Cox of Council Bluffs had no proof of insurance when allegedly driving drunk on South 84th Street near Interstate 80. Cox was also cited for running a red light and slamming into Larry's pickup.

    The final cost for body work, including replacing the airbags was about $7,000. Larry has uninsured motorist coverage, but that won't pay for everything.

    He's paying a $250 deductible and even more in uncovered medical bills. So he's hired an attorney to pursue the uninsured driver in civil court.

    "Go to court and you find people all the time in court who have no insurance at all,” says attorney John Wieland. “They get picked up for it, they have no insurance."

    Berray's case is not unusual. Ask body shop owner John Kinney. “We're getting to the point we're seeing it almost weekly of
    somebody hitting somebody and they either drove off or didn't have insurance."

    Berray says a drinking driver not carrying any proof of insurance can't feel his pain with just a slap on the wrist. "Yes, they need stiffer fines."

    Having no insurance rarely brings jail time. The city prosecutor's office tells Channel 6 News that the usual fine for driving without proof of insurance is $100, followed by an order to get coverage.

    If involved in a crash, uninsured drivers lose their license and are ordered to pay restitution. The uninsured driver in this case did not return our phone call.

    Some 7,500 people were caught driving in Omaha without insurance in 2007.

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    Posted by: Bill on Jan 18, 2008 at 08:28 AM
    I can sympathize with people who are working jobs that don't pay well, and feel that they have to decide between insurance and other bills, but only to a point. You know the law: insurance is mandatory. There are always ways to save a dollar or two, and over the course of a month it will add up to a reasonable premium. Trade in the new SUV for a used 4-door sedan. You save money on gas and get lower rates for having a vehicle with lower theft rates, repair costs, etc. If you have cable and pay channels at home, cancel it and start reading books and watching broadcast TV. If you are spending money eating out and going to movies and such, buy a game to play at home - it saves money and gives you family time. I've made sacrifices like this to get me through, and it has turned things around. With the exception of my mortgage, I will be debt-free this summer. Look for the money, and it will be there. I have only had 2 days without car insurance since I got my license in 1987.
    Posted by: B on Jan 16, 2008 at 02:26 PM
    So, yeah, are you going to call the cops and have your sister busted next time she's driving? I would, relative or not...Think about it - you could be saving at least one life.
    Posted by: Jon on Jan 15, 2008 at 11:02 PM
    It would be nice if there were a way to report uninsured motorists or unregistered cars and actually have something done about it. I filed an anonymous complaint through the OPD website about a neighbor who drives a car with no plates daily, and has for over six months. I would bet my life savings the 'owner' has no insurance either. It's a nice car, can't understand why they could afford the car but not register it. Submitted make, model, and color of car along with the address to the police website. Two months later nothing's changed. Karma, or rather 'car-ma', will catch up with them someday though. They'll regret their poor decision. Just wish the police were better equipped to take advantage of tips like mine handed to them on a silver platter.
    Posted by: Jim on Jan 15, 2008 at 06:07 PM
    contact your state senator right away!!!!!!!!!!! Jim
    Posted by: yeah on Jan 15, 2008 at 04:09 PM
    I got a sister who doesn't have a liscense, doesn't have insurance, has two warrants for unpaid speeding tickets and she's still roaming around the safe Nebraska roads. She needs to be locked up, cause you're right. DRIVING IS A PRIVLEDGE!!
    Posted by: Cathy on Jan 15, 2008 at 02:36 PM
    Unfortunately, the honest people have to pay. I've been hit more than once by an uninsured person. I know of 2 people who have lost their license and still drive. They definitely need stiffer laws!
    Posted by: Amy on Jan 15, 2008 at 02:21 PM
    I know as a single parent I am gouged by insurance companies and a couple of times my insurance has lapsed because I have more important things I have to pay for - such as rent, food, daycare, car payments and ridiculous utilities. When I get a quote for $200 a month and a $400 down payment - there have been times where I simply HAVE to go without insurance and pray for the best. Not everyone driving without insurance is a dead beat or in the country illegally or just saving a buck. Some of us simply CAN NOT afford to LIVE and pay the insanly high premiums for these companies.
    Posted by: ML on Jan 15, 2008 at 02:09 PM
    Valid plates? I see 3-4 expired plates a DAY, but mostly on NEWER vehicles. I was sideswiped by a car a few years ago, and the driver was not the owner and didn't speak English. Turns out the owner had just renewed the plates, so he had insurance the day of the accident. Just my good fortune, otherwise I'd be out $$$$. Thank goodness no one was hurt.
    Posted by: Dawn on Jan 15, 2008 at 02:05 PM
    I was hit by a driver with no insurance and no registration. After receiving a ticket for running the light, this man was allowed to drive away! A $100 fine is no deterrent. When the penalty is cheaper than the insurance, it's no wonder people are willing to chance it. Any uninsured vehicle needs to be impounded immediately and jail time should be mandatory.
    Posted by: a different Rich on Jan 15, 2008 at 01:50 PM
    To the CB Rich: Don't blame auto insurance companies. Good drivers can shop around for the lowest rates, so they aren't making that much money. Mutual got out of this business a few years ago. You also can't underwrite the uninsured, so everyone ends up paying when there is a large uninsured or underinsured injury claim. More enforcement and tougher penalties are needed to get more people to purchase insurance so everyone is actually paying their fair share.
    Posted by: w on Jan 15, 2008 at 01:48 PM
    I agree with most of the comments but also believe that the uninsured should be sued in court to pay for damages from an accident and if they can't pay the court awarded settlement they should go to jail to learn a lesson.
    Posted by: RM on Jan 15, 2008 at 01:11 PM
    I dont know what the penalty for driving without insurance but maybeit isn't enough. Take the license away for a year,the state doesn't have to give you a license that is a privilage, not guaranteed right.If they drive without a valid license lock them up for 6 months or longer. Impound the vehicle the are driving even if it not theres.
    Posted by: ErinLindsey on Jan 15, 2008 at 12:58 PM
    In 1999, I had an accident when an uninsured motorist turned left in front of me on 114th just north of Dodge. She actually tried to flee the scene. I ended up with a back injury that is worse now than it was. I had uninsured motorist insurance, which paid medical bills. But didnt help me fix my car, or buy me a new one. The girl lied to the cops about being insured. I turned her in to the officer who responded to my accident. As far as I know, she probably got a ticket, and probably got sued by my insurance company. I really hope she had some jail time, but I doubt it. Hopefully she had some financial repercussions, and hopefully she doesnt drive anymore. My back injury never seemed to heal and is worse now. I wake up in pain every day. I really hope the other driver hurt herself in the accident too, and that she's in more pain than I am. (yes, I'm a bit vindictive)
    Posted by: D on Jan 15, 2008 at 12:57 PM
    Neighbor has 4 kids and all 4 have been hit in South Omaha by drivers with no insurance. All accidents not the kids' fault. A few of the other drivers even gave them bogus insurance cards. None of those drivers were arrested even though they have prior offenses for the same thing. Needless to say, the neighbor's insurance (and kids insurance) went up. Go figure....
    Posted by: Jack on Jan 15, 2008 at 12:29 PM
    Ok I know there are people who drink and drive and don't have insurance and what not, but what about low income families who need that car to get to work. I know a few people who have had to decide bewteen car insurance and a light bill.. Maybe this state find come up with a program to help these certain people out. And reguards to the comment that was made about taking the bus, you have to remember not every business in omaha is located near a bus line. If this city would get with the times and get a mass transit system that works like other big citys, maybe this would be not so much of a problem!!
    Posted by: SHANE on Jan 15, 2008 at 12:02 PM
    HERES A CHANCE FOR THE STATE TO MAKE MORE MONEY WITH STIFFER FINES... BUT DO THEY? OH NO THIS WOULD STOP THE 30 DOLLAR REGISTRATION FEE FOR SOMEONES P.O.S. I'M SO GLAD WE VOTE IN PEOPLE THAT NEVER FIX ANYTHING... BUT HEY LOOK AT THE BRIGHT SIDE WITH THESE STATS, SOONER OR LATER SOME HIGHER UP WILL GET A TASTE OF MR. NO INSURANCE....AND THEN SOMETHING MIGHT GET DONE ASSUMING THEY LIVE THROUGH THE ACCIDENT. BETTER HURRY UP!!!!
    Posted by: Fred on Jan 15, 2008 at 11:55 AM
    Its such a joke anymore...why carry insurance....no one else does. And the ones who get caught just get a slap on the wrist. Heck!! Its cheaper!!!
    Posted by: Ron on Jan 15, 2008 at 11:49 AM
    I believe it should be a minimum of 30 days jail time. I also think the state should pass a law that requires insurance companies to notify the Deprt of Motor Vehicles whenever someone cancells their insurance.
    Posted by: Jim on Jan 15, 2008 at 11:41 AM
    I e-mailed my state senator about people driving without ins. with this day of computers it should not be that hard for ins. companys to notify the DMV when some cancells there insurance. call yours!!
    Posted by: Jim on Jan 15, 2008 at 11:37 AM
    Do like some states do, Take their car on the spot until they get insurance and if insurance is dropped, the insurance company should notify police who should hunt em down like the dogs they are.
    Posted by: lori on Jan 15, 2008 at 11:05 AM
    I agree with Paul...and while we're at it we should take away the vehicles of these idiots caught for the 4th, 5th or NINTH time for DUI. That's the only way to keep people from driving...the uninsured OR the drunks.
    Posted by: Kay on Jan 15, 2008 at 10:53 AM
    Drive with out insurance Impound the car! If they can not prove they have insurance let the city sell it and give what is left of it to the insured driver. Change the law. Did this guy go to jail for drunk driving? Let him sit in jail until he pays for the expenses and if he can not pay then too bad. Stay in jail.
    Posted by: Annette on Jan 15, 2008 at 10:45 AM
    Dave, Funny you mentioned that street. My niece was side swipped twice (in one incident) on 20th and Missouri Ave and the driver took off. Gee, I wonder why. No insurance?
    Posted by: HMG on Jan 15, 2008 at 10:32 AM
    Lawyer: My husband & I did the same thing you did, we took out a $1,000,000.00 Umbrella policy to cover what our Auto policy won't cover in the event we are hit by a Uninsured driver. Something has got to be done, it is absolutely crazy that people drive around with out insurance, the law says you have to have insurance, why can't it be enforced? There are certain parts of this city that I will not drive in, (North Omaha and South Omaha) because I do not want to be hit by one of these drivers who have no coverage. The things is, if you get insurance and KEEP PAYING FOR IT, your rates will go down - you just can't let it lapse.
    Posted by: Sunny on Jan 15, 2008 at 10:26 AM
    I agree...uninsured motorists should definitely spend time in jail. My mom is driving around uninsured, and I think that if she was to get into an accident, just like anyone else, she deserves to spend some time behind bars. With gas prices the way they are now, if you can afford to drive yourself to work, then you better fork up the extra cash for insurance. I worked for an insurance company, and from behind the scenes, they're method of determining premiums is actually very fair. Unfortunately though, we are stuck paying extra for people who aren't as careful as others may be, but that doesn't mean anyone should just go without insurance. It's not fair to those who have to suffer just because you're bitter about paying bills.
    Posted by: K on Jan 15, 2008 at 10:05 AM
    I see at least one person with expired plates (not just a month overdue ~ occasionally YEARS overdue) everytime I leave the house ranging from the family cars to high prices sports cars. If I see it regularly, I know others do too. People will drive with or without a license just like the expired plates. If you can get away with it, why bother? It is the people that are responsible, that get "hosed" in the long run. My experience after our accident 2 Christmas' ago, we paid out of pocket and then found out AFTER we hired an attorney that the other party had NOTHING. Check with your insurance company, they can tell you if they have anything (if worth hiring an attorney). If you dont, the attorney takes their cut and leaves you NOTHING. Nothing to compensate your loss of income, medical bills, pain, suffering, etc.
    Posted by: Kam on Jan 15, 2008 at 09:55 AM
    I was involved in an accident last summer with a guy that didn't have insurance...told the cops he did, and showed them an insurance card that had lapsed. Should it be the cops responsibility to make sure it is valid? Filed a small claim against him, and cops couldn't find him. I've been trying to locate him or his place of employment since then. I'll find him, he needs to pay for damages.
    Posted by: Bill on Jan 15, 2008 at 09:34 AM
    Another quick comment, this one in response to "J" in Bennington: I'd like to see that instituted. Have insurance companies report lapses or cancellations to the state, so those cases can be looked at. Get them to comply by sweetening the pot - for each offender fined, the reporting insurance company gets 10% of the fine. They'd be much happier to report the deadbeats if they get a piece of the action.
    Posted by: Bill on Jan 15, 2008 at 09:30 AM
    Okay, so make insurance a condition to stay out of jail. You get a fine for driving without insurance (plus whatever other violations you have) and at least one day in jail. During your day in jail, you are allowed internet access and access to a phone to arrange for car insurance. To be released from jail, you need to provide a proof-of-insurance card with six months' paid, and it must be verified through the insurer. The police must be notified if the policy is canceled for any reason during that six months. The driver can't be relied upon to do this, but it's a simple software fix (believe me) to put a little checkbox on the screen for an insurance agent to see whether the police need to be alerted (checkbox used only in offender records, not for people switching from one company to another). If the policy lapses or is cancelled, have some fuzzies cruise by and catch the person in the act again.
    Posted by: Mary on Jan 15, 2008 at 09:29 AM
    My neighbor was hit while parked, uninsured driver, no insurance, no plates, no license. He caught the guy. Ticket for no insurance. That's it. My daughter was hit. Uninsured, no driver's license, no insurance, no identification. Her dad hit, car totalled, uninsured driver, no license. I feel like a target everytime I hit the streets. I was stoped because my tiny little month number fell off the front plate but was on the back. Grilled, had to dig out EVERYTHING even though sticker on back. 63, two kids, in a ford escort. Oh yeah I was a menace as I watched everyone else speeding by with old intransits and no plates. I have yet to see anyone stopped by the cops for no plates or intransits. Did you know that plates are constantly changed on the cars? Watched the neighbors do it. Cops didn't do a thing when we told them after my daughter was hit. If you live in South Omaha you don't have very good odds.
    Posted by: DB on Jan 15, 2008 at 09:26 AM
    You people are delusional if you're counting on other citizens holding up their end of the bargain. I make sure to keep excellent insurance coverage. Yeah, it costs a little more each month. But I don't run the risk of losing thousands of dollars thanks to uninsured drivers. People, don't rely on the courts and the police to keep you protected. Protect yourself. The fine could be 50 years in prison and there would *still* be uninsured drivers out there.
    Posted by: Mindy on Jan 15, 2008 at 08:58 AM
    The courts need to be harsher on the penalties of driving without insurance. Nothing will change if the courts just simply slap the uninsureds hand.. Put them in jail for 90 days and they will learn...Then put them on probation until they have insurance paid up in advance.If someone can not afford the luxury of maintaining and driving an automobile than they need to take the Bus.
    Posted by: BoBo on Jan 15, 2008 at 08:16 AM
    The people that drive without insurance are the same scumbag loosers that make life miserable for the rest of us in every other way.
    Posted by: J on Jan 15, 2008 at 07:40 AM
    To "Driving ISN'T a right": They drive with or without a license. See "Dave's" prior comment about driving in South O. I've had front license plates stolen twice while in a parking lot in Bellevue. Gee, wonder where they went? One talked-about solution is for insurance companies to notify the State when policies lapse so that the State will suspend registrations/plates. Many people pay a first months' premium, pay for their plates showing proof of insurance, then lapse the policy (not make additional payments), but the stickers are still on the license plate. I'm sure the State will get right on that. And, as noted previously, how many cars out there actually have valid plates?
    Posted by: Fed Up on Jan 15, 2008 at 07:35 AM
    Two years ago, I was involved in a horrific car accident which almost cost me my life by some idiot who had no car insurance. I had to pay for out of pocket expenses such as deductible, the cost of my surgery from the accident, rehabilitation, time missed from work...the list goes on. There should be tougher penalities for people who are uninsured while driving. My suggestion would be to spend 30 days in jail for the first offense and 6 months in jail for the second offense. The same would go for people who drive with expired or intransit tags. Tougher penalties may/maynot help some, but it may be a wake up call for others. Bottom line, if you cant afford to pay for insurance, we as tax payers cant afford to keep paying for your mistakes!
    Posted by: Paul on Jan 15, 2008 at 06:42 AM
    These deadbeats need to have thier cars taken away and sold at auction to cover the victims expenses. That will keep them off the streets for a while.
    Posted by: Catherine on Jan 15, 2008 at 06:35 AM
    Take the bus if you can't afford insurance, those of us who end up paying because you couldn't afford the insurance would greatly appreciate it.
    Posted by: Lawyer on Jan 15, 2008 at 06:19 AM
    This is one reason I carry over $1,000,000 in uninsured/underinsured coverage on my umbrella liability policy - If some uninsured moron causes an accident, I want to make sure my lost wages and other damages are covered.
    Posted by: Linda on Jan 15, 2008 at 05:41 AM
    In the 27 years I have been living in Omaha, I have been rear ended 9 times, 7 of those 9 times by people without insurance who barely speak English. Fortunately the one time I was seriously injured, that driver HAD insurance but her company fought me in court to avoid paying the bills( they lost). It is SO frustrating
    Posted by: john on Jan 15, 2008 at 03:43 AM
    I say if you are caught without insurance, then you should be taken to jail & remain there until someone from your family purchases insurance in your name. They have bail bondsman who are there to take your money to secure your appearance back in court, so why not have someone like that but for insurance. We could require them to pay for 3 months up front before being eligible for release from jail. These drivers dont even think twice about the suffering they cause good, legal citizens that they have accidents with like Larry Berray in this story.
    Posted by: Driving ISN'T a right on Jan 15, 2008 at 12:56 AM
    If people are caught driving uninsured, take away their license & fine the crap out of them. The state doesn't HAVE to let these idiots drive....
    Posted by: Rich on Jan 15, 2008 at 12:28 AM
    Hmmm.. Isn't it obvious what the problem is? 7500 caught without insurance in 2007. It's all a scam by the insurance companies. People have a hard time paying their insurance premiums. THEN if you have a "lapse" in your insurance, ALL the insurance companies know it and you have to pay a higher premium! Yeah, thats what we should do, make the people who can't afford it pay more. It's crazy. Then lets charge the good people who keep paying their premiums on time higher premiums as well because others are uninsured. It's all a crazy circle and we all pay and the insurance companies continue to profit.
    Posted by: dave on Jan 14, 2008 at 10:43 PM
    Take a drive around south O at about 16 to 20 st & L and youll find dozens of cars with out of date or no plates or cars that magically get new in transit tags every month. No insurance either i bet.
    Posted by: Wayne on Jan 14, 2008 at 10:15 PM
    Auto Insurnce is so misunderstood. Underinsured/Uninsured only is design to take care of the lack of Liability Coverage minus any physical damage coverage that would provided under Collison less your deductible under your own carriers policy. We need to get educated as consumers.
    Posted by: Scott on Jan 14, 2008 at 10:05 PM
    I have not been involved with this personally but I do know of several off the top of my head. Most of these people have been nailed before but they still end up driving even if they don't have a drivers license. So what kind of stiffer fines will put an end to this?? It also dosen't help that 3/4 of these people are here illegaly!!
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