Did you know that auto insurance is typically required in the United States? If you’re operating an uninsured vehicle, you could get in trouble with the police and other authorities. If you get into an accident while uninsured, you might also face hefty liabilities that you’ll have to pay out of your own pocket. If you’d like to explore auto insurance policies, contact the Prestige Insurance Group, which serves the greater Miami, FL area.
Why States Require Auto Insurance
In 1927, Massachusetts became the first state to require auto insurance. Cars had already been on the road for a few decades, and they were getting faster and more powerful. Roadways were starting to crisscross the United States and other countries, and more families were relying on cars. By 1927, there were more than 20 million cars on the road in the United States alone.
As more people started to drive, car accidents began to occur more often. Since cars can move so fast and are so heavy, auto accidents can quickly result in severe injuries and death. Often, the person who caused the accident was liable. However, in many cases, that person died or simply didn’t have the money to pay. Likewise, determining who was at fault can be really difficult.
Massachusetts decided to make car insurance mandatory so that people’s health care bills would be covered in the event of an accident. If an accident occurred, auto insurance could pick up the tab.
Despite the obvious benefits of car insurance, it wouldn’t become a more widespread requirement until 1956. That year, New York required it, and shortly after, North Carolina also made car insurance required. From there, auto insurance requirements quickly spread, and by the 1970s most states had requirements.
WANT TO ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF AUTO INSURANCE?
Get in touch with the Prestige Insurance Group, serving the greater Miami, FL area.
