While most U.S. states require a certain minimum amount of auto insurance coverage for all drivers, there are some drivers who still wonder if auto insurance is the absolute necessity car insurance companies proclaim it to be. The simple answer is yes. Car insurance is necessary for drivers today. Here's why.

Distracted Driving Reigns Supreme

The sad reality is that on the roads today, distracted driving is a problem of monumental proportions. In fact, 2,841 people were killed in 2018 alone by distracted drivers. Compared to 10,511 drunk driving fatalities in the same year, it is easy to see that distracted driving is a growing problem that must be addressed as it puts everyone on the road in danger. Even if you're the safest driver in the world, you cannot be the eyes and ears for the rising number of distracted drivers on the roads today. Think about all the distracting things you've seen drivers do in rush-hour traffic:

• Applying makeup
• Shaving
• Checking homework
• Watching movies
• Texting
• Fiddling with radios
• Eating and drinking
• Paying more attention to what's going on in the backseat than the road ahead

These are all distractions that can quickly lead to fender benders or worse accidents. Some of them with deadly repercussions.

Unfortunately, you can't prevent these accidents from occurring. No matter how defensively you drive, accidents happen. Unfortunately, they can be costly once you factor in things like:

• Emergency medical care
• Property damage
• Long-term rehabilitative care

According to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, the average liability costs of an auto accident in 2013 could be broken down into two primary categories:

1. Property damage, which costs drivers $3,231 on average.
2. Bodily injury, which costs drivers $15,443 on average.

Unless you have that kind of money to burn, you need sufficient auto insurance coverage to help makeup the shortfall. With most car insurance plans, you'll only pay the deductible (which you choose when purchasing your plan) for these types of claims, saving you thousands of dollars.

In serious auto accidents where death or permanent injury occurs, the claims could be even higher. Plus, you may find yourself facing legal fees if you do not have adequate auto liability protection to cover the costs of your defense. If you have no auto insurance coverage, you're completely on your own for all these fees and expenses, including your legal defense fees if the case goes to trial. Insurance coverage protects you. 

For more information about auto insurance coverage, contact a local insurance company.