The percentage of accidents involving at-fault uninsured drivers in Washington state has grown slightly in the past five years, according to Seattle-based PEMCO Insurance.
According to the insurer‘s new data, the percentage of auto accidents with at-fault uninsured drivers in the state jumped from 16.4 percent in 1998 to 18.3 percent in 2002.
This increase took place despite Washington lawmakers‘ ongoing efforts to keep uninsured drivers off the roads. The state has had mandatory-insurance law since 1963, requiring that all drivers carry a proof-of-insurance card.
"Uninsured drivers are a reality, and they cause a lot of hassle, including forcing higher premiums," said Jon Osterberg, PEMCO spokesperson.
