A recent study shows that an increase in uninsured drivers may be a consequence of recent economic trouble, though some local agencies aren't sure if that's the case.
The non-profit Insurance Research Council study estimates that in North Dakota, 5 percent of drivers in 2007 were driving without insurance. The state has one of the lowest percentages of uninsured drivers in the nation.
While North Dakota's numbers remain low, the council's report found a strong correlation between the percent of uninsured motorists and the unemployment rate. Based on unemployment rate projections, the percentage of uninsured motorists is expected to rise from 13.8 percent in 2007, to 16.1 percent in 2010, nationally.
"I guess we haven't seen any changes to that effect at this point," said Dan Farstveet, of Nodak Mutual Insurance in Dickinson. "I'm not going to say that's not going to happen in the future."
Farstveet said a rough economy can lead to less buying of major items, which in turn, could lead to less insurance being needed.
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"We really don't see too many more people adding on insurance, when you're talking auto, home and life," Farstveet said.
"Usually people have to insure just about everything anymore because it's under a loan, but I would say when the economy gets a little bit worse, people tend to not buy as many new things, so then they aren't updating their vehicles and their houses and other new things that are coming on causing them to buy more insurance, so they don't have as big of increases."
Farstveet agrees that North Dakota does have one of the lowest percentages of underinsured drivers, but says that could change.
"I would assume some people if they get into some financial hardships and they can't make some payments they are going to have start cutting some things, and it might go as far as not having any, but I hope not," Farstveet said.
Nationally, the estimated percentage of uninsured motorists decreased from 14.9 percent in 2003 to 13.8 percent in 2007.
Pat Hedger, of Hedger Insurance in Killdeer agrees.
"I sure hope it doesn't (come to people decreasing insurance," Hedger said." I couldn't tell you how much or anything along that line. I just don't know."
