Every state in the nation now has some kind of rule or law on the books with regards to the use of a cell phone while driving. The changes have been driving by the increasing proliferation of cell phones in multiple aspects of life and people’s need to stay connected as well an increasing number of preventable accidents with deaths. And both traffic officers and courts are becoming less and less tolerant the longer the laws have been on the books.
What is not discussed enough is the effects on auto insurance coverage when a person is involved in a car accident while using a cell phone. It’s fairly easy for traffic officers to find out; a simple subpoena to one’s cell phone company will show any activity right down to the second, comparing that to the relative time of the accident and just before. When folks deny the use, they make the matter worse by being caught lying to a traffic officer. So the whole situation pretty much lands inappropriate use in the driver’s hands.
Insurance companies cover a lot of issues, but when a person knowingly breaks the law, it can technically breach a contract, allowing an insurance company to no longer be obligated to provide coverage in an auto policy. This obviously becomes a big issue in an accident with a lot of damage, injuries or worse. Even if a person is not arrested, the civil liabilities involved can be tremendous without coverage help.
Drivers should simply not use their phones period. That said, equipment is available to connect phones to a car’s to speakers and create a hands-free system is possible. For those in the Burlington, NC area, Don Allred Insurance can help with how insurance works and cell phone use ideas for travelers that are legal. Drive safe and keep coverage viable.