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Fla. Has Fifth Most Uninsured Drivers

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By RUSSELL RAY

rray@tampatrib.com

Published: January 23, 2009

Florida has more uninsured drivers than most states, and the problem likely will worsen, according to a study released this week by an independent research group.

The study by the Insurance Research Council indicates the recession will trigger a sharp increase in the number of uninsured motorists. The study estimates that 1 in 6 U.S. drivers will be uninsured by 2010.

"An increase in the number of uninsured motorists is an unfortunate consequence of the economic downturn and illustrates how virtually everyone is affected by recent economic developments," Elizabeth Sprinkel, senior vice president of the IRC, says in a written announcement.

Florida had the fifth highest uninsured driver estimate, 23 percent, according to the study. The four states with higher estimates are New Mexico, 29 percent; Mississippi, 28 percent; Alabama, 26 percent; and Oklahoma, 24 percent.

The study found that the number of uninsured motorists is inextricably linked to unemployment. Based on unemployment rate projections, researchers estimate the number of uninsured motorists in the United States will increase from 13.8 percent in 2007 to 16.1 percent in 2010.

Reporter Russell Ray can be reached at (813) 259-7870.

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