Driving uninsured will become tougher

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Effective January 1, Alabama is cracking down on uninsured drivers.

The Alabama Online Insurance Verification System, was passed by legislature in 2011. It will begin verifying insurance information when issuing or renewing car tags and licenses, or during a traffic stop.

License officials will begin doing random checks to see who is driving without coverage and will follow up on unconfirmed cases.

According to the insurance research council, 22 percent of drivers in Alabama are uninsured, the sixth worst in the nation.

Personal injury attorney, Bill Eiland believes the system will help catch the uninsured from driving under the radar.

“I think it's wonderful. I think it is something that is been much needed. I don't believe that it is the end all be all, and it's not going to be the cure, but it's certainly better than what we have now,” says Eiland.

Revenue Commissioner Julie Magee says the system will be one of the best in the nation. She said it will cut down on people purchasing insurance, but failing to keep up the payments.

"They had what looked like legitimate evidence of insurance in their possession but no one was following up to verify the second, third, fourth or doth sixth payment were being made,” said Magee.

Showing an insurance ID card will not exempt drivers from verification. The penalty for driving uninsured could be $500. The second offense could cost up to $1,000.