Importance of Auto Insurance

Debbie Jones of Arcadia states (Letters, Oct. 29) that “the new car insurance law is simply unfair discrimination against the poor.” Recently, I was rear-ended at a stoplight by an uninsured motorist. Since then I have been off work, spent almost $1,500 to repair my car and have more than $1,600 in medical bills.

Jones states that “amazingly, it’s a criminal misdemeanor not to be able to afford minimum liability.” Does Ms. Jones think that this person who couldn’t afford minimum liability can afford to pay me the $5,100 (including back wages) that he has cost me so far? I would think not. This person took $5,100 and two months of my life without reimbursing me. I and the people of California don’t consider it amazing that his lack of insurance is considered a criminal misdemeanor.

Insurance is part of the cost of a car. I’ll tell you what is an injustice. It is an injustice that I have to pay for part of someone else’s car by adding uninsured motorist coverage to my insurance.

ELLEN B. CHRISTENSEN

Santa Ana