Does Auto Insurance Cover You on an Indian Reservation?
Last Updated on September 16, 2020
There are over 300 Indian reservations throughout the United States, which are governed by legally recognized Indian tribes instead of the federal government. Native Americans lost billions of acres of land during the founding of the United States and throughout the 1800s as settlers moved from east to west. After this land was taken, native tribes were forced onto reservations. If you are going to spend time on a reservation or are just planning on driving through, you may be wondering whether your car insurance will cover you on an Indian reservation. Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Indian Reservations?
If you’re going to be traveling to a reservation, it’s important to understand what they are and how they work. Each reservation is governed by a tribe that has been legally recognized by our government’s Bureau of Indian Affairs. While they are not internationally recognized nations, they function separately from the United States government. Every reservation is different because they are geographically very diverse and are run by different tribes. Some reservations are close to urban areas while many are rural communities. The largest reservation in the United States is the Navajo Nation Reservation, which is located in Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona.
It’s very important to note that every reservation has different laws and customs. Each tribe has its own unique history and culture. Even if you’ve been to an Indian reservation in the past, your experience may be different when visiting a new one. It’s important to do some preliminary research before visiting any reservation to ensure that you are respectful of their culture. Many Indian reservations welcome visitors, but not all do. The Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma has several museums where you can learn more about their history and culture. Many nations also host celebrations and festivals throughout the year – the Navajo Nation Fair is a great example of this. Many reservations also permit casinos, which attract visitors as well.
What Are the Laws for Driving on Indian Reservations?
You should be very mindful of traffic laws when driving on Indian reservations. Generally, you should follow the exact same driving practices on a reservation that you would anywhere else. Tribal police enforce driving laws on reservations, much the same way that police enforce driving laws anywhere else. However, police follow tribal law instead of US law, and if you get a ticket or a DUI, you will need to find a lawyer who has experience in tribal law to help you navigate the system. To avoid this, you should be extra cautious when driving on these reservations. They do enforce speed limits very strictly, so don’t drive over the limit at all.
Does Insurance Cover Me on an Indian Reservation?
This depends on your insurance provider. Generally, most insurers will cover you on an Indian reservation. However, if you’re going to be traveling to a reservation and you are feeling concerned, call your insurance provider and ask them. It may depend on the type of coverage you have. Underinsured motorist, collision, and comprehensive coverage can all be very helpful when visiting a reservation because they’ll cover you in an accident regardless of who was at fault or whether the other party has insurance.
If you live or work on an Indian reservation and need to get insurance, things can be a little bit more complicated, because you’ll be governed by tribal law. In this case, look for a car insurance policy that’s specifically designed for those on an Indian reservation. Many providers offer car insurance policies that are suitable for life on a reservation.
When shopping for car insurance policies, be sure to get quotes from several different providers and compare the level of coverage you get. Costs can vary widely from company to company, which is why it’s so important to get quotes from multiple providers. Your insurer will consider a number of different factors to determine the overall cost of your policy, including your driving history, the type of car you have, your location, your age, your credit history, and more. You should never drive without insurance – even if your nation doesn’t require it, you could get into legal trouble later on if you leave the reservation and get into an accident.
How Can I Visit a Reservation Respectfully?
Whether you’re stopping on a reservation or just passing through, it’s very important to be respectful. When you’re on a reservation, you’re a visitor, and you need to be mindful of the people who live and work there. Before going to the reservation, confirm that you are allowed to visit – some reservations will only allow visitors by invitation. While on the reservation, avoid taking pictures without permission. You should also never touch any artifacts, and remember that it’s illegal to take anything from an Indian reservation. When visiting sacred sites, behave respectfully and follow local customs. You should also be thoughtful and focus on listening when in conversations.
You should always drive defensively and follow traffic laws, but this is particularly important on Indian reservations. Even if your insurance covers you on the reservation, an accident could mean you have to hire a tribal law expert to negotiate for you, which is expensive and time-consuming. Always behave respectfully on reservations and remember that you are a visitor.
