Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is an essential aspect of auto insurance that protects drivers in the event of an accident involving a driver who either has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover the damages. In many countries, it is mandatory for drivers to have liability insurance, but unfortunately, not all drivers comply with this requirement. This article will delve into the basics of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, exploring what it is, how it works, and why it is crucial for every driver to have this coverage.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage, often abbreviated as UM, is a type of auto insurance that provides protection to drivers who are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. In the United States, it is estimated that around 13% of drivers are uninsured, making UM coverage a vital component of any auto insurance policy.
When an insured driver is involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, the uninsured motorist coverage kicks in to cover the damages. This coverage typically includes medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Without UM coverage, the insured driver would be left to bear the financial burden of the accident on their own.
How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work?
Uninsured motorist coverage works by stepping in to cover the costs associated with an accident caused by an uninsured driver. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:
- The insured driver is involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.
- The insured driver files a claim with their insurance company, stating that the accident was caused by an uninsured driver.
- The insurance company investigates the claim and verifies that the other driver is indeed uninsured.
- If the claim is approved, the insured driver’s insurance company will cover the damages up to the policy limits of the uninsured motorist coverage.
- The insured driver may be required to pay a deductible before the coverage kicks in.
It’s important to note that uninsured motorist coverage is not a substitute for liability insurance. Liability insurance covers damages caused by the insured driver to others, while uninsured motorist coverage protects the insured driver in the event of an accident caused by an uninsured driver.
What is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Underinsured motorist coverage, often abbreviated as UIM, is similar to uninsured motorist coverage but applies in situations where the at-fault driver has insurance, but the coverage is insufficient to cover the full extent of the damages. In other words, underinsured motorist coverage provides additional protection when the other driver’s insurance is not enough to cover the costs of the accident.
For example, let’s say an insured driver is involved in an accident with a driver who has the minimum required liability insurance. The insured driver sustains severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. However, the at-fault driver’s insurance policy has a low coverage limit that is quickly exhausted. In this scenario, the underinsured motorist coverage would step in to cover the remaining costs that exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits.
Why is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Important?
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is crucial for several reasons:
- Protection against uninsured drivers: As mentioned earlier, a significant percentage of drivers do not have insurance. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver and do not have uninsured motorist coverage, you may be left with no financial recourse to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
- Protection against underinsured drivers: Even if the at-fault driver has insurance, their coverage may not be sufficient to cover the full extent of the damages. Without underinsured motorist coverage, you may have to pay out of pocket for the remaining costs that exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that you have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage provides peace of mind while driving. It ensures that you are protected in the event of an accident, regardless of the other driver’s insurance status or coverage limits.
How Much Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Should You Have?
The amount of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage you should have depends on various factors, including your state’s minimum requirements, your personal financial situation, and your risk tolerance. It is generally recommended to have coverage limits that are equal to your liability coverage limits.
For example, if you have liability coverage limits of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, it is advisable to have the same limits for your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This ensures that you have adequate protection in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
However, it is important to note that higher coverage limits may result in higher premiums. It is essential to strike a balance between adequate coverage and affordability.
Conclusion
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is a critical component of auto insurance that protects drivers in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. It provides financial protection for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage that may result from such accidents. Having uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage offers peace of mind and ensures that you are not left with a significant financial burden in the aftermath of an accident.
When considering your auto insurance policy, it is important to carefully evaluate your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage limits to ensure that they provide adequate protection. While higher coverage limits may result in higher premiums, they offer greater peace of mind and protection in the event of an accident.
Remember, accidents can happen to anyone, and not all drivers on the road have sufficient insurance coverage. By having uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, you can protect yourself and your finances from the potential consequences of an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.