Introduction
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is a type of insurance that provides protection in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver. This type of coverage can help ensure that you are not left financially responsible for any medical bills resulting from the accident. It also helps to protect you if the other driver’s insurance does not cover all of your expenses.
Let’s take a closer look at what this type of coverage entails.
What Does Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Include?
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) typically includes medical payments coverage, which pays for medical bills related to the accident, and property damage liability, which covers damage to your vehicle.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage provides protection for you and your passengers if you are involved in a car accident that was caused by someone who does not have sufficient auto insurance.
This type of policy will cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other costs related to the accident that would normally have been covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance. In some cases, it may even cover pain and suffering damages.
Some policies may include additional benefits such as rental car reimbursement and lost wages due to time taken off work for doctor appointments or physical therapy.
When Should You Get UIM Insurance?
If you want extra protection in case you get into an accident with an uninsured driver, UIM is a good option. Even if you already have auto insurance, it may not be enough to cover all the costs associated with an accident involving an uninsured driver, so it’s important to consider getting UIM as well.
Depending on where you live, UIM may be required by law; however, even if it isn’t mandatory in your state, it’s still wise to consider getting this added protection just in case something should happen.
If you live in a state where uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory, then you must purchase this type of policy if you want your car insured. Even if it’s not required by law, everyone should consider purchasing this type of coverage as it offers additional financial protection in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver.
The extra cost of adding UM/UIM to your policy may seem insignificant when compared to the potential costs of an accident with an uninsured driver.
How Much Coverage Should I Purchase?
The amount of UM/UIM coverage that you should purchase depends on your individual needs. Generally speaking, experts suggest that you carry at least as much UM/UIM coverage as liability limits on your auto policy.
Keep in mind that if you opt for higher limits, there may be a surcharge applied to your policy premium; however, this additional cost is often worth it for peace of mind knowing that you are well-covered in case something unexpected happens on the road.
Conclusion
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can provide an additional layer of protection in case of a collision with another vehicle that is not insured or has insufficient coverage. This type of policy usually covers medical payments and property damage liability but may also include additional benefits such as rental car reimbursement and lost wages due to missed work days following the accident.
It is important to check whether this type of insurance is required by law in your state, but even if it isn’t, UIM can offer valuable peace of mind and financial protection when you need it most.