What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Why is it Important
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you are injured in an automobile accident that is caused by someone who does not have automobile insurance.
The law requires that every car have insurance. However, there are some people who drive without insurance. Doing so is illegal.
If someone without insurance hits you, your own uninsured motorist coverage may be able to compensate you for your injuries.
2 Different Types
There are 2 different types of Uninsured Motorist coverage:
- Uninsured Motorist coverage; and
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage.
Uninsured coverage provides insurance to you for your bodily injury claim when the responsible party has no insurance.
Underinsured coverage applies when the responsible party DOES have insurance, but it is not enough insurance. In other words, underinsured coverage is used when the value of your injury claim is worth more than the responsible party’s liability policy limits.
In some jurisdictions, you can collect the full amount of the defendant’s liability policy, and then additionally collect the difference between that policy and the amount of your own Underinsured Motorist Coverage (assuming the value of your case justifies it).
Why Uninsured Motorist Insurance Is Important
It is important to have high Uninsured Motorist Coverage for the following reason. If you are hurt by someone who does not have insurance, your Uninsured Motorist Coverage may be your only source of any compensation. It can help you with;
- Paying your lost wages;
- Paying your medical bills;
- Compensating you for pain and suffering.
Recommendation
We recommend having at least $100,000 of Uninsured Motorist Coverage on your automobile insurance policy. The cost of the additional premium is small when compared to the potential for serious financial harm that can be caused by someone without insurance.
How can you tell how much Uninsured Motorist Coverage you have? Below is a screenshot of how your Uninsured Motorist Coverage may appear on your automobile policy;
- This person has $100,000 in Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Make sure your friends, family and loved ones have enough Uninsured Motorist Coverage in their automobile insurance policy. It can make an enormous difference in a time of need.
If you or a loved one have been hurt, call attorney Bruce A. Blaylock. You can reach us at 301-951-1800, or toll free at 888-215-2968.
