What If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver?
Imagine you’re driving home after a long day. You’re stopped at a red light when another vehicle slams into the back of your car. Your vehicle is damaged, you’re injured, and you expect the other driver’s insurance company to cover the costs.
Then you discover the driver has no insurance at all.
Unfortunately, this scenario happens more often than many people realize. Even though auto insurance is legally required in most states, some drivers still operate vehicles without coverage. Others carry only the minimum limits, which may not be enough to pay for serious injuries or extensive property damage.
That’s where uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can make a significant difference.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) helps pay for your injuries and certain damages if you’re involved in an accident caused by a driver who has no auto insurance.
Without this coverage, you may be left paying out-of-pocket expenses or pursuing legal action against a driver who may not have the financial resources to compensate you.
Example:
You are injured in an accident caused by a driver who has no insurance. Medical bills total $25,000, and you miss several weeks of work while recovering. Your uninsured motorist coverage may help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other covered costs.
Why It Matters
Many people assume every driver on the road has insurance. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Uninsured motorist coverage provides an important financial safety net when another driver’s lack of coverage becomes your problem.
What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits aren’t high enough to cover the full extent of your damages.
Serious accidents can result in medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and long-term care needs that quickly exceed minimum liability limits.
Example:
A driver causes an accident that results in $100,000 in medical expenses for you and your passengers. However, the at-fault driver’s liability policy only provides $25,000 in coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage may help bridge the gap between their limits and your actual losses, up to your policy limits.
Why It Matters
Many drivers purchase only the minimum amount of insurance required by law. While those limits may satisfy legal requirements, they often fall short when serious injuries occur.
What Expenses Can UM/UIM Coverage Help Pay?
Depending on your policy and state regulations, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may help cover:
- Medical expenses
- Hospital bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses in certain situations
- Injuries sustained by passengers in your vehicle
Example:
After an accident with an uninsured driver, you require surgery, physical therapy, and several months away from work. Without UM coverage, these costs could place a significant financial burden on your family. With the proper coverage in place, your policy may help protect your finances during recovery.
Why It Matters
Auto accidents can create financial consequences that last far longer than the collision itself. UM/UIM coverage helps protect you, your family, and your future from the actions of drivers who may not have adequate insurance.
Frequently Asked Question: Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Worth It?
For many drivers, the answer is yes.
UM/UIM coverage is often one of the most affordable protections available on an auto insurance policy, yet it can provide substantial financial protection after a serious accident. Considering the number of uninsured and minimally insured drivers on the road, many insurance professionals recommend carrying these coverages whenever possible.
Protect Yourself Before an Accident Happens
You can’t control whether other drivers carry adequate insurance. However, you can control how well you’re protected if the unexpected happens.
A review of your auto insurance policy can help ensure you have the right uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage limits for your needs. The last thing anyone wants is to discover a coverage gap after an accident has already occurred.
Contact Hertvik Insurance Group
If you have questions about uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, or your personal auto insurance policy, contact Hertvik Insurance Group today. Our experienced team can review your current coverage, explain your options, and help ensure you have the protection you need before you ever need to use it.