A motor vehicle accident injury can cause untold hardship, but we take comfort that the at-fault driver’s insurance company will take care of the bills. But what if the driver didn’t have insurance? This is where uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage comes into play.
You have to purchase your own coverage
Uninsured motorist benefits come from your own insurance policy. Most policies include some amount of UIM coverage, but it is wise to consider purchasing more than the minimum amount. A car or truck accident injury can leave you with expensive needs that last far into the future. Paying a little extra for coverage can give you the assurance that your needs will be met in the worst-case scenario of being struck by an uninsured driver.
When does UIM coverage apply?
If the driver who caused your injury had no liability insurance coverage at all, you may draw upon your uninsured motorist coverage in seeking compensation for medical bills, wage loss and other hardships.
If the at-fault driver fled the scene of the accident, your UIM coverage may apply. Special rules apply to hit-and-run accidents, so identifying the source or sources of compensation will require a thorough investigation.
What if the driver is underinsured?
Underinsured motorist coverage applies if the at-fault driver’s liability coverage is too small to compensate you for the full extent of your losses. For instance, if the driver’s insurance coverage is limited to $150,000 but the damages you suffer total $200,000, you can turn to your underinsured coverage to fill in the $50,000 gap.
Protect your right to fair compensation
Just because you are drawing from your own insurance policy, it doesn’t mean you will have an easy path to obtaining the compensation you need after suffering a serious injury in a motor vehicle accident. Insurance companies do not prosper by freely paying the full value of claims. By taking a strong stance, you can send the message that they must treat you fairly or else be in for a legal struggle.