The Importance of UM UIM Coverage

What happens when you are in a car accident, the other driver is at fault, but their insurance can’t cover the damages? They might not have insurance, or you might not get their name. They might have insurance, but it’s not enough to cover the total cost of your damages. Normally, you would be out of luck and paying for repairs out of pocket. Even if the other driver wanted to pay you back, they just don’t have an insurance policy that can cover the costs. Likewise, if the circumstances aren’t covered in your current policy, then there’s nothing a person can do but handle repairs ad-hoc.

This is why uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is so important. UM/UIM policies are your insurance company’s way of offering to cover your costs when an at-fault driver can’t. Including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your policy ensures that any damage to your vehicle, even by someone irresponsible or insufficiently covered, won’t fall onto your shoulders financially.

An Uninsured Driver Damages Your Vehicle

UM/UIM insurance was designed for those tragic accidents when someone who isn’t insured (and often should not be driving, because of this) takes the wheel and impacts your vehicle. Your car is damaged and you might be injured, but the other driver has no insurance to cover your rightful claim against them. In this case, your personal UM/UIM coverage comes into play. Because the situation fits the circumstance, the funds of your UM/UIM policy will be available for your vehicle repairs and any medical expenses that may have come from the accident.

Another Driver Hits Your Car and Drives Away

Hit-and-Runs are unfortunately very common, especially between vehicles. From fender-benders to serious collisions, sometimes the other driver will make their escape before you can get their information. They might not even check to make sure you’re OK before vamoosing to avoid the cost and consequences. If the other driver doesn’t give their information, you can’t contact their insurance to file a claim.

This case will be treated like an uninsured motorist because the other driver is not available for their insurance to play a part. UM/UIM coverage protects you from this irresponsible and callous move on the part of the other driver.

An Unknown Person Hits Your Parked Car

Parked car accidents happen. Sometimes the other driver will leave a note, often they won’t. No one enjoys returning to their car to find a new dent or a scrape down the side, especially without

a note and insurance to file a claim with. But with UM/UIM coverage, that repair isn’t coming out of pocket. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is there exactly for situations where the driver can’t be held financially accountable, whether they have no insurance or didn’t stick around swiping your parked car.

A Driver is At-Fault but Their Insurance Doesn’t Cover Your Damages

Finally, there’s the underinsured issue. The reason this insurance is both UM and UIM is sometimes a responsible driver at-fault will share their insurance, but the policy just isn’t enough. Maybe the damage is too extensive or their living on a tight expenses budget with minimum car insurance. When this happens, UM/UIM insurance can help you cover the difference between your claim with the other driver’s provider and the actual expense of your vehicle damage and injuries.

Are you in a situation with an uninsured or underinsured motorist? Do you need to navigate the maze of insurance claim approval or file a personal injury claim to take your needed damages to the next level? Contact us today. We know what it’s like to be in an accident where the other driver doesn’t take responsibility, and we look forward to providing you with the advice and services you need in this challenging situation.