What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is a very important aspect of your auto insurance coverage. In fact, many auto insurance experts recommend carrying this type of coverage even if it means paying a little more for your car insurance. Why? It's a frightening reality that about 14% of all drivers don't have any auto insurance coverage. This means that if you are hurt in an accident caused by an uninsured driver you won't be paid any damages unless you have uninsured motorist coverage.
Uninsured motorist coverage differs from medical coverage in that it will compensate you for any money you paid to treat your injuries AND reimburse you for any pain and suffering you experience as a result of your injuries. So it's far superior to ordinary medical coverage in the event of an accident.
So how much uninsured motorist coverage does the average driver need? You should consider carrying the same cover as your liability insurance coverage. This will make sure that you and your family is protected. Another advantage of uninsured motorist coverage is that you may also be reimbursed for any property damages caused during an accident. It may cost a little more but can be included under the limits of most policies.
There are two main types of uninsured coverage. Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage is often required by law in many states. It will pay for your medical expenses, lost income and other damages if an accident is caused by an uninsured driver. It will also pay for injuries sustained in a hit-and-run accident. When you buy your insurance policy your uninsured motorist coverage is capped at the limit of your policy.
Uninsured motorist property damage coverage is also mandatory in some states and will protect you if your vehicle is damaged by an uninsured driver. When you buy your insurance policy your uninsured motorist coverage is capped at the limit of your policy. Depending on where you live you may need to pay a deductible with each claim filed under your uninsured motorist coverage policy.
In certain U.S. states uninsured motorist coverage is combined with underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage. This means that all of the abovementioned injuries/damages to property by an uninsured or under-insured driver is covered under one policy. It also protects you against injuries sustained in a hit-and-run accident.
Don't take unnecesary risks! If you can afford to pay a little more for your auto insurance consider taking out underinsured motorist coverage and get added protection for you and your family today!
