What is uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?

What is uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?

When you’re out on the road, you trust that the other drivers around you are responsible and carry the necessary insurance coverage. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Many drivers are either uninsured or carry minimal coverage that might not be enough to pay for the damage if an accident occurs. This is where uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage (also known as UM and UIM, respectively) come into play, protecting you from potential financial hardship.

Uninsured motorist coverage steps in when you’re involved in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have any insurance. It covers your medical expenses, lost wages and other related costs, up to the UM limits of your policy. Imagine getting hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance to pay for the damage—that driver is at fault, but you’re left with the bills. Without UM coverage, you might have to pay for these expenses out of pocket.

Having UM and UIM coverage is essential, but it’s equally important to ensure that you have adequate limits. All policyholders in New York state are required to carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in UM/UIM coverage, though you can choose to have limits lower than your Body Injury/Property Damage limits. In addition, UM/UIM would match the liability limit if it is higher than the minimum.

Consider the financial consequences of a serious accident: medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income and even long-term care. If your UM/UIM limits are too low, you could be left paying significant amounts out of pocket, jeopardizing your financial stability. UM/UIM coverage is essential for protecting yourself and your passengers from the financial fallout of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Ensuring that you have adequate limits in place is not just about complying with the law; it’s about safeguarding your financial future. Call our agency today to review your coverage and make sure you’re adequately protected.