Do you really need underinsured motorist coverage on your auto policy? Yes, and here’s why…
- What it covers
UIM coverage typically covers:
- Bodily injury: Medical bills and possibly lost wages for you and your passengers
- Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle
- Bodily injury: Medical bills and possibly lost wages for you and your passengers
- When it applies
UIM coverage applies when you’re in an accident with a driver who has insufficient insurance to cover your injuries or damages
- How it works
UIM coverage usually comes alongside uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. UM coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver who has no auto insurance.
- Where it’s requiredUIM coverage is mandatory in many states and is highly recommended for all drivers.
Many drivers don’t realize the importance of underinsured motorist coverage—until they need it. This coverage steps in when:
- You’ve been in a car accident.
- The other driver was at fault.
- You suffered injuries.
- The at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover your medical bills and other damages.
The Cost of Being Unprotected
As personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when people lack underinsured motorist coverage. Recently, we represented a client involved in a devastating crash.
He was a passenger when his friend made a left turn in front of another vehicle. The collision was unavoidable, and tragically, our client lost his right arm in the accident.
The driver at fault carried only $50,000 in liability coverage—nowhere near enough to cover medical expenses. We proved that the other driver was speeding, and their $100,000 policy added some relief. But even that didn’t come close to addressing the long-term costs of a life-changing injury.
How Underinsured Motorist Coverage Could Have Helped
If our client had underinsured motorist coverage, he could have used his own policy to bridge the gap, covering medical expenses, prosthetics, and long-term care. Unfortunately, he didn’t have this coverage, leaving him in a tough financial situation.
Don’t Let This Happen to You
Many insurance companies advertise “legal coverage for less”, but Missouri’s minimum liability coverage is just $25,000—a fraction of what’s needed in a serious accident. Without underinsured motorist coverage, you could be left paying out of pocket for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.
At Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we encourage all drivers to protect themselves with underinsured motorist coverage. If you’ve been injured in a crash and need legal guidance, contact us today for a free consultation.
Call us at 888-550-4026 or visit www.tysonmutrux.com.
Excellent article. I am facing a few these troubles.