Uninsured/Underinsured MOtorist Protection (UM/UIM)

Safeguard Your Finances When Others Aren’t Covered

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection (UM/UIM) shields you from financial losses if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have sufficient insurance—or any insurance at all. Even though auto insurance is required by law in most states, many drivers are either underinsured or completely uninsured. UM/UIM ensures that you won’t be stuck paying for damages or medical bills out of pocket due to another driver’s negligence.

Key Benefits:

1. Covers Medical Expenses: Ensures your medical bills are paid if the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient or nonexistent.
2. Protects Against Property Damage: Pays for repairs to your vehicle if the other driver can’t cover the cost.
3. No-Fault Protection: Provides coverage regardless of the other driver’s ability to pay, giving you peace of mind after an accident.

How Personal Injury Protection Works

Coverage Details

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection can protect you in a variety of scenarios, including:

• Uninsured Drivers: If the at-fault driver has no insurance, UM/UIM covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
• Underinsured Drivers: If the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover all your costs, UM/UIM makes up the difference, ensuring you’re not left with unpaid bills.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: UM/UIM can help cover your costs if you’re involved in a hit-and-run, where the at-fault driver can’t be identified or located.

How it’s Different

UM/UIM is distinct from Liability Insurance in that it steps in when the other driver is either uninsured or doesn’t have enough coverage to fully compensate for your damages. While Liability Insurance covers damages you cause to others, UM/UIM is designed to protect you when someone else is at fault but lacks sufficient insurance.

Relationship with Other Policies

UM/UIM works hand in hand with Collision Coverage and Personal Injury Protection (PIP). While Collision handles repairs to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault, UM/UIM steps in specifically when the other driver’s insurance isn’t enough. PIP, meanwhile, covers your medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, but UM/UIM goes beyond PIP by ensuring that the at-fault party's lack of insurance doesn’t leave you with uncovered costs.

Optional Add-Ons for Enhanced Protection

UM/UIM protection can be enhanced with additional coverages, such as Underinsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage. This add-on specifically covers property damage in situations where the other driver’s insurance is insufficient to pay for vehicle repairs or replacement.

Factors Affecting UM/UIM Protection Cost

• State Requirements: Some states require UM/UIM coverage, while others do not. The cost of your policy will depend on your state’s minimum requirements and whether you choose to increase coverage.
• Coverage Limits: Opting for higher limits to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage will increase your premium but provide more comprehensive protection.
• Your Driving Record: A clean driving record can help lower your premiums, while a history of accidents or claims might raise the cost of UM/UIM coverage.

Practical Tips for Choosing the Right UM/UIM Coverage

What to Consider When Selecting UM/UIM:

• State Minimums May Not Be Enough: Many states set low minimum requirements for UM/UIM coverage. Consider increasing your limits to ensure you’re adequately protected in the event of a serious accident.
• Think Beyond Medical Expenses: Property damage can also be significant after an accident. Make sure your UM/UIM policy includes coverage for vehicle repairs or replacement.

• Assess Your Risk: If you live in an area with a high number of uninsured drivers, stronger UM/UIM coverage may be essential. Your insurance agent can provide data on uninsured drivers in your area to help guide your decision.

How Much UM/UIM Coverage Should You Have?

When determining the right amount of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection, it’s important to consider:

• Your Vehicle's Value: Ensure your coverage is enough to replace or repair your car after an accident with an uninsured driver.
• Your Health Insurance: If your health insurance offers limited coverage for accident-related injuries, you may want to opt for higher UM/UIM limits to fill in the gaps.
• Your Income Needs: Lost wages can add up quickly after an accident, so factor in your income level when deciding how much UM/UIM coverage you need.

Stay Protected with Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Don’t let someone else’s lack of insurance put your finances at risk. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection ensures that you’re covered—no matter what. New customers can fill out the contact form at the top of the page or call 888-566-2679 to speak to an agent today! Existing customers can find their local office’s information here.

^{_{The above is meant as general information and as general policy descriptions to help you understand the different types of coverages. These descriptions do not refer to any specific contract of insurance and they do not modify any definitions, exclusions or any other provision expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. We encourage you to speak to your insurance representative and to read your policy contract to fully understand your coverages.}}