InsuranceThought — Blogs About Insurance

Uninsured motorists, according to the Insurance Research Council (IRC), cause fourteen percent of the injuries sustained by occupants of vehicles with insurance. As a driver with insurance, if an uninsured driver is at fault in an accident with your car, your personal auto insurance will not cover your property damage, nor any personal injuries you sustain, unless you opt to include uninsured motorist coverage.

Liability and State Law

It is estimated by the IRC that a full one in seven drivers in the U.S. do not carry auto insurance. In many states, however, state law requires motorists to have sufficient auto liability coverage. Different states, of course, will require varying levels of auto insurance coverage; it often depends upon the age of your vehicle whether or not you must carry full coverage or only liability.

If a motorist is caught driving without insurance, he or she will likely be subject to penalties, including, but not limited to: civil lawsuits for compensation of injuries of damaged property, criminal lawsuits – which can lead to heavy fines or even imprisonment – revocation or suspension of your license, vehicle impoundment, or the inability to become insured after the accident.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

If you are involved in an accident that has been caused by an uninsured motorist of a hit-and-run, uninsured motorist coverage can help cover the costs of repairs and/or medical treatment. Unlike your regular auto liability insurance, uninsured motorist coverage protects you, rather than others involved in a car collision.

Collision or comprehensive insurance will help you to be completely covered against costs associated with an accident that occurred because of an uninsured motorist.

It is within your right to seek compensation from an uninsured driver through legal action, however, uninsured motorist coverage will ensure that you received compensation for damages or injuries in a timely manner rather than waiting for a decision handed down through the court system.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Underinsured coverage is similar to uninsured, but protects you against drivers who have insufficient liability rather than none at all. Your insurance company will cover any amount owed to you by the underinsured motorist if you opt for this type of protection.