State laws require that drivers have auto liability coverage. If a driver causes an accident, their insurance company pays for the resulting damages. However, approximately 14 percent of drivers go uninsured across the country. This fact makes uninsured motorist coverage an important part of every auto insurance policy.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage takes care of damages that an uninsured, at-fault is financially incapable of paying. Some policies offer UM bodily injury coverage only. Others include UM coverage for injuries and damage to your property. These coverages only come into play under specific circumstances.
- The driver of the other car must be legally liable for the accident.
- Your insurance company must verify that the other driver had no liability insurance at the time of the accident. A hit-and-run driver is also considered uninsured for the purposes of determining coverage.
Once these two issues have been cleared up, your own insurance carrier will often handle your injury claim the way his insurance company would have handled it had he met his obligation to purchase liability coverage.
Liability Isn’t Always Clear
Before an insurance company agrees to pay for your claim under your UM coverage, they will investigate to determine liability. An insurance adjuster will examine your car to evaluate the collision damage and determine who was at fault.
The adjuster may conduct a site investigation, request the police report, talk to witnesses and obtain medical bills to document your injuries. She will get a statement from you explaining what happened and also contact the responsible party to get his version. Once the adjuster has enough information, she will advise you of her position on liability and explain what you should do next.
What Benefits Does Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage Provide?
Once your insurance company has determined that you were injured and the other guy was at fault, they will handle your UM bodily injury claim the way they handle liability claims. They can pay for your medical bills, rehab costs, lost wages, household help and any other expenses incurred as a result of your injuries. You may also be entitled to money for pain and suffering, scarring, permanent disabilities, loss of consortium and other considerations.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage is Important
What happens if you don’t have UM coverage? You could always sue the other driver for your damages. You may be successful in getting a judgment, but if he has no insurance or assets, you’ll probably never collect a dime.
Unfortunately, lost wages and other uncovered expenses could leave you with a heavy financial burden that will be difficult to overcome. With so much at stake, you can’t afford not to have this important coverage on your policy.
Get the coverage you need. Call Key City Insurance at 866-466-2109 for more information on Victorville auto insurance.