Insurance 101:   Underinsured Motorist

Insurance 101: Underinsured Motorist

| February 06, 2020

Let's have a little chat about an optional auto insurance coverage:  Underinsured Motorist.

That's right -- I said "Optional." 

Another words, the State does not require this coverage to drive on the highway. 

Although not mandatory, in order to protect yourself, it is necessary

How this works

On your policy, this coverage would be with the Liability section, usually underneath a listed car. 

Underinsured Motorist Coverage protects the policyholder -- that's you!

This means if the person who caused the accident has insurance, but not enough:

Example:

  • You are disabled or severely injured or
  • Your car is totaled or
  • Both
  • Or there is a multi-car accident.

By having Underinsured Motorist coverage on all cars on your policy -- this protection picks up where the at-fault person's policy leaves off. 

There is a catch

Most States require the same insurance protection you would provide someone else (liability) for Injuries per person, Injuries per accident and Damage to all property/autos. 

This means if your insurance is "street legal" and you prefer the minimum liability limits the state allows, you could be looking at:

  • $25,000 Bodily Injury per person (this is up to this limit per person)
  • $50,000 Bodily Injury total per accident (remember this is the maximum  total for injuries per accident)
  • $25,000 Property Damage (cars, bridges, houses, etc.)

Consider this

Think about your car -- what kind do you drive?--Would you be able to replace it for $25,000?

How different would your life be if you were disabled and not able to work after a car accident? -- would $25,000 be enough for you to survive on? 

If the answer to either one of these questions is "No" or "Maybe,"  pick up the phone and call one of our licensed knowledgeable team today to learn more:  1.800.886.0305.  

Do not wait

Do not wait until something happens and find out there is no additional insurance protection for you. 

*DISCLAIMER: Coverage specifics may vary per state; talk with a licensed representative in your state to learn more.