Understanding Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Why Every Driver Needs It
When you’re involved in a car accident, you expect the at-fault driver’s insurance to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage. Unfortunately, thousands of drivers on the road carry little or no insurance at all. This is where Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage becomes one of the most important protections you can buy.
What Is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist Coverage protects you when the driver who caused the accident has no insurance at all. Despite insurance being legally required, many drivers either let their policies lapse or never obtain one in the first place. UM coverage can pay for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, vehicle repairs, and funeral expenses in fatal cases. In hit-and-run accidents—where the other driver flees and cannot be identified—UM coverage often applies as well.
What Is Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage?
Underinsured Motorist Coverage applies when the at-fault driver does have insurance, but not enough to cover your damages. For example, if your medical bills are $150,000 and the other driver only carries $15,000 in liability coverage, their insurance will be exhausted quickly. Your UIM coverage can step in and pay the difference, up to your policy limit.
When UM/UIM Coverage Applies
UM/UIM coverage may apply when the at-fault driver has no insurance, the at-fault driver flees the scene (hit-and-run), the driver has insurance but not enough to cover your losses, you are struck as a pedestrian or bicyclist, or you are injured while riding in someone else’s car that carries UM/UIM coverage.
How UM/UIM Claims Work
- File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance first.
- Once their coverage is exhausted—or if none exists—your UM/UIM claim opens.
- Your insurance company becomes the party responsible for compensating you.
- Despite being your insurer, they may still dispute your injuries or damages.
- Hiring a lawyer prevents the insurer from undervaluing your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About UM/UIM Coverage
Do I need UM/UIM if I have health insurance?
Yes. Health insurance does not compensate you for pain and suffering, lost wages, or vehicle damage. UM/UIM does.
Does UM/UIM cover my passengers?
Usually, yes. Your UM/UIM policy often protects any passengers in your vehicle at the time of the crash.
Does UM/UIM apply in hit-and-run incidents?
Yes, in most cases.
Contact a Baton Rouge Car Accident Lawyer at Mansfield Melancon Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Please contact Mansfield Melancon Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Baton Rouge, LA, today.
