It may not appear that uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is necessary to add to your policy, but this coverage is actually very important.
Read on to learn more about uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
What Does Uninsured Motorist Insurance Cover?
Uninsured motorist insurance covers your injuries, medical bills, or vehicle repairs if you’re struck by a driver who doesn’t have auto insurance or one who has too little auto insurance coverage.
In Virginia, many drivers have no insurance. The law requires drivers with insurance to carry a minimum coverage limit of $25,000. It doesn’t take a very bad injury to result in medical bills that exceed those minimum limits. Unless you have uninsured motorist coverage with higher limits, there may be inadequate or no funds available to pay your bills or to compensate you for your injuries.
Since the at-fault driver’s insurance policy is typically responsible for covering expenses related to damage done to the victim’s vehicle, you may have to pay for your damages out-of-pocket if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance. That’s where uninsured motorist coverage comes in.
What Does Underinsured Motorist Insurance Cover?
If you’re struck by an underinsured driver, this insurance coverage will help pay for your expenses that won’t be covered by the driver’s policy.
As defined by Virginia state law, “A motor vehicle is ‘underinsured’ when, and to the extent that, the total amount of bodily injury and property damage coverage applicable to the operation or use of the motor vehicle and available for payment for such bodily injury or property damage, including all bonds or deposits of money or securities made pursuant to Article 15 (§ 46.2-435 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 46.2, is less than the total amount of uninsured motorist coverage afforded any person injured as a result of the operation or use of the vehicle.”
Said simply, underinsured motorist coverage protects you if the at-fault driver’s insurance policy won’t cover all the damage you’ve endured as a result of the accident. Call your insurance agent and ask whether you have adequate uninsured motorist coverage.
We urge our clients and friends to increase their underinsured motorist limits as high as they can responsibly afford. Think of it like this. If a member of your household is seriously injured in a crash that is the fault of someone with very little or no insurance, uninsured motorist coverage may be the only available source of funds for compensation.
We’re Here For You
If you’ve been struck by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, our team may be able to help. At Obenshain Law Group, our attorneys are highly experienced in car accident cases and we’ve helped many other people just like you. Don’t hesitate to contact our firm with your case right away.
If you or a loved one is ever involved in a crash, our lawyers at Obenshain Law Group can help you receive the settlement you deserve. Give us a call at (540) 318-7360 or fill out an online contact form.
