If you find yourself on the roads constantly in Florida, it is highly recommended that you get UM and UIM coverage. Utilizing your UM policy protection after a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver could be crucial to receiving the compensation you deserve. If you’re ever involved in a car accident with a driver who does not have adequate policy limits or that carries no car insurance at all, you can work with your own insurance company and receive compensation for your damages. When most car accidents occur compensation is delivered from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. If the driver who was at fault does not carry adequate insurance coverage, you will have to seek compensation from your own insurance policy. There is where carrying underinsured motorist coverage comes into play.
UIM Coverage
UIM coverage is designed for use if you are hit by a driver with no car insurance or one that has a policy unable to payout what you need completely. If a driver is deemed to be at fault, the only way that you could receive compensation without UIM coverage is through a personal injury lawsuit. The individual that caused the accident likely does not have significant assets if they carry no insurance coverage or a limited policy. A personal injury claim is a lengthy and expensive process.. A much more effective route would be opening up an accident claim against your own insurance company and using your UIM coverage. Most states do not require the use of UIM coverage, as this is usually an add-on to your policy. Asking your insurance company if they provide this coverage is the first step to ensuring your life isn’t turned upside down by an uninsured driver.
UIM coverage is capped to the extent of your own policy liability limits. You may want to consider upgrading your policy limits so that you can upgrade your coverage as well. If you have just the minimum amount of coverage for the state, upgrading your insurance policy will ensure that you are well protected if another driver is at fault for the accident and does not have adequate coverage. Speak to your insurance provider and find out more about the UM coverage options that are available to you.
How These Claims Work
If you’re hit by a driver that is underinsured or not insured at all you’ll need to report to your insurance company. Most insurance companies will have a series of strict deadlines in place when managing these claims. If you are speaking to the at fault driver and you find that they don’t have insurance coverage, refuse insurance information or they don’t have access to proper coverage, inform your insurance company immediately.
These claims often take a bit longer to payout settlements but they can help to cover your medical treatments and pay out in the same way a typical claim will.
If you are considering using this type of coverage it’s also important to remember that once you agree on a fair settlement figure for your claim, you will not be able to file a lawsuit against your insurer.
If you would like to learn more about UM or UIM coverage or how you should proceed when involved in one of these accidents, contact us today!