PROTECTING YOURSELF WITH UM/UIM COVERAGE

California requires all motor vehicle operators to maintain liability insurance with limits of at least $15,000. What happens if your injuries in an auto accident exceed that coverage?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policies may help. They provide coverage for you, in case you are in an accident caused by a driver with no or little liability insurance. If the other driver has no insurance, and is thus “uninsured,” your insurance company compensates you for your bodily injuries and property damage, up to an including the amount of your policy.

An underinsured policy applies where the other driver has very little liability insurance, but your bodily injuries and property damage exceed that amount. Perhaps the other driver only has the state-mandated minimum of $15,000, but your injuries exceed $50,000. In this case, the other driver is “underinsured,” meaning he/she does not have enough insurance coverage to compensate you. Here, your insurance company would compensate you for your injuries that exceed the other driver’s insurance coverage, up to and including the amount of your policy.

With the increases in the general cost of living, and especially in medical services, the minimum liability requirement of $15,000 seems woefully inadequate to fully compensate those involved in anything other than minor motor vehicle accidents. One way to protect yourself against incurring these losses is through uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance, with limits appropriate for your particular circumstances.

Another way to protect yourself is to seek the assistance of an experienced, competent personal injury attorney. The law firm of Heiting & Irwin has for over 30 years represented clients in successfully bringing all types of personal injury lawsuits, including navigating the waters of insurance claims, and we are readily available to provide you with assistance. Please call us today if you need help.