The Importance of Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Picture this: you’re driving home from work, minding your own business, when suddenly a car comes out of nowhere and hits you. You’re shaken up, but thankfully not seriously injured. The other driver, however, doesn’t have insurance. Now what?
This is where uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage comes in. It’s a type of insurance that protects you in the event that you’re in an accident with a driver who either doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages.
Why You Need Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
You might be thinking, “I have insurance, so I’m covered, right?” Not necessarily. If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, your insurance company may not cover the full cost of the damages. And if the other driver has insurance, but not enough to cover the damages, you could be left paying out of pocket.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can help fill in those gaps. It can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. It’s an extra layer of protection that can give you peace of mind on the road.
Real-World Examples
Let’s look at some real-world examples of why uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is so important. In 2019, a woman in California was hit by a driver who didn’t have insurance. She had uninsured motorist coverage, which helped cover her medical expenses and car repairs.
In another case, a man in Texas was hit by a driver who had insurance, but not enough to cover the damages. His underinsured motorist coverage kicked in and helped cover the difference.
These are just two examples of how uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can help protect you in the event of an accident.
The Cost of Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
You might be wondering how much uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage costs. The good news is that it’s relatively inexpensive. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost of uninsured motorist coverage is just $50 to $75 per year.
Of course, the cost will vary depending on factors like your driving history and where you live. But for the most part, it’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind it provides.
The Bottom Line
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is an important type of insurance that can protect you in the event of an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance. It’s relatively inexpensive and can save you from paying out of pocket for damages.
So next time you’re reviewing your insurance policy, make sure you have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference if you’re ever in an accident.