Car accidents are a terrible thing. No one wants or prays for them. However, you know what’s worse? Getting in an accident with a motorist who is uninsured. For most people, the first thing they think about immediately after an accident is if they or their loved ones are okay.
If they are, the next thing they do is think about the fact that the other driver has insurance. This is why most people immediately ask to trade insurance information with each other after a fender-bender.
The problem, however, is what happened when the other party does not have insurance? Doubt it? Well, studies have shown that roughly 14 percent of all drivers in the US do not have insurance. That is an estimated one in seven.
Insurance laws vary according to state and the at-fault party may not be able to pay for damages. As a result, you will need to find a way to fix your car or get the appropriate medical treatment.
Having an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist policy (UM/UIM) can make a whole lot of difference if you get involved in an accident with someone who has no auto insurance.
Reasons Why You Should Have an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Protects You from Unprotected Drivers
Uninsured and Underinsured motorist coverage often covers two important things:
- Bodily injury and damage sustained by all occupants of your vehicle
- Damage to the vehicle itself
This essentially means that when you get an uninsured or underinsured motorists insurance policy, you are doing it for your peace of mind. Most people do not know this, but your standard auto insurance policy does not cover accidents involving people without insurance.
Unfortunately, they will not find out until it is too late. If you are in doubt, ask your insurance agent about their uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage protects you from people without coverage.
Quite Affordable
When it comes to insurance, many people are often wary of the premiums they have to pay. However, the reality is these premiums are meant to provide you with the necessary help one day. No one wants to experience accidents.
However, if it does happen, you want to be sure that your expenses will be taken care of. Thankfully, uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage will only cost you a bit extra than what you are paying for auto insurance now and may come in handy in one form or another.
Covers many Things
Your standard auto insurance policy often includes only damages to your vehicle and maybe some medical bills. Uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage does a lot more than that.
For example, let us say that you or another passenger in the vehicle were to suffer bodily injury as a result of an accident caused by someone who is uninsured or underinsured. Your uninsured/underinsured motorists bodily injury policy can pay for your medical bills, injured passengers, lost wages, and physical injuries caused by hit-and-run drivers.
Overall, getting an uninsured motorist plan along with your auto insurance policy is a very smart move. It can save your life and that of your loved ones one day. Talk to your insurance agent if you need more clarifications or information. I also recommend looking into insurance websites like insuranceland.org to help locate the best policy for you.
Oscar King is a freelance writer who specializes in various topics pertaining to cars and finance. As such, he writes a lot about insurance, and provides advice to help his audience stay safe. If you wish to learn more about Oscar you can visit his profile on Google+.