Uninsured Motorist Coverage Is Worth the Extra Cost

In these tough economic times, more drivers than ever before are driving without auto insurance. And as unemployment continues to rise, it’s expected that the number of uninsured drivers will also continue to rise. Although most states require drivers to carry auto insurance, many drivers simply can no longer afford the cost so they go without.

If would be nice if uninsured drivers did not drive. But they do and there’s no way to avoid them because there’s no way to know who they are. But you can protect yourself by purchasing Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist coverage. Known by the initials UM/UIM, this type of auto insurance is optional in most states. And because it’s optional coverage, many insured drivers choose not to carry it. But you should and here are some compelling reasons why.

UM/UIM protects you

In the event you’re ever involved in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver and suffer injuries, that driver is legally liable for that accident. Rather than attempting to collect from the uninsured driver yourself, your insurance company will step in if you have UM/UIM coverage. It will pay you and then attempt to recoup from the un- or underinsured driver the amount it paid out to you; a process that could take years. Without such coverage, you’d probably have to pay your medical bills plus the legal bills incurred while trying to get money from the un- or underinsured driver; money you may never get.


UM/UIM coverage isn’t very expensive

This type of optional coverage isn’t expensive. But if you need help justifying the additional cost, just think how much you could be paying if you were ever in an accident with an un- or underinsured driver! A good rule of thumb is to purchase an amount of UM/UIM coverage equal to the amount of your liability limits.

Some other words of advice
  • If you forgo collision coverage because you drive an older car, look into UMPD or Uninsured Motorists Property Damage coverage. This coverage pays the costs of repairing your car in the event it has been damaged in an accident caused by an un- or underinsured driver.
  • Always drive defensively. Your driving is really all that you can control.