Uninsured & Underinsured (UM/UIM) Motorist Coverage | The Carlson Law Firm

Uninsured / Underinsured (UM/UIM) Motorists
Uninsured and underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist claims apply to those individuals who were involved in an accident with a driver who was either didn’t have insurance or didn’t have enough insurance. UM/UIM insurance covers you and any household family member riding in any car as well as any non-family members riding in your insured auto.

UM/UIM Insurance is worth the extra cost
Uninsured motorist cover and underinsured motorist coverage are types of optional insurance offered through your auto insurance companies. This insurance is not automatically included in whatever type of insurance you purchase. You must add on UM/UIM insurance to your policy. UM/UIM insurance covers you and your household family members riding in any car. In addition, it covers non-family members riding in your car as well.

Depending on where you live, UIM is part of UM. However, this is not always the case. It is important that you check with your insurance company to make sure you carry both UM and UIM insurance.

What is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Insurance?
Uninsured motorist coverage covers when a driver without insurance hits you. Further, this coverage can cover you if there is a hit and run.

What is Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Insurance?
An underinsured motorist differs from an uninsured motorist. Underinsured motorists are drivers that carry insurance, but do not have enough to pay for the entirety of your injuries after a crash. For example, if your medical bills and property total $50,000, but the at-fault driver carries the most basic liability insurance coverage of $30,000, then you are vulnerable to needing to cover $20,000 in medical bills and property damage. If you carry UIM insurance, then you can turn to your insurance company to cover the rest of your expenses.

After a Car Crash, Consider the Following Steps:
Stay at the scene
Ensure your safety
Call the police
Gather details
Talk to witnesses
Take photos
Go to your doctor
Contact a qualified car crash lawyer

What not to do after a car crash:
Do not admit fault: Be courteous, but avoid apologizing to the other driver, no matter who is at fault. Stick to the facts when speaking to others.
Do not post about the crash on social media: Insurance companies have a team of investigators who will look at your social media accounts and dig into your background to find information to deny fault and eventually deny your claim.
Do not speak to the at-fault driver’s insurance adjusters: Keep in mind that insurance adjusters do not have your best interest in mind. They are trained to settle your claim for the least amount possible, even it means undervaluing your injuries. Anything you say during a phone call with them may be recorded and used against you in the future.
Do not accept a check: Although you do want to report the car crash to your insurance company, don’t take any form of payment without fully understanding the extent of your losses, injuries, and damages. This may not entirely or fairly compensate you for your damages. Don’t sign any waivers provided to you by your insurance company without seeking the advice of a personal injury attorney first.