Do You Need Ohio Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

In an attempt to save money on insurance, some drivers opt to forgo additional coverage like Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. The question you need to ask yourself is, can you afford to pay out of pocket in a claim if an uninsured or underinsured driver injured you or damaged your car? What if you were struck by a vehicle driver who fled the scene? In scenarios like these, your UM or UIM coverage would be helpful.

If you were struck by a vehicle with no insurance or were the victim of a hit and run, do not give up hope. Speak with an experienced Ohio auto accident attorney today. An attorney can help you determine whether you might have possible coverage for injuries and physical damages.

What Exactly is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage is a bundled type of liability coverage that offers you protection in the event you are in an accident, and the at-fault driver does not have insurance or the limits are not high enough to cover your damages.

UM coverage steps in for liability when the at-fault driver does not have any insurance or if the driver fled the scene of the accident. Instead of making a claim with the defendant’s insurance company, you present a claim to your own.

UIM coverage does not kick in until the at-fault driver’s policy limits have been exhausted. It provides a safety net to you if you are seriously injured by someone who carries only the minimum required liability coverage. Your UIM coverage will cover the gap between the at-fault driver’s coverage and the total cost of the accident, up to your policy limits.

What is important to understand, though, is that UM and UIM are not first-party coverages. That means your insurance company will not automatically pay out your policy limits just because you pay for this coverage. In fact, your insurance company will be evaluating your claim and deciding whether or not your treatment was necessary and valid, whether the other party was at fault, and more.

Because this is a liability claim, it is important to retain an attorney to represent you. Just as you could harm your case with the defendant’s insurance company, you do not want to jeopardize your UM or UIM claim with your own insurance company, either.

Do You Need UM/UIM Coverage?

The question of whether or not you need UIM coverage goes back to the question of whether you can afford to pay your own damages in the event of a serious accident. Despite the law requiring that everyone carry the minimum liability requirements in Ohio, there is still a percentage of uninsured drivers. With liability limits at 25,000/50,000 for bodily injury and 25,000 property damage, there is a real possibility of a UIM claim in an accident with moderate to severe injuries.

Contact an Ohio Auto Accident Attorney

If you need assistance with an auto accident claim in Ohio, contact Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC today to schedule an initial consultation.