Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are both types of auto insurance that provide financial protection in case of accidents involving drivers without insurance or with insufficient coverage. Here are the differences.
Uninsured motorist coverage | Underinsured motorist coverage |
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM coverage) is designed to protect you if you’re involved in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. | Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM coverage) comes into play when the at-fault driver has insurance but with coverage limits that are insufficient to fully compensate you for your losses. |
It helps cover your expenses when the at-fault driver doesn’t have any liability insurance. It provides compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident. | It is meant to bridge the gap between the at-fault driver’s inadequate insurance and your actual expenses. It provides additional compensation to cover your remaining medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. |
To claim UM coverage, you generally need to establish that the other driver was at fault, uninsured, and responsible for your injuries or property damage. This usually involves proving their lack of insurance through police reports or other evidence. | To claim UIM coverage, you typically need to demonstrate that the at-fault driver’s liability limits are insufficient to cover your losses. This may involve exhausting the available liability coverage before seeking compensation through your UIM coverage. |
Conclusion
Both uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage provides protection in accidents involving drivers without adequate insurance, they differ in terms of the responsible party’s insurance status. UM coverage applies when the at-fault driver is uninsured, while UIM coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance but with insufficient coverage limits.
It’s important to review your insurance policy to understand the specific coverage limits and requirements for both types of coverage.