Motorists are required to purchase car insurance, but not all do. There is a viable option for recovering compensation from a collision involving an uninsured motorist. Insurance companies offer an additional coverage option. The coverage is referred to as uninsured motorist coverage. Different forms of UM coverage are available.
Bodily injury coverage
This coverage option is available to the driver and the passengers in your vehicle. The majority of coverage options include recovery for medical bills and expenses. The policy can also cover lost wages, funeral expenses, pain, and suffering. You can find difficulties obtaining compensation for damages exceeding your policy limits. A Philadelphia car accident attorney can explain your options.
Property damage coverage
Coverage for property damage is not offered or included in all policies or states. Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage typically covers bodily injury. If you are provided property damage coverage, it will cover damage to your vehicle. The premise of this coverage option is to cover repairs to your car; it will cover:
- Rental car costs
- Collision deductibles
- Out of pocket expenses
- Repair costs
Pennsylvania allows motorists to stack policy limits for multi-car policies. Whether coverage is stacked will depend on the individual insurance company. State law in Pennslyvania requires drivers to carry a minimum of $15,000 in liability insurance. Property damage insurance has a minimum of $5,000 in Pennsylvania.
How to add underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage to your policy
You will be given the option to add underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage when purchasing a new insurance policy. The coverage limit will be equal to your policy limits. You will be able to tap into these benefits after the other party’s insurance policy is maxed out. Check your policy if you do not know whether you currently have UM coverage. You can check your policy online or by calling your insurance company. If you do not have UM coverage, speak with your insurance company to add it to your current policy.
Costs of UM coverage
There is an additional monthly cost associated with UM coverage. The cost of adding this to your insurance policy depends on the state you reside. In states where there are more uninsured drivers, the prices are higher. The monthly fees deter drivers from obtaining this coverage; the benefits outweigh the costs. Imagine being in a collision with an uninsured driver or a driver who flees the scene. You cannot file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You will need to pay for all damages out of pocket. It can result in you paying thousands of dollars for the irresponsibility of another driver.
Rejecting UM coverage
Several states require uninsured/uninsured motorist coverage. Other states offer it as an add-on to car insurance policies. If you do not want to add this benefit to your policy, you need to provide a rejection notice in writing. Pennsylvania makes this coverage optional. Rejecting UM coverage is risky. If you are involved in an accident, you will pay all medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. You can sue the other driver. It is likely that if they cannot pay for car insurance, they will be unable to pay for your damages. While suing is an option, it may not garner favorable results. Discuss your legal options with a Philadelphia car accident attorney.
What happens in a car accident
When you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can be compensated for injuries and property damage. If you do not carry uninsured motorist coverage, you are liable for any damages caused by a collision. You will be liable to pay for medical expenses, out-of-pocket expenses, and expenses incurred from missing work. When you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can be compensated for injuries and property damage. Coverage can cover you and your passengers, depending on your policy.
Were you injured in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured motorist? You have options, call Kwartler Manus, LLC at (267) 457-5570 or fill out our online contact form. Together, we will determine the best legal route for your case.