According to the Insurance Information Institute, approximately 13 percent of drivers in the United States do not have proper insurance on their vehicle. Many of those motorists are right here in Pennsylvania. This statistic has many wondering if they should add uninsured motorist coverage to their insurance policies, even though Pennsylvania law does not require it. However, adding uninsured motorist to an insurance policy can provide great peace of mind for any driver.
What is Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Insurance?
Although Pennsylvania has laws on the minimum amounts of auto insurance drivers must carry, not all drivers follow the law. When that is the case, uninsured motorist insurance (UM) and underinsured motorist insurance (UIM) can protect drivers.
UM coverage allows injured drivers to claim compensation from their own insurance company if they are in an accident with a driver that does not carry insurance. Likewise, UIM coverage provides coverage for drivers involved in a crash with a driver that did not have enough insurance on their vehicle.
In the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, each driver must go through their own insurance company.
Many people think, UM and UIM insurance is not necessary. If a person is in an accident, their insurance company will provide coverage, pay medical bills and lost wages up to a certain amount. As such, they don’t see the point in purchasing additional coverage that will make their policy more expensive.
Unfortunately in Pennsylvania, the amount of insurance provided is often not enough to fully cover the cost of serious injuries. When this is the case, UM and UIM coverage can provide additional coverage to help cover the cost. This provides a safeguard for motorists, as they won’t have to pay out-of-pocket for medical bills and other expenses related to an accident.
When motorists drive without insurance though, it’s usually because they can’t afford it. Due to this, filing a lawsuit against an uninsured motorist is typically irrelevant because they have no funds or assets to ask for in a lawsuit. Here too, UM and UIM coverage in your policy can help cover the costs of an accident.
In a Crash? Call Our Pennsylvania Car Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been in a car accident and are now suffering from serious injuries, call our Allentown auto accident attorneys at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim. We can help you deal with the insurance company to get the full settlement you deserve, and help you file a claim against at-fault drivers when necessary. Call us today at (215) 486-0123 or contact us online so we can begin reviewing your case.
Resource:
iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists
https://www.mtvlaw.com/what-is-the-limited-threshold-in-pennsylvania/