Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Most of the United States have laws that require motorists to carry liability insurance. Unfortunately, not all car drivers take that responsibility seriously. Many drivers do not have the proper coverage. Sometimes drivers don’t have enough insurance to cover damage in accidents. That’s why insurance companies offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. These policies can help you if you end up getting hit by one of these drivers.

The uninsured-underinsured provision is an add-on to the basic policy for an additional premium. You might think the provision is an unnecessary expense; however, it is well worth the cost if there is an accident. Although there are additional premium involved, the coverage will pay for itself in the event you are involved in an accident and the other driver is underinsured or uninsured. Obviously those are not ideal circumstances but it is good to know that you are covered just in case.

Ideally, every motorist should have uninsured motorist coverage, even though it is not required. This coverage not only protects you the driver, but your passengers and anyone listed on the policy are covered if involved in an accident and the other driver is uninsured or is underinsured against damages. Your insurance under the uninsured motorist coverage will cover expenses such as: hospital, treatment, funeral services, car repairs or replacement costs, content damage, disability indemnity, etc. The limit for these expenses will be determined by the amount of your uninsured or under-insured limit in your automobile insurance policy.

This is especially important for drivers who only have liability insurance: although your insurance will cover any costs for property damage or personal injury that you may cause to yourself or another person if you are the at-fault driver, liability alone will not cover any damages caused by someone else.

The limits for this kind of coverage are generally similar to the other limits in your basic liability coverage. Some companies may have minimums required for uninsured motorist coverage, and some will allow you to increase your coverage to equal the limit on your liability coverage.

Make sure you discuss this coverage before you put the finishing touches on your insurance policy. As you probably already know, car accidents cause a phenomenal amount of death and damage each year. Find out from your company how your can insure yourself from irresponsible drivers.

Your dollar-amount limits for this kind of policy is usually the same as your regular boundaries. Like with regular policies, some companies might have minimum and maximum amounts they require.

Susan Reynolds is a content coordinator for a leading South African Insurance Provider that specialises in Car Insurance Policies.