Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims
You may have an uninsured motorist’s claim, an underinsured motorist’s claim, or a question about your type of claim. There are similarities between both types of claims, but differences are important to understand.
Detailed Explanation of Coverage
Understanding the specifics of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is crucial for ensuring you are adequately protected in the event of an accident. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what these coverages typically include:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)
Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance. This coverage can help with:
- Medical Expenses: Covers the cost of medical treatment for injuries sustained in the accident, including hospital bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Compensates for income lost due to the inability to work while recovering from accident-related injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Provides compensation for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident.
- Property Damage: Although typically not included, some policies may offer coverage for damage to your vehicle or personal property.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)
Underinsured motorist coverage comes into play when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are insufficient to cover all your damages. This coverage can assist with:
- Supplemental Medical Costs: Pays for medical expenses that exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance limits.
- Additional Lost Income: Covers ongoing lost wages if the compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance is inadequate.
- Extended Rehabilitation and Therapy: Provides long-term rehabilitation or therapy that may be necessary due to severe injuries.
- Legal Fees: Some policies may cover legal expenses incurred while pursuing a claim against the underinsured driver.
Why These Coverages Matter
Having uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is essential for financial protection, especially considering the number of uninsured or underinsured drivers on the road. These coverages ensure you are not left bearing the financial burden of an accident caused by someone else’s lack of adequate insurance.
Consult with an Expert
Navigating the complexities of insurance claims can be challenging. If you have questions about your coverage or need assistance with a claim, consulting with an experienced attorney can provide clarity and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Illinois Laws for Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Claims
In the state of Illinois, you are required to have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as part of your car insurance policy. UM coverage helps protect you, the policyholder, from injuries caused by an uninsured motorist. The minimum coverage you are required to have is $20,000/$40,000. This amount will help give you the minimum financial coverage needed if you sustain damages from a car accident caused by a negligent uninsured motorist.
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage allows you to collect money from your insurer if the at-fault driver causes bodily injuries that are not adequately covered by their insurance plan. Under-insured motorist coverage may be available when you were injured as an occupant of a car, whether you’re a bicyclist, or whether you are a pedestrian on the street if a driver struck you and the insurance on that vehicle was not enough to cover your injuries. When the insurance on the other vehicle is not adequate, you can make a claim on your auto insurance for underinsured motorist coverage. There are certain rules and exclusions under Illinois law that may apply.
If the at-fault driver’s coverage doesn’t completely compensate you and your insurance company refuses to pay up, you need an experienced attorney to fight for you.
Looking for more information on uninsured motorist issues or car accident issues in general? Here are some great articles on our site:
How Much is my Uninsured Motorist Claim Worth?
Uninsured Motorist and Under-Insured Motorist Arbitration Bill
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Injury Claims Are Special