Being in a car accident can be a huge disruption to our lives. Similarly, finding out that the other driver (who may have caused the accident to begin with) doesn’t have insurance is a whole new headache on top of the many health and property concerns you likely already have. Fortunately, you do have options available to you in case of an accident with a motorist who doesn’t have insurance. This blog with explain what uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is. Remember that if you’ve been in a car accident, you shouldn’t face this struggle alone. Contact a York County car accident attorney as soon as you can.
What Is an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist?
When someone doesn’t have insurance, they are an uninsured motorist. If they have insurance, but their policy doesn’t cover enough to compensate your costs, the person is an underinsured motorist.
Although insurance is required by law across the country, Pennsylvania included, many drivers don’t follow the law. Without insurance, someone may not be able to cover the damages they cause you in a car accident at all, which is understandably worrying.
How Can My Insurance Company Help Me?
However, if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you have important protection against such a situation. Under Pennsylvania law, every automobile insurance policy has to offer uninsured motorist coverage, and every driver has to carry at least the minimum coverage of $15,000 per injured person and $30,000 per accident. The only time an insurance company can avoid offering uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is when the insurance company sends you, as the insured, a Waiver Form from the State of Pennsylvania to indicate you waive your right to this coverage.
When you are harmed by an uninsured driver in a hit-and-run, your uninsured driver coverage may pay for your injuries. By the same token, your coverage should also protect you if the other driver has an insurance policy that is insufficient to cover your damages.
However, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage does not pay for damages to your car. You will need collision coverage from your insurance company in that case.
Why Should I Have Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
For many people, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage feels like an unnecessary expense that they would avoid, if the law didn’t make that impossible. Nevertheless, there are strong reasons to purchase this coverage. It can make the difference between fair compensation to help you after a painful accident, or having to take whatever the uninsured or underinsured driver can afford. By purchasing uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, you’re taking control of your financial security.
