As a responsible driver, you probably have auto insurance coverage to protect yourself and your vehicle in case of an accident. But what happens if you get into a collision with an uninsured or underinsured motorist?
This is where uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) comes into play. Here is why you need UM/UIM coverage and how it works to safeguard you on the road.
Why do you need UM/UIM coverage? 
According to a report by the Insurance Information Institute, approximately 1 in 8 drivers in the United States is uninsured. This means that if you are involved in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, you may be left to cover the damages and expenses out of your own pocket.
In addition, even if the at-fault driver has insurance, their policy may not provide sufficient coverage to fully compensate you for your injuries and damage, resulting in an underinsured motorist situation.
This is where UM/UIM coverage becomes crucial. It acts as a safety net, protecting you and your passengers in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. UM coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance, while UIM coverage comes into play when the at-fault driver's insurance is insufficient to cover the full extent of your damages.
How does UM/UIM coverage work?
UM/UIM coverage is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy, but we highly recommended including it for enhanced protection. When you have UM/UIM coverage, it typically pays for the following:
Medical Expenses
UM/UIM coverage can help cover your medical bills resulting from injuries sustained in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. This can include hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and other necessary medical treatments.
Property Damage
UM/UIM coverage can help repair or replace your vehicle or property that was damaged in the accident.
Lost Wages
If you are unable to work due to injuries sustained in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, UM/UIM coverage can compensate you for lost wages during your recovery period.
Pain and Suffering
UM/UIM coverage may also provide compensation for pain and suffering resulting from the accident, which can help ease the emotional and mental distress caused by the incident.
Policy Limits
It's important to note that UM/UIM coverage typically has policy limits, which determine the maximum amount your insurance will pay out. It's crucial to review and understand your policy limits to ensure that you have adequate coverage that meets your needs.
Additionally, UM/UIM coverage may have a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Again, it's important to understand the deductible requirements of your policy and factor that into your decision-making process.
Should You Get UM/UIM Coverage?
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is a vital component of your auto insurance policy that provides added protection on the road. With the high number of uninsured and underinsured drivers on the road, having UM/UIM coverage can give you peace of mind knowing that you are financially protected in case of an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
It's essential to review your auto insurance policy and consider adding UM/UIM coverage to ensure that you have adequate protection against unforeseen circumstances on the road.
If you would like a free policy review, or you’re looking to add UM/UIM coverage to your auto insurance spolicy, Fiorentino Insurance Group is here to help. Reach out today for more information on how these policies can help protect you and your family.