Collision insurance can be a valuable tool for drivers who may be at risk for uninsured motorists (UMS) claims. In this article, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of collision insurance, and whether or not it covers UMS claims.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of insurance that provides protection for you and your passengers in the event that you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. This coverage can help to pay for injuries or damage that you may cause to the other vehicle, as well as any medical expenses that the other driver may incur.
How Does Collision Insurance Work?
Collision insurance covers damage to a car caused by another driver who is uninsured or not at fault. It can help pay for repairs, replacement costs, and lost wages if you’re injured in a car crash.
The type of coverage you need depends on the value of your vehicle and your state’s requirements. The minimum required coverage varies by state, but typically includes $10,000 for property damage, $25,000 for injury and death, and $50,000 for both injuries and death.
If you’re involved in a car crash that results in serious injury or death, make sure to speak with an attorney about your rights and options. Collision insurance doesn’t always cover everything that’s wrong with your car after a wreck, so it’s important to have an idea of what potential claims could be made against you.
When Is Coverage Recommended?
When you purchase collision insurance, you are generally required to maintain the policy until your car is written off or the policy expires. However, there are a few instances when you may want to consider dropping coverage before your policy expires.
If you know that you will never contact the at-fault driver, then dropping coverage prior to the policy expiration may be a good decision. If you do contact the at-fault driver, and they have insurance that covers uninsured motorist (UM) damage, then your policy may not cover any of the damage.
If you have children in the car who are not covered by your own collision insurance, then dropping coverage prior to the policy expiration may be a good decision. If an uninsured motorist damages your car while your children are in the car, your children may not be able to receive personal injury protection (PIP) from their own collision insurance policy. In some cases, PIP can provide a lifetime benefit for injuries suffered as a result of a car accident.
It is important to consult with an insurance agent or broker before making any decisions about whether or not to drop coverage prior to the policy expiration.
What if I’m Uninsured and Get In a Car Accident?
If you’re involved in a car accident and the other driver is uninsured, your policy may not cover you. You may be able to recover damages from the at-fault driver, but don’t expect to be fully reimbursed for your injuries or losses. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re uninsured and get into a car accident:
1. Make sure you have comprehensive auto insurance. This will cover you regardless of who’s at fault in the accident.
2. If you’re injured in the accident, don’t wait to see a doctor. Get treatment for your injuries as soon as possible so you can start recovering and minimize your financial damages.
3. If you have property damage in the accident, make sure to take pictures of the damage and document it with receipts or other documents. This will help prove your case if there is an insurance dispute.
4. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, don’t expect them to pay for all of your damages or costs related to the accident. You may be able to sue them for money damages or seek reimbursement for any medical expenses or lost wages that you incurred as a result of the accident.
Conclusion
If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your car insurance policy will likely cover any damages that occur as a result of an uninsured driver hitting your vehicle. Make sure to read your policy carefully so that you are aware of what is covered and what isn’t.