Uninsured Motorist Coverage Explained: How It Protects Accident Victims [2022]
If you are in a car accident and the other driver is uninsured, your own insurance policy may help cover the costs of your injuries. This is known as uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage. It can be a lifesaver in a difficult situation. In this article, “Uninsured Motorist Coverage Explained: How It Protects Accident Victims,” we will explain exactly what uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage is and how it can help you after an accident. We will also discuss underinsured motorist coverage and how it can help you if the other driver does not have enough liability insurance to pay for all the damages they caused. Contact an experienced car accident lawyer today for more information about these types of policies and how they can protect you after an accident.
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage (UMBI) Defined
How To Claim On Your Uninsured Motorist Policy
UMBI is a type of insurance coverage that can help pay for your medical bills and other damages if you are in an accident with another driver who does not have insurance. If you have this type of coverage, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company up to the limit of your coverage. For example, if you have a $100,000 UMBI policy and you are in an accident with $50,000 in medical bills, your insurance company may cover the full $50,000.
UMBI can help you pay for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. It is important to note that each insurance policy is different and you should always read your policy carefully to understand what types of coverage you have and how much coverage you have. Contact your insurance agent to purchase additional coverages that you should have when driving in California. You should also contact an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss your policy and the coverage you may have after an accident.
Property Damage Not Part Of UMBI Coverage
It is important to know that UMBI does not cover damage to your car or property. If you want this type of coverage, you need to purchase collision or comprehensive insurance. Collision insurance will cover the cost of repairs to your car if you are in an accident. Comprehensive insurance will cover the cost of repairs to your car if it is damaged in a non-accident incident, such as by fire, theft, or vandalism.
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage (UMPD)
Some insurance companies offer uninsured motorist property damage coverage (UMPD) as part of their UMBI coverage. If you have this type of coverage, your insurance company may pay for the cost of repairs to your car if it is damaged in an accident with an uninsured driver.
How Does UMBI Work If The Other Driver Has Insurance?
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage (UMBI) Defined
If the other driver has insurance, but not enough to cover all the damages they caused, your UMBI policy may help pay for the additional damages. This is known as underinsured motorist bodily injury (UIMBI) coverage. For example, if you have a $100,000 UIMBI policy and the other driver has $50,000 in liability insurance, your insurance company may cover the additional $50,000 in damages. This is known as Underinsured Motorist.
California Drivers Should Purchase Uninsured Motorist Coverage
UMBI coverage is not required by law in California, but it is a good idea to purchase this type of coverage to protect yourself. You can purchase UMBI coverage as part of your liability insurance policy. The amount of coverage you purchase is up to you, but we recommend that you purchase at least $100,000 in coverage.
In California, all drivers are required to have liability insurance. However, many drivers do not follow the law and drive without insurance. In fact, the Insurance Research Council estimates that one in eight drivers in California is uninsured. This is why it is so important to have UMBI coverage. If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may be responsible for all the damages yourself if you do not have this type of coverage.
How Much UMBI Coverage Can Be Purchased
Uninsured Motorist Coverage Explained: How It Protects Accident Victims
The amount of UMBI coverage you should purchase depends on many factors, including the value of your assets, how much coverage you already have, and your driving history. You should always speak with an experienced car accident lawyer and your insurance agent to determine how much coverage you need.
You may be able to purchase UMBI coverage as part of your liability insurance policy. You cannot purchase more UMBI coverage than liability coverage. For example, if you purchase a $15,000.00 liability policy to cover you in case you hurt someone, then you are limited to purchasing a $15,000.00 UMBI. In other words, you can only protect yourself up to the amount that you protect others from your own potentially negligent behavior.
It is important to remember that the amount of UMBI coverage you purchase is the maximum amount your policy will pay. This is known as the policy limit. Your insurance company will only pay up to the policy limit, no matter how much damage you sustained. But it doesn't necessarily pay out the maximum. Each claimant must prove they are entitled to the amount the policy will pay. Uninsured motorist injury victims will need to put in a claim and fight it out with their own insurance company.
How To Claim On Your Uninsured Motorist Policy
If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company up to the limit of your UMBI coverage. To do this, you will need to notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident and provide them with all the necessary information. You will also need to cooperate with your insurance company during their investigation into the accident. Once your insurance company has determined that the other driver was indeed uninsured, they will begin the process of reimbursing you for your damages, up to the limit of your coverage.
Do I Need A Lawyer If I Have Uninsured Motorist
You should always contact an experienced car accident lawyer after an accident, even if you have UMBI coverage. Your lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and make sure you receive the full amount of compensation you are entitled to. Your lawyer can also help you if your insurance company denies your claim or does not offer you a fair settlement.
If you have been in an accident with an uninsured driver, contact the experienced car accident lawyers at Napolin Accident Injury Lawyer today to schedule a free consultation. We will help you understand your rights and options and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
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