By Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of auto insurance that protects you and your passengers in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. If you are involved in a collision with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage to pay for your damages, uninsured motorist coverage can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with the accident.
This coverage typically includes two main components:
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI): This part of the coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from injuries sustained in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) is a component of uninsured motorist coverage in auto insurance policies. UMBI provides protection for you and your passengers if you are involved in an accident with a driver who is either uninsured or underinsured (having insufficient insurance coverage to pay for your injuries).
Key features of Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) coverage include:
- Medical Expenses: UMBI helps cover medical expenses for injuries sustained by you and your passengers in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. This can include hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and other necessary medical treatments.
- Lost Wages: If the accident results in your inability to work and earn income, UMBI may provide coverage for lost wages during the recovery period.
- Pain and Suffering: UMBI can also cover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, that result from injuries sustained in the accident.
It’s important to check the specific terms and limits of UMBI coverage in your auto insurance policy, as the details can vary. Some policies may also offer options to stack UMBI coverage if you have multiple vehicles insured under the same policy.
While UMBI is not mandatory in all states, having this coverage can be valuable in protecting you financially in situations where the at-fault driver lacks insurance coverage or has insufficient coverage to address your medical and related expenses.
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): This component covers damage to your vehicle caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. In some cases, UMPD may have a deductible.
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) is another component of uninsured motorist coverage in auto insurance policies. While Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) focuses on covering injuries to you and your passengers, UMPD specifically addresses property damage to your vehicle caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Key features of Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage include:
- Vehicle Repairs: UMPD provides coverage for the repair or replacement of your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident caused by a driver who either has no insurance or lacks sufficient coverage.
- Deductibles: Similar to collision coverage, UMPD may have a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. The deductible amount can vary depending on your policy and insurer.
It’s important to note that UMPD is not available in all states, and the coverage limits and availability can vary depending on the insurance regulations in your state. Some states may offer UMPD as an option, while others may not provide this coverage at all.
When considering UMPD, it’s essential to review your overall insurance needs, evaluate the likelihood of encountering uninsured or underinsured motorists in your area, and understand the specific terms and limits of the coverage in your policy. Keep in mind that UMPD typically covers only property damage and not bodily injury; for bodily injury protection, you would rely on Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) coverage.
It’s important to note that uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in all states, and the availability and specifics of the coverage can vary. However, having uninsured motorist coverage can be beneficial in situations where the at-fault party does not have adequate insurance to cover your expenses.
