Do I Really Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)?

Car insurance is something that every driver should have. It not only protects you in case of an accident, but it also provides financial protection to other drivers and passengers who may be involved in an accident with you. However, not all drivers have insurance, and many times even if they do- they don’t have enough insurance.  That can cause problems for everyone involved. In this article, we will discuss how many drivers are uninsured and why you need uninsured motorist coverage.

"They’re a good firm and they do care."

How Many Drivers Are Uninsured or Underinsured?  A Lot!

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), approximately 13% of drivers in the United States are uninsured. However, the percentage of uninsured drivers varies by state, with some states having higher rates than others. For example, in Florida, approximately 26.7% of drivers are uninsured, and in lots of states it is 20% or more. 

There are many reasons why drivers may not have insurance. Some drivers may not be able to afford it, while others may choose not to purchase it because they believe they are good drivers and will not be involved in an accident. In other situations, some drivers may also have had their insurance canceled due to non-payment or other issues.

The Risks of Uninsured Drivers

The risk of uninsured drivers can be significant. In addition to the lack of insurance, consider that if they don’t have the money to pay for their car insurance, they may also not do necessary repairs such as purchasing new tires, brakes or doing other maintenance. This could lead to mechanical failure and causing an accident.  In the event of an accident involving an uninsured driver, the responsibility for paying for damages may fall on the driver who was not at fault, even though they are not responsible for the accident.

In many states, drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of insurance to cover damages and injuries in the event of an accident. However, even with this requirement, some drivers may still choose to drive without insurance. In these cases, uninsured motorist coverage can be a lifesaver.

Why You Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage

While uninsured motorist coverage is optional, it is a wise investment for any driver. Here are some of the reasons why:

1. Protect Yourself and Your Passengers

If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, your uninsured motorist coverage can help protect you and your passengers. Without this coverage, you may be left with a huge bill for damages and medical expenses. This can be especially problematic if you or one of your passengers has a serious injury that requires long-term care.

2. Protect Your Finances

If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver and you do not have uninsured motorist coverage, you may be left with a large bill for damages and medical expenses. This can be devastating for your finances, especially if you do not have adequate savings to cover these expenses. With uninsured motorist coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing that your finances are protected in case of an accident.

3. Hit-and-Run Accidents

If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it can be difficult to identify the other driver. If the other driver is not found, you may be left with the bill for any damages or injuries. With uninsured motorist coverage, you can be protected in these situations depending on the facts and the applicable law.

4. Not Enough Insurance

Even if the other driver does have insurance, their coverage may not be enough to cover all the damages and injuries resulting from the accident. In such cases, uninsured motorist coverage can help fill the gap and provide the additional coverage you need.  That’s why you should make sure you get enough uninsured motorist insurance coverage to protect you and your family. 

5. Peace of Mind

Knowing that you have uninsured motorist coverage can give you peace of mind while on the road. You can drive with confidence, knowing that you are protected in case of an accident with an uninsured driver.

How to Get Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Since it is an optional add-on to your car insurance policy, too get this coverage, you will need to contact your insurance company and request it. The cost of uninsured motorist coverage will depend on a variety of factors, including your driving record, the type of car you drive, and where you live.

In some cases, your state may require that your insurance company offer uninsured motorist coverage as part of your policy. However, you may still need to request it and pay an additional premium.

What Uninsured Motorist Coverage Covers

Uninsured motorist coverage typically covers the following expenses:

• Medical bills for you and your passengers
• Lost wages if you are unable to work due to injuries
• Pain and suffering
• Damage to your vehicle
• Property damage

The amount of coverage you need will depend on a variety of factors, including the minimum coverage requirements in your state, the value of your vehicle, and your personal financial situation.  We encourage people to get as much coverage as possible since we regularly see how people who cause the accidents don’t have enough insurance to cover the injuries and compensation owed to the people they injure.

While most drivers on the road have insurance, there is still a significant number of uninsured drivers out there. That is why it is so important to have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your car insurance policy. It can provide you with peace of mind and financial protection in case of an accident with an uninsured driver.

Make sure to check with your insurance provider to see if you have uninsured motorist coverage, and if not, consider adding it to your policy. The small cost of the premium could save you thousands of dollars in case of an accident with an uninsured driver. Remember, driving with uninsured motorist coverage is like having a safety net for you and your passengers.

Put Montlick's Decades of Legal Experience to Work in Your Case!

Since 1984, Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, has recovered billions of dollars in financial compensation for our clients. Our national personal injury attorneys have the reputation, knowledge, and experience, necessary to provide the exceptional legal service that you deserve. 

Montlick & Associates is ready to review your or your loved one's car accident claim at no cost or obligation. Call us 24/7 at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333) to speak with one of our experienced Georgia Car Accident Lawyers. No matter where you are located, our qualified personal injury lawyers are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you.