Because dangerous driving is on the rise, it is a good idea for every motorist to review their auto insurance coverages every year to make sure they have adequate coverages. Good auto insurance coverage is important. Not only to protect you when you cause an accident, but it is just as important to make sure you are protected when the collision was not your fault.
As a Kansas City Injury Lawyer handling motor vehicle accident cases for people injured or killed, I am always concerned about our client’s own auto insurance coverage.
This is the certainly the case when it comes to under-insured motorist coverage, commonly referred to as “UIM” coverage.
UIM covers you for property damage and bodily injury caused by another driver whose coverage is insufficient to cover your damages.
For instance, lets say you are hurt in an auto accident and incur $35,000 in medical expense and $8,500 in lost income. Together with your past, present, and future pain, suffering, discomfort, and disability, you case is worth well over $50,000. Further assume that the driver at fault is covered by XYZ Insurance Company and has a coverage limit of $25,000. Unfortunately, $25,000 is all you can obtain from the XYZ Insurance Company for your $50,000+ claim.
However, if you have UIM coverage placed on your own policy, that coverage will be available to make up the difference.
This is huge! In effect, your own insurance company becomes the insurance company for the person responsible for the accident. In the example above, you would have a claim against your own auto insurance company for at least $25,000.
Some people think that making a claim against you own auto insurance company will raise your rates. This is not true. Your insurance rates will not go up simply on the basis of you making a claim. Keep in mind that your insurance rates may go up in the event YOU caused the accident. This is because you are now a higher risk.
I urge people to contact their agent and determine how you can get the best coverage. While getting the best coverage from a reputable insurance company may cost a little bit more in premium, it will be well worth it if your ever hurt in an auto accident. Keep in mind that insurance coverages are contracts, and contracts can be complicated. That is why I regularly help people determine what is the best coverage for them.
We offer free consultation to protect people before they get into an accident. Contact me at dhorn@hornlaw.com for more information.
