All drivers in the Tucson area should be driving with an adequate amount of car insurance. However, the unfortunate truth is that there are many drivers on the road who don’t have enough insurance or any at all.
If you end up in an accident with one of these drivers, uninsured motorist insurance is the only type of coverage that can protect you. It will protect you from having to pay for your own medical expenses and other bills out-of-pocket.
Depending on your state, uninsured motorist insurance may be required by law. Specific coverage options within your uninsured motorist policy will vary widely as well.
The best way to find uninsured motorist coverage that works for you is to speak to your Tucson auto insurance agent. For now, the following information can help orient you with this type of insurance. It is often the most confusing out of all car insurance options.
The Top 5 Things to Know About Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage
1. Uninsured motorist coverage is often paired with underinsured motorist coverage.
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM coverage) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM coverage) are often paired together in one policy. But they may also be offered in individual policies as well. When they come together, they are often called “UM/UIM insurance.”
The difference between UM and UIM coverage is this:
- UM coverage protects against drivers who don’t have any insurance at all.
- UIM coverage protects against drivers who have extremely basic policies and low limits.
2. UM/UIM insurance covers personal injuries only.
Many drivers mistakenly believe that UM/UIM coverage will protect them if their vehicle is damaged by an uninsured driver.
In fact, UM/UIM insurance only pays for injuries. It doesn’t cover property damage.
Say, your leg is broken after an uninsured motorist crashes into you in an intersection in downtown Tucson. You need surgery and a few weeks off from work for physical therapy and recuperation. This is what your uninsured motorist coverage will pay for: Medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
For this reason, it’s often called uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) coverage. Similarly, UIM coverage may be referred to as underinsured motorist bodily injury (UIMBI) coverage.
3. UMPD coverage takes care of your vehicle.
UMPD stands for uninsured motorist property damage.
UMPD coverage isn’t available in Arizona and many other states. Where it is available, if an uninsured driver causes damage to your vehicle, UMPD coverage takes care of repairs. It may also cover possible repairs or replacement of your personal property (depending on the state).
4. If you have collision insurance, don’t worry about UMPD insurance.
Remember that UMPD insurance isn’t available in Arizona. Still, after accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers, you can use collision insurance for this type of compensation. Remember that unless you have a collision deductible waiver within your current policy, you have to respect the deductible.
5. UM/UIM insurance covers anyone protected in your policy.
Here’s another reason to double check your policy: Your UM/UIM coverage will most likely protect anyone who is protected under your overall policy. This can include family members in other cars, passengers while you’re driving, and household members or other approved motorists who are driving your vehicle.
Even though UM and UIM coverage is not mandatory in the state of Arizona, the experienced agents at Mooney Insurance do recommend it.
This is for your safety and security. It’s unfortunate, but there are many uninsured and underinsured drivers on the road. Speak to one of our friendly agents today to find out more about this important type of insurance.
