UM/UIM Coverage Safety Net
While most all States require drivers to carry auto insurance, a recent study conducted by the Insurance Research Council found 15% of drivers on the nation’s roadways were uninsured; another 18% were underinsured.
That’s why having good auto insurance coverage, which in NH includes uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage is so valuable. In essence, your auto insurance company stands in for the uninsured/underinsured at-fault driver to compensate you for the harm you’ve suffered. UM/UIM coverage in NH has to be reciprocal with the coverage that you chose to protect your “bad driving”, so that if you elect $250/500k coverage, you are protected up to that amount if you should be at fault for a crash, and also up to that amount if you are hurt by someone else’s fault. You also have options on the “medpay” part of your auto insurance. Med Pay supplements your health insurance coverage for co-pays, deductibles and medical expenses that may not be covered by your health insurance, for instance chiropractic treatment. You may find that increasing your coverages up to higher limits may costs peanuts per year, and gives some you peace of mind that you are adequately protected; a good discussion you may want to have with your insurance broker when time for renewal comes up.
In case you’re wondering, filing a personal injury lawsuit against an at-fault driver who lacks insurance and financial assets is basically a futile endeavor, if they did not have the funds to buy auto insurance, what gives you the thought that they have any assets to attach?
UM/UIM protection often extends to victims of hit-and-runs where the driver cannot be identified; instances when you are injured as a pedestrian or bicyclist by an uninsured driver; and resident relatives (household family members).
Be forewarned that if you file a UM/UIM claim, your protection will be limited to the coverages you elected.
If you are injured in an auto accident due to someone’s negligence, contact our firm. We’ll take care of all the details and attain fair compensation for your injuries.
