Have you ever been looking over your auto insurance policy or shopping for coverage online and found yourself getting confused over some of the terms used? If so, you are not alone. There are many car insurance terms that sound similar or can be misleading if you don’t have more information available to you. For example, many policyholders believe that uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist, and uninsured motorist property damage coverage are something that other drivers should carry to protect themselves in an accident and not something that they need to invest in themselves. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between these essential auto insurance coverage options and how you can invest in comprehensive auto coverage today with Skeele Agency Insurance.
Why Are Uninsured Motorist Insurance Options Important?
Uninsured motorist coverages work to protect you in the event that you’re involved in an accident with another driver who does not have liability insurance coverage or inadequate coverage to pay for the damages they caused. While these coverage options vary from state to state, working with a local NY insurance agent will help to ensure that you are carrying proper coverage limits.
Uninsured Motorist Insurance
Sometimes referred to as uninsured motorist bodily injury insurance, uninsured motorist coverage or UM will help to pay for any injuries that you or others in your car sustain after being involved in an accident where the other driver is found to be at fault and doesn’t have proper liability insurance. This type of coverage will pay for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and even lost wages if you are unable to return to work while recovering from your injuries.
Underinsured Motorist Insurance or UIM
Similar to uninsured motorist insurance, UIM will pay for any injuries that result from an accident that was caused by a third party. However, this coverage only kicks in if the responsible party hasn’t invested in enough coverage to pay for all of the costs associated with your injuries. UIM will pay for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering.
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Insurance or UMPD
UMPD insurance coverage pays for the damages that an uninsured driver causes to your vehicle. Many policyholders are mostly concerned with medical bills following an accident but in many cases, if your injuries are quite severe, the damage to your vehicle will be extensive as well. Additionally, UMPD may also offer protection for your vehicle in the event that you are the victim of a hit-and-run driver. And depending on your policy terms, covered property may also extend to include some of your personal property that was damaged in the accident, like laptops and smartphones.
Do I Really Need Uninsured Motorist Insurance?
While uninsured motorist insurance in as optional coverage in many states. We strongly recommend that all drivers include these coverages in their policy as part of a total insurance protection plan. Research suggests that up to 15 percent of drivers don’t carry the legally required liability insurance coverage minimums in their state. If you were to be involved in an auto accident that one of these drivers caused and didn’t have any uninsured motorist insurance, you would be left to pay for those damages out of your own pocket.
Contact Skeele Agency Insurance Today
Nothing is worse than trying to pick up the pieces after a car accident that you didn’t cause. But with the help of a comprehensive auto insurance policy, you can avoid paying for these surprises on your own. Want to learn more about the benefits of investing in uninsured motorist insurance coverage? Contact one of our friendly upstate New York insurance agents today for more information and be sure to request a free quote.