When you’re out on the road, you trust that the other drivers around you are responsible and carry the necessary insurance coverage.
Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Many drivers are either uninsured or carry minimal coverage that might not be enough to
pay for the damage if an accident occurs. This is where uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage (also known as UM and
UIM, respectively) come into play, protecting you from potential financial hardship.
Uninsured motorist coverage steps in when you’re involved in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have any insurance. It covers your
medical expenses, lost wages and other related costs, up to the UM limits of your policy. Imagine getting hit by a driver who
doesn’t have insurance to pay for the damage—that driver is at fault, but you’re left with the bills. Without UM coverage, you might have to
pay for these expenses out of pocket.
Underinsured motorist coverage comes into play when the at-fault driver has some insurance, but not enough to cover the full extent of your
losses. For example, if the driver who hits you has insurance that only covers $25,000 in damages, but your medical
bills are $50,000, the driver’s insurance won’t cover all your expenses. UIM coverage would bridge the gap, helping to cover the remaining
costs. Having UM and UIM coverage is essential, but it’s equally important to ensure that you have adequate limits.
All policyholders in Connecticut are required to carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in UM/ UIM coverage, though
you can choose to have limits lower than your Body Injury/ Property Damage limits. In addition, UM/ UIM would match the liability limit if it is
higher than the minimum.
Consider the financial consequences of a serious accident: medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income and even long-term care. If your
UM/UIM limits are too low, you could be left paying significant amounts out of pocket, jeopardizing your financial stability. UM/ UIM
coverage is essential for protecting yourself and your passengers from the financial fallout of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured
driver.
Ensuring that you have adequate limits in place is not just about complying with the law; it’s about safeguarding your financial future. Call our
agency today to review your coverage and make sure you’re adequately protected.