While no one in Pennsylvania expects to get in a car accident on any given day you can anticipate that a car crash could be a possibility and thus you carry auto insurance. However, what if the driver who caused the crash does not have auto insurance? In such situations it can help to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy.
The basics of uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage can provide policyholders with bodily injury and property damage coverage. It stands in the place of coverage that the uninsured at-fault driver would have carried.
Underinsured motorist coverage applies if the at-fault driver is insured, but their policy is not enough to cover all of your medical and property damage expenses. It fills the gap between the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage and the total amount of damages you suffered.
In what situations does uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage apply?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage applies in several different circumstances. First, the accident must not be your fault. Second, the at-fault driver must not have enough coverage to compensate you for all the damages you suffered. And, in some states, it applies if you are the victim of a hit and run crash.
Do you really need uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage?
While Pennsylvania does not require drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage it certainly cannot hurt especially given the fact that around 7.6% of drivers in the state are uninsured. Just as you purchase auto insurance to compensate others in the event of a car crash it only makes sense to ensure you are also compensated when a crash is not your fault. For the most part adding uninsured/underinsured coverage can be an affordable way to protect your right to compensation if you suffer damages in an auto accident.