Understanding Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know

When it comes to auto insurance, it's important to understand the different types of coverage available. In Pennsylvania, one of the most crucial types of coverage is underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. This coverage applies to you, your family, and your passengers in the event of bodily injury if you are hit by an at-fault motorist who doesn't have enough insurance to cover your claim. UIM coverage is the only protection you can have against an uninsured driver.

What is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) is a type of auto insurance that provides protection for you and your passengers if you are injured in an accident caused by an at-fault driver who does not have enough insurance to cover your claim.

UIM coverage is available in all states, but it is not mandatory in all states. Eighteen states and the District of Columbia require drivers to have some type of coverage for uninsured drivers. In Pennsylvania, an average of 8% of drivers driving on the road don't have car insurance, meaning that there's a 1 in 12 chance that the other driver won't be covered in the event of an accident.UIM coverage extends to members of your family or to any other passengers in your vehicle. If you decline coverage for uninsured drivers, you'll have to use another type of coverage or pay out of pocket if you're hit by an uninsured driver.

It's important to note that if you decline coverage for uninsured drivers in states where it's optional, insurance companies still have to offer it.

What Does UIM Cover?

Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage (UMBI) is recommended for drivers who do not have personal injury protection insurance (PIP) or MedPay with high limits. Like any other type of car insurance, premiums for uninsured drivers vary depending on the policyholder's risk factors. Some states require drivers to carry both types of vehicles, while others only require bodily injury coverage for uninsured motorists.In addition to limited liability coverage, as well as coverage for uninsured motorists, if you are involved in an accident in which the at-fault driver is not insured, you will still be subject to your limited liability option. However, if the other driver doesn't have any (or enough) coverage, it can be time consuming and difficult to sue for funds to cover any medical or repair bills.

If the medical expense limit is exceeded, coverage for uninsured drivers can help with excessive injury-related expenses and offer additional coverage that would normally be provided by the other driver's bodily injury liability coverage.

Is UIM Coverage Worth It?

Like UM coverage, underinsured coverage (UIM) is an à la carte element that you must select to become part of your policy. It's often sold along with Underinsured Motorist Coverage, which applies when the other driver has some bodily injury liability coverage but it's not enough to cover the expenses caused by your injuries.If properly understood, many drivers consider coverage for uninsured drivers in Pennsylvania to be an important part of an auto insurance policy and a valid investment. For more information and to see if Unified Messaging is mandatory in your state, check out WalletHub's guide to coverage for uninsured drivers.