Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is an optional kind of insurance that can be extremely useful in the event of a car accident. Washington state law requires insurers offer this kind of coverage to policyholders, but what you may not know is that it is the most valuable kind of insurance you can purchase.
Washington law requires all drivers to carry at least $25,000 in liability coverage, but does not require drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection or UM/UIM coverage. Both UM and UIM can be added on to your own policy and are typically significantly cheaper than standard liability coverage.
How Does UM/UIM Coverage Work?
If you are injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver who either does not have any liability insurance coverage or has inadequate liability insurance coverage (meaning the level of your damages exceeds the limits of their liability coverage) and you carry UM/UIM coverage on your own auto insurance policy, you may make a UM/UIM claim with your own auto insurance carrier.
This can be extremely beneficial if
- You are injured in an accident and the at-fault driver is uninsured.
- You are injured in a hit-and-run
- Your damages amount to more than the at-fault driver’s policy limit
- You are involved in an accident as a pedestrian or bicyclist
UM/UIM will act as “floating coverage” to add an extra layer of protection in the event you are seriously injured in an accident.
If You Are Hit By An Uninsured/Underinsured Driver
Accident claims can be complicated enough without adding an uninsured or underinsured driver into the mix. If you were injured in an accident and have UM/UIM coverage, it may be in your best interest to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to find out if that coverage is relevant.
Davis Law Group has a stellar track record of representing victims of serious accidents involving uninsured drivers. We make the legal process as easy as possible for you, with the goal of letting you recover from your injuries and have the peace of mind you need to get your life back on track. We offer a free case review for those who wish to consult with a lawyer about their case. Call our office at (206) 539-0939 or use the contact form on this page to get started.
