{"id":353061,"date":"2017-01-26T15:59:17","date_gmt":"2017-01-26T20:59:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/car-accidents\/do-i-need-underinsured-motorist-coverage.html"},"modified":"2023-08-03T10:34:27","modified_gmt":"2023-08-03T15:34:27","slug":"do-i-need-underinsured-motorist-coverage","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/do-i-need-underinsured-motorist-coverage.html","title":{"rendered":"Do I Need Underinsured Motorist Coverage?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Do I Need Underinsured Motorist Coverage? <\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Ty McDuffey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is worth consideration. This type of auto insurance can compensate you for your own injuries or property damage after a car crash. If another driver hits you, their insurance and personal funds might not be high enough to cover all your damages. In that case, you could use your own UIM insurance to bridge the gap and recover your losses from the car accident.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

What happens when you’re in an auto accident, and the other driver’s insurance plan will not cover all of the expenses related to the crash? If you have underinsured motorist coverage (UIM), you won’t need to be too concerned. If you do not have UIM, you may want to consider getting it.<\/p>\n

Continue reading to learn about the different types of UIM coverage, including limitations and related legal considerations. If you have questions about a recent car accident and insurance claims, ask a personal injury lawyer<\/a> for personalized advice.<\/p>\n

UIM vs. Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage<\/h2>\n

First of all, UIM insurance is not\u00a0uninsured motorist coverage<\/a>\u00a0but rather a part of it. Uninsured coverage kicks in when you have an accident with a driver who lacks any insurance, while underinsured motorist coverage is meant for situations where the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough insurance to cover your damages.<\/p>\n

When you are pricing out your car insurance coverage<\/a> with your insurer, be sure to ask about this policy type and the different levels. Why? UIM is part of this larger, three-part auto insurance coverage type known simply as “uninsured motorist” (UM) coverage.<\/p>\n

In many states, UM coverage consists of:<\/p>\n