Uninsured Motorist Insurance Important As Claims Increase

Uninsured motorist insurance coverage requirements vary according to individual state guidelines. Although most states require some level of coverage for uninsured insurance, the minimum allowable coverage may not be sufficient or provide the protection you need. Familiarize yourself with your auto insurance policy to be certain you are fully protected.

In a situation where you are involved in a collision with an uninsured driver and it is his fault, the standard uninsured motorist insurance policy in many states will only cover claims for treatment of your physical injuries. The uninsured motorist coverage will not pay for damage to your vehicle. This is no problem for those who carry collision coverage, except for paying the collision deductible.

As an alternative, drivers can opt for uninsured motorist property-damage coverage to augment their physical injury coverage. This coverage reimburses you up to $3,500 for repairs to your vehicle, or pays for your collision deductible. Approximately 17 percent of drivers will not be insured by 2010 due to the recession. If one in six drivers on the road with you is uninsured, it is in your best interest to review your uninsured motorist insurance policy and verify your coverage.