Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is a common addition to auto insurance that is designed to cover drivers from damages caused by another driver who is not carrying insurance. If someone else hits your car and they do not have insurance, you could face paying for all of the damages they caused out of pocket.
Fault and Uninsured Motorist Coverage
This insurance is the most useful in fault states such as Virginia. Most states operate on an at fault system when it comes to car accidents, meaning that the person who causes an accident will be primarily held responsible for paying the damages.
For example, say you run a red light and hit another vehicle. Since you caused the accident by running a red light, you are at fault. You will then be expected to file a claim with your insurance provider for damages to your car as well as to the other vehicle, as well as bodily injury everyone involved may suffer.
But what happens if you don’t have insurance and you cause an accident?
Unfortunately, drivers without insurance may have very little ability to pay for damages. Many people can’t afford to repair or replace vehicles out of pocket—much less pay for expensive medical bills. If another driver causes an accident and does not have insurance, the victim will have to file a claim with their own insurance policy.
This is where uninsured motorist insurance comes in. If you are involved in an accident with another driver who is not carrying insurance, uninsured motorist can provide compensation for damages to your vehicle. If you don’t have this insurance and an uninsured motorist causes an accident, you will be expected to pay for repairs to your vehicle out of pocket.
Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Cover Injuries?
Coverage under uninsured motorist differs depending on your state, but in most cases, uninsured motorist coverage does not cover injuries. Instead, it primarily covers damages to your vehicle. This is because you should generally have medical payments coverage, which provides compensation for medical bills you and your passengers may face after an accident—no matter who is at fault.
Keep in mind that these coverages aren’t always required by state law. When searching for an auto insurance policy to protect your vehicle, be sure to ask your insurance agent about the coverage you have available.