Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions

in Uncategorized | by admin | on March 31st, 2009 |

What is UM coverage for auto insurance?

UM insurance, technically known as “uninsured motorist coverage/underinsured motorist coverage” is a type of automobile insurance that is offered to you by law when you by your automobile liability insurance coverage. In fact, when you buy your automobile insurance the insurance company is required to give it to you. However, many people reject this coverage in order to receive a cheaper premium.

THIS IS A HORRIBLY BAD IDEA. NEVER REJECT UM COVERAGE. In fact, you should buy as high a limit of it as you can afford. WHY? Because UM coverage is simply you buying insurance for the moron that hits you who has not purchased insurance or enough insurance!

FOR EXAMPLE: Susie is driving down the road and is slammed into by Joe, who runs a red light and hits her. Susie is hurt bad and has thousands of dollars in medical bills. Susie finds out that Joe only has 10k worth of liability insurance and that Joe doesn’t have a good job and thus cannot possibly pay for the damage he has caused to poor Susie.

However, Susie was smart when she purchased her car insurance. In addition to her liability coverage (which pays for any damage she may cause if a wreck is her fault) she also purchased 100k in UM coverage. In short, this UM coverage is like she purchased 100k in liability coverage for this loser Joe! This 100k is applied to her medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc. POINT OF THE STORY: BUY AS MUCH UM COVERAGE AS YOU CAN POSSIBLE AFFORD.

A WRECK. While driving my car, I am hit by another car. What do I do? Trade all information re: each driver. Call the police immediately. Go immediately to the doctor or hospital if you have any pain. Call your own insurance company immediately. Call Richard Law Firm.