Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of car insurance provider that helps cover expenses when the offending driver is found not to have car insurance. Generally, this provision will help pay for the cost of repairing damage to the vehicle as well as providing funds to settle the cost of treating injuries to the insured driver or passengers of the insured vehicle. In some places, the benefits of uninsured motorist coverage even extend to compensation for any damage to personal property as a result of the accident.
The scope of coverage provided by uninsured motorist coverage will vary, but most plans will at least address the number of repairs to the injured party’s vehicle. If the driver responsible for the accident does not have automobile insurance, the insured’s uninsured motorist coverage will cover the cost of repairing the insured vehicle, up to declaring the car as a total loss. In all cases, the provisions of the coverage help to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket expenses associated with either repairing the damage or providing the insured with the opportunity to purchase a replacement vehicle.
It is not uncommon for uninsured motorist coverage to provide at least some benefits if medical attention is needed after the accident. This may extend not only to the insured driver but also to all passengers who were in the insured vehicle at the time of the accident. Depending on the extent of coverage, this may include not only benefits to cover medical expenses, but possibly additional benefits to help offset lost earnings if injured people are unable to work for some time.
While more jurisdictions are passing laws requiring auto owners to carry auto insurance that meets basic standards, there are still instances where uninsured motorists are involved in accidents. Since these motorists are likely to have no assets that can be used to pay for repairs or settle medical expenses resulting from the accident, it is very important to ensure that coverage for uninsured motorists does part of the car insurance package. Usually available at reasonable rates, this particular benefit can be amortized by a single covered event and provides great peace of mind to the insured.
