Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverages

Uninsured motorists (UM) coverage pays for your injuries if you're struck by a hit-and-run driver or someone who doesn't have auto insurance. It is required in many states.

Underinsured motorists (UIM) coverage will pay out if the driver who hit you causes more damage than his or her liability coverage can cover. In some states, UM or UIM coverage will also pay for property damages. Similarly, underinsured motorists insurance will cover any damage caused when you are struck by a driver who is not insured for a sufficient amount.

If you are hit, as a pedestrian, underinsured coverage will cover the expenses. Uninsured motorists insurance is currently required by twenty states, and Underinsured motorists coverage is required by only four: Connecticut, Minnesota, Maine, and Vermont.

You'll probably want to have at least the minimal amount of UM/UIM because if you can't find the other driver, you'll at least have some coverage for pain-and-suffering damages.

Add-on Features

Several supplemental auto coverages are available, either as separate premium items or included in augmented policies. -Rental reimbursement, a common add-on, covers vehicle rentals required because your car is damaged or stolen. -Coverage for towing and labor charges in case of a road breakdown is also common. -Gap coverage for your new car will pay the difference between the actual cash value you receive for the car and the amount left on your car loan if your vehicle is totaled in an accident.

Basic auto insurance is required by virtually every state and is typically the cheapest auto insurance in the marketplace. Proof of insurance is required at different times throughout the life of a vehicle.

You may be asked for proof of insurance at any and all of these times: at vehicle registration, at the time of an accident, and any time when driving the vehicle. It is suggested that the owner of the car keeps proof of insurance in the car at all times, instead of on his or her person, so that it can be available at all times, no matter who is driving.

Any violations of state law regarding auto insurance could result in, at best, a hefty fine, and at worst, suspension of your driver's license and/or time in jail. The dire consequences of driving while uninsured are not worth the neglect of paying for insurance. The chance that an uninsured driver will avoid detection is slim; he is likely to be caught and strictly punished.

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