Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance 101

June 30, 2014

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is not included in a basic auto insurance policy covering liability only. Uninsured motorist refers to an at-fault driver who does not have an auto insurance policy.  Underinsured motorist refers to an at-fault driver who has insurance, but not enough.

There are several types of coverages that protect you if you are hit by someone who either doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance. Here is an overview of each:

• Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury – This coverage can pay for medical expenses when a covered person is injured and the person at fault does not have liability insurance.
• Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury – This coverage can pay for medical expenses when a covered person is injured and the person at fault does not have enough liability insurance coverage to cover the costs.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage – This coverage can pay for repair bills when a covered vehicle is damaged and the person at fault does not have liability insurance or does not have enough liability insurance.

Rather than panicking after finding out the driver who just totaled your car doesn’t have insurance, it is best to prepare ahead of time and protect yourself. You cannot control the actions of the other drivers on the road, but you can protect yourself. Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance is one important way.

Central Insurance Agency encourages you to protect yourself and add underinsured and uninsured motorist insurance coverage to your current policy. We have been providing our clients with personalized service since 1958. Contact the insurance experts at Central Insurance Agency for all of your Austin, Texas insurance needs. We are eager to help you with all of your auto insurance needs.