The abbreviations UM and UIM refer to uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage will protect you if you are injured in a car accident and the at-fault driver does not have any insurance to cover the costs associated with your injuries. Underinsured motorist coverage will protect you if you are injured in a car accident and the at-fault driver does not carry enough insurance cover to adequately cover the costs associated with your injuries. Uninsured motorist coverage will also provide protection in the event you are hit by an unknown driver, such as in a hit and run accident. This type of insurance coverage is something you carry for the sole purpose of protecting you and your loved ones. You should carefully consider how much UM/UIM coverage you wish to carry with your insurer.
How Much Uninsured Motorist Coverage Should I carry?
New Jersey state law requires all drivers to carry at least some uninsured motorist coverage. All New Jersey drivers must, at a minimum, carry the following UM coverage:
- $15,000 for injuries suffered by a single person in an accident
- $30,000 for injuries suffered by multiple individuals injured in an accident
So, to be in compliance with New Jersey state law, you should have at least this much UM coverage on your insurance policy. It is a good idea, however, to look beyond the basic auto insurance policy. While the minimum coverage amounts will be the less expensive options, inquire as to how much it would cost to raise policy limits. A small increase in the cost of the policy could mean a big increase in available UM coverage. UM/UIM coverage can be critical, particular in accidents where the identity of the other driver is unknown and in accidents that resulted in serious injury. The costs of medical care can pile up quickly and insurance limits are exhausted faster than you would expect. With more UM/UIM coverage, you know that you at least have that amount available to cover your expenses, no matter what the insurance situation of the at-fault driver may be.
If the at-fault driver does not carry enough insurance to adequately cover your damages, you will still need to submit a claim for whatever insurance coverage is available. Once the other driver’s insurance company investigates fault and reviews your claim for damages, they will pay out the policy limits (hopefully without too much of a fight). Once the policy limits have been paid out, you can submit your UIM claim to your own insurance company for the amount of your damages that was not covered by the other driver’s insurance company.
New Jersey Personal Injury Attorney
A scary amount of drivers hit New Jersey roads without carrying any insurance or carrying the very minimum insurance coverage amounts. Make sure you protect yourself accordingly. If you are injured in
a car accident, the Cassidy Law Firm will tirelessly work to help see to it that you are properly compensated for your injuries, this includes pursuing all possible avenues for monetary recovery.
Contact us today.