Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

In Ohio, every driver is required to have liability insurance at state minimum amounts, ($12,500 per person/ $25,000 per accident). Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not mandated by Ohio law.  In this day and age, with the economy in trouble, people often are more concerned with saving money than being protected with the proper automobile insurance coverage.  Uninsured/underinsured coverage is frequently overlooked when shopping for insurance. Why is it important to have underinsured motorist coverage? The following scenario illustrates why.

You’re driving home from work. The traffic light turns red and you bring your car to a stop. The driver behind you is not paying attention and slams into the back end of your vehicle. Your vehicle is damaged and you are injured.  You assume that the driver who hit you will be responsible and his insurance company will pay for your damages.

However, you find out that the other driver has no insurance.  You contact your insurance company and find out that in order to save money, you purchased only liability coverage. You do not have collision coverage, therefore, you have no protection for the damage to your car.  You do not have “uninsured motorist coverage”, so you will not be able to recover for your medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

If the driver at fault had a state minimum policy; you could recover up to $7,500 for the damage to your car.  You could recover up to $12,500 for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  Unfortunately, quite often the emergency room bills alone are more than $12,500. If you had purchased “underinsured” motorist coverage you would be able to be compensated by your own insurance company for your additional medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. But having liability only coverage means you get only $12,500 to pay $50,000 in medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Confused? That is why it is necessary to consult an attorney who is knowledgeable about insurance coverage as well as personal injury law.  If you can’t find the insurance coverage, your chance of actually being compensated for your injuries is impossible.

If you are involved in any accident, including the one described above, or have any questions regarding Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage or insurance coverage in general, give us a call today at (614) 944-5055.