Uninsured Medical Expenses & Uninsured Motorist Insurance Coverage

With the increasing cost of auto insurance policies, more car owners than ever are driving without auto insurance. In states such as California, almost one in four motorists is uninsured. Uninsured motorist coverage protection is an optional coverage in most states and can be a very important part of your auto insurance policy.

Uninsured motorist insurance coverage protects you, your passengers and resident members of your family in the event that injuries occur in an accident caused by a driver without liability insurance or in a hit-and-run accident. Without this coverage, you will have to pay all your personal injury expenses out-of-pocket.

Uninsured motorist insurance coverage compensates you for bodily injuries, including: medical expenses, pain and suffering, out-of-pocket expenses, and lost wages. It, however, does not pay for damages to your automobile. It is limited to medical treatment for bodily injuries. You must purchase a separate option known as uninsured motorist expenses coverage for property damage to cover damages to your insured car caused by an uninsured auto. You should have uninsured motorist coverage up to the same limits as your liability coverage.

Contact the police immediately if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist or in a hit-and-run accident. Some insurance companies may require an accident report before paying out the claim.