Hit By an Uninsured Motorist? Get Help With Auto Insurance Claim Questions

SOLON, Ohio, June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Nationally, almost 15% of drivers don't have auto insurance -- and in some states it's as high as 25%! So, Uninsured Motorist coverage is one of the most important parts of your policy. Here are 8 tips for understanding what you're buying.

1. Does UM/UIM cover property damage in hit-and-run accidents?

Almost never. If the other driver can't be identified, you'll only get paid if you have Collision coverage. This includes accidents where a hit-and-run driver damages your car while it's parked.

2. Should I buy UM/UIM if I already have health insurance?

Absolutely! Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage pays for many things that other insurance usually don't, such as lost wages and pain and suffering. If you have a high deductible for health insurance, UM/UIM may cover it.

3. Why should I pay for auto insurance that covers other drivers?

UM/UIM coverage protects you, your family and passengers, not the other driver. It's true that the person who hit you should have auto insurance, but many don't. UM coverage allows you to quickly receive payment for your claim, saving you time and expense of suing the other driver.

4. Will I get paid if the other driver denies fault?

The other driver doesn't need to admit fault. Your car insurance company will determine fault and handle your claim based on their investigation of the facts. If the uninsured driver at fault, you are entitled to payment up to the limits of your UM/UIM coverage.

5. How much money can I collect under my UM/UIM coverage?

You may collect medical and related expenses up to your policy limits. For example, if you buy 50/100 limits for UM/UIM, you can collect up to $50,000 per person in an accident with an uninsured driver, up to a maximum of $100,000 for all drivers injured in the same accident.

6. Can I make a claim on the other driver's UM/UIM coverage?

No. UM/UIM coverage is something you buy to protect yourself from drivers who don't have automobile insurance or don't have enough to pay for accidents they cause.

7. Should I get UMPD coverage instead of Collision coverage?

If you're making loan payments on your car, you'll be required to buy Collision coverage, until it's paid for. Uninsured Motorist Property Damage coverage only pays for damage caused by an uninsured driver you can identify. Hit-and-run accidents aren't covered. Note: UMPD coverage is only available in certain states.

8. Does UMPD coverage pay for damage from a car part in the road?

Only if you can prove the part came from a car owned by a specific uninsured motorist. With Uninsured Motorist Property Damage coverage, you must find the uninsured motorist who's at fault before you can get paid.

Insurance.com is the top online auto insurance agency in the country, offering comparison automobile insurance quotes you can buy online or by phone. http://www.insurance.com/.

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CONTACT: Sari Martin, +1-203-682-8345, Sari.martin@icrinc.com

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