Think Twice before Turning Down Coverage for Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists on Your Auto Policy

Every Pennsylvania motorist needs to be aware of a disturbing fact: recent statistics show that about one in seven drivers does not carry auto insurance coverage in spite of state insurance laws. Even if you do carry insurance, you can face significant expenses if you become injured in an accident caused by someone who fails to meet the state auto insurance requirements.

Pennsylvania law requires all drivers to carry specific levels of insurance to cover medical benefits as well as bodily injury and property damage liability. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department Automobile Insurance Guide also describes certain optional coverage available within the state. Consider carrying both Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage in case of damage and injuries in situations like the following:

• You sustain an injury and other damages in an accident caused by an uninsured driver.
• The $15,000 minimum bodily injury liability coverage in the negligent party’s policy does not cover all medical and other expenses related to your injuries.
• Your injuries result from a hit-and-run accident in which the driver cannot be identified, thus preventing you from collecting against his or her policy.

These are just a few examples of situations that place victims in the unfortunate position of paying out-of-pocket for some or all of the expenses related to injuries and other damages sustained in accidents they did not cause. You should be able to collect rightful compensation whether or not you can identify the liable party for your auto accident in Lancaster County, and whether or not the liable party carries sufficient insurance — UM/UIM coverage allows to you do so.