The Importance of Uninsured and Underinsured Mortorists Coverage

As Tucson and Phoenix car accident lawyers, we speak to many people who are injured by others who do not carry car insurance. Because of this, uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (or UM and UIM in their abbreviated forms) are incredibly important parts of the automobile insurance that we all need, but they are not well understood by most people. Perhaps the best way to define UM and UIM is by demonstrating what they are not. UM and UIM are not a part of liability coverage. Liability coverage is what all drivers are required by law to carry. Liability coverage protects you if you cause a motor vehicle accident-it helps to shield you from liability to the parties you have injured. Conversely, when you are involved in an accident that was not your fault and you have sustained a personal injury, it is the liability coverage of the at-fault party that pays for your damages and compensates you for your injury (medical bills and pain and suffering). Collision coverage is part of your personal insurance coverage. Collision can be used to repair damages to an insured vehicle regardless of who is at fault. Collision is coverage that a driver or owner of a vehicle pays for to their own insurance company for damages to their insured vehicle that are caused by a collision. Collision coverage usually carries a deductible, and unlike liability coverage, is not used to pay for damages caused to another party.

So what are UM and UIM? Unfortunately, not every person driving a vehicle in the state of Arizona carries liability insurance. It could be because someone forgot to make their payment on time, because the person driving was specifically excluded from coverage, or because someone simply decided not to insure their vehicle. If an uninsured driver causes an accident that results in a personal injury to you-then the UM coverage you carry on your own policy can step in to compensate you for your injury. Additionally, UIM coverage is used when there is valid liability coverage, but not enough to fully compensate the injured party. Carrying UM and UIM coverage on your insurance policy is a wise investment that provides protection when you need it the most.

If you've been injured in any type of accident, call an injury lawyer at Zanes Law at (520) 777-7777.