3 Reasons You Need Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Nobody wants to be in a car accident. But being in an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist carries an extra set of challenges. If you’re not prepared, you could be the one who winds up paying for damages. 

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage could potentially help you in these situations. Perhaps you’ve heard of these kinds of coverage, but you’re not sure about it. What does uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance cover? How much coverage do I need?  

These are great questions. Here are three reasons you need uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, and what to know about purchasing this type of insurance.

1. Many Drivers Are Uninsured or Underinsured

The Insurance Research Council estimates that in 2022, about one in seven U.S. drivers — that’s 14% — drove without liability insurance. That risk may not seem overwhelmingly high to you, but it certainly exists. So, if you’ve been asking yourself whether uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is necessary, the answer may be “yes!” When you have this kind of coverage, you may not have to worry as much about coverage for your own injuries if you’re in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. 

Uninsured motorist coverage can help protect you if you get in an accident with an uninsured driver. On the other hand, underinsured motorist coverage can help protect you if another driver who is at fault in an accident with you has insurance but doesn’t have enough coverage.

2. Coverage Is Cost-Effective

 Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is typically available at a reasonable price and also gives you peace of mind when someone with inadequate insurance is at fault for an accident. It’s possible that uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may be more expensive in states with a higher number of uninsured or underinsured drivers. However, this is not only a small price to pay but also a huge gain when measured against the value it can bring you as you’re out on the road. Consider making this investment so that you can gain greater protection for those moments when you least expected to need it.

3. It Can Protect Your Passengers

Suppose you have passengers in your car and the unthinkable happens: you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance. In cases like these, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can step in to cover those passengers. It can help cover medical expenses if you or your passengers are injured as a result of the accident.

Get the Coverage You Need

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can give you added peace of mind when you’re on the road — and at a nominal cost to you. For this and other ways to protect your vehicle, your home and the things that matter most in your world, contact your Farm Bureau agent.