UM / UIM Coverage

All states require a minimum amount of insurance on a vehicle; however, that does not mean that every driver carries it. Unfortunately, according to the Insurance Research Council, an estimated 1 in 7 drivers in the U.S. is uninsured. Because of this, most insurance companies offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM).

Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)

Uninsured motorist coverage applies when you get in an accident with a driver who does not carry any insurance. It also applies should the other driver leave before you can gather his or her insurance information.

UM coverage applies if:

  • The other driver was at fault
  • The other driver is uninsured
  • It was an unidentified hit-and-run accident
  • The other vehicle involved was stolen

Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)

Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when you are injured by a driver whose coverage limits do not cover the cost of damage and injuries.

This means that the other driver’s insurance would cover expenses up to his or her policy limits. For example, if the other driver’s policy limit was $25,000 and the damages and injuries incurred expenses of $50,000, you would be able to file a claim for $25,000 with that person’s insurance. After that, your UIM insurance would pay the rest, that is, up until your coverage limits have been reached.


“Stacking” Insurance Policies

There is a practice called “stacking.” Stacking means that you can combine insurance coverage limits to account for more than one vehicle insured on the same policy or under separate policies.

The benefit of being able to stack your UM/UIM coverage is that it raises the potential amount of coverage you can use in case of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

What this could mean for you:

  • If you stack within policies, you may be able to combine the coverage limits for multiple vehicles on one policy. For instance, if you have two cars on a single car insurance policy and your UM limit was $50,000 you could potentially combine your UM coverage limits for a total of up to $100,000.
  • If you stack across policies, meaning that your two vehicles are on two separate policies, and your UM limit was $40,000, you could potentially file a claim using both policies up to $80,000.

Accidents with Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists

In accidents where the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, it can be confusing trying to figure out what his or her insurance will cover and what yours will cover. The car accident attorneys at Nash & Franciskato understand insurance terms and polices and know how to obtain the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.

We can help you determine if stacking your policies is a viable option. We have obtained settlements for clients to cover the costs of their injuries by stacking policies.


Receive a Free Evaluation from Experienced Car Accident Attorneys

If you have been seriously injured in an automobile accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you need a trusted resource who can fight for your rights. In the Kansas City area and across Missouri, the car accident attorneys at Nash & Franciskato will help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation review of your case.

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