Did you know that 1 in every 8 drivers has no insurance? If you are one of the millions of Americans that get hit by one of these uninsured drivers, you could be left to pick up the pieces on your own—even if you have liability insurance. This is because liability coverage only works to protect other drivers if you are the person responsible for an accident. If you are hit by a driver who doesn’t have auto insurance, you’ll need uninsured motorist coverage to help pay for your injuries. Still unsure whether this type of coverage is right for you? Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of investing in comprehensive car insurance coverage.
What is Uninsured Motorist Insurance Coverage?
Uninsured motorist insurance is designed to help pay for your injuries if you’re involved in an accident where the other driver doesn’t have insurance. Uninsured motorist insurance is similar to bodily injury coverage in that it will typically help to pay for your medical bills, pain and suffer, and even lost wages if you are unable to return to work right away after your accident. In some cases, uninsured motorist insurance can also help to cover the cost of replacement services like hiring a babysitter or house cleaner to help around the house while you recover.
To protect your vehicle and personal property in this type of accident, many insurance providers also offer uninsured motorist property damage insurance. This coverage is similar to property damage liability and will help to cover the cost of auto repairs following an accident with an uninsured driver. Additionally, your coverage may also extend to cover valuable items that were in the car and damaged in the accident. For example, if you had a work laptop in the car or a musical instrument, your uninsured motorist property damage may pay to repair or replace these items.
What if the Other Driver Is Underinsured?
Underinsured motorist insurance coverage is available in some states as an extra layer of protection. Sometimes, a driver may have invested in an inadequate amount of liability coverage and when they hit another driver, their insurance won’t cover all of the damages. If you are hit by a driver with inadequate insurance coverage, underinsured motorist insurance can step in to pick up where the other insurance left off and help you to avoid paying for damages out of your own pocket. Underinsured motorist insurance is also broken up into 2 separate types of coverage, with one for bodily injury and one for property damage.
Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Insurance?
Currently, Illinois is one of the 22 states in the US that requires uninsured motorist insurance coverage. However, when you are driving out-of-state, beware that many other drivers on the road may not have this additional insurance option. That’s why it’s always a good idea to go over your coverage limits with your independent insurance agent to make sure you’ve got the right level of protection for yourself and if you are the person responsible for causing injuries to another person in an accident.
Contact AFI Insurance Today
There’s nothing worse than being injured in a car accident and having to worry about how your medical bills will be paid for. Give yourself peace of mind and protect your loved ones with comprehensive uninsured motorist coverage. Interested in learning more about the benefits of investing in total insurance protection from AFI Insurance in Rolling Meadows, IL? Call (847) 397-9618 or contact our friendly independent agents online today to request a free quote.
