If you're like most people, you probably have a lot of questions about Underinsured Motorist Insurance AKA Uninsured Motorist Coverage. What is it? How much should you get? When do you need it? Do you have to have it? In this article, Badger Law Group attorneys will answer all of those questions and more! We'll discuss what uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance is, how to choose the best policy for your needs, how much coverage to get, when to use it, and more. So if you're curious about this important type of insurance coverage, keep reading!
How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work in Georgia?
Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Coverage is a type of insurance that protects you if the other driver in an accident is not covered under their own policy or has inadequate coverage. Meaning, if you're hit by someone with too little (or no) coverage, you can still recover from your own UM policy. Georgia law also ensures that UM insurance covers hit-and-run accidents. Having this kind of coverage will help ensure that you and your passengers are protected in the event of an accident caused by another driver who doesn't have enough insurance to cover the cost of damages.
Does Georgia Require Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
No. In Georgia, uninsured motorist coverage is not required by law. However, it is a good idea to invest in this type of insurance even if you do not legally have to do so. As discussed above, uninsured motorist coverage provides protection for you and your passengers if another driver causes an accident that results in serious injuries or damages but does not have adequate coverage. Therefore, it can be crucial to have this kind of insurance if you want to protect yourself in the event that a reckless driver injures you or someone else in an accident.
If you're looking for the best uninsured motorist coverage options available in Georgia, you should consider how much coverage you need. The insurance company you choose should be able to help you customize your policy so that it provides the right amount of coverage for your needs. But as a general rule: the more, the better.
It's essential for Georgia residents to invest in uninsured motorist protection, since many drivers on the road are not adequately covered and Georgia law only mandates a minimum of $25,000 in liability coverage.
What's the Difference Between Liability Insurance Coverage and Uninsured Motorist Insurance?
Liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage are two types of car insurance that protect you against different kinds of risks. Liability insurance provides financial protection if you are found to be at fault in an accident, whereas uninsured motorist coverage helps protect you against the costs associated with accidents caused by other drivers who do not have enough insurance or any insurance at all.
There are a few key differences between these two types of coverage. First, liability insurance is required by law in most states, while uninsured motorist coverage is not. Second, liability insurance covers your own medical expenses and vehicle repairs in the event of an accident, whereas uninsured motorist coverage only covers costs incurred as a result of accidents caused by other drivers.
Another difference is that underinsured motorist coverage is typically more flexible than liability insurance, as you can usually choose the amount of coverage that best suits your needs. So if you are looking for protection against the costs associated with accidents caused by other drivers, it may be a good idea to invest in underinsured motorist coverage. However, it is also important to consider how much coverage you need and what kind of policy will work best for your situation. To find the right type of insurance coverage for your needs in Georgia, speak to your insurance company and try to obtain as much UM coverage as you can afford.
Reasons to Get Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you have ever rejected Underinsured or Uninsured motorist coverage or if your coverage is reduced, the consequences could be severe. That's why we suggest always including UM/UIM insurance in your plan. Here are some reasons why: in accidents, frequently the at-fault driver has no liability insurance at all or not enough relative to the total damages. This is because many people do not know (or follow) the laws about driving without insurance; some believe they have coverage when they actually don't; and many people who forget to pay or can't afford to pay their insurance premiums, but drive anyway. At Badger Law Group, we see many clients who have rejected or denied UM coverage options in their insurance plans, and come to regret it when they are hit by a motor vehicle without enough coverage, or worse, suffer an accident from a hit-and-run driver.
Why is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Important?
Underinsured motorist coverage is important because it helps protect you in the event that you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have sufficient insurance to cover your medical and vehicle repair costs, or who does not have an insured vehicle. Liability insurance will only require drivers insurance to pay if they hit someone else, but will not protect them if the other driver is uninsured. Without UIM coverage, you could be stuck paying both property damage costs and medical costs out of your own pocket, which can be financially burdensome.
Thus, it's vitally important to invest in underinsured motorist coverage when you're purchasing auto insurance. Your insurance company, will offer reliable UIM coverage options that can help protect you against the financial risks associated with accidents caused by other drivers.
How much UM/UIM coverage should you have?
After an accident, your attorney who specializes in UM/UIM can review your coverage policy with you. In some cases, a person's insurance can be 'stacked', which may provide extra resources for compensation.
Generally, you should choose a policy that offers a high limit of coverage; the more coverage you have, the better prepared you will be in case of an accident. Be sure to work with your insurance company and your attorney to determine what level of UM/UIM coverage is right for you.
So if you live or drive in Georgia and are looking for reliable protection against underinsured motorists, it's important to invest in UM/UIM insurance. With the right coverage, you can feel secure knowing that your financial well-being is protected in the event of an accident caused by another driver. To learn more about choosing the best UIM insurance for your needs, talk to your insurance provider today.
Should I Get Add-On or Reduced-By Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Within Uninsured/underinsured coverage policies are two different types: Add-on UM coverage and reduced-by UM coverage. UM insurance which adds-on is coverage which literally adds-on to the liability limits. In other words, if you have $25,000 in UM Insurance coverage, and are hit by an at fault driver who also has $25,000 in liability limits, your total potential recovery would be $50,000 because your $25,000 will "add-on" to the at fault driver's policy limits.
However, if you have reduced-by UM insurance, in the same scenario as above, your uninsured/underinsured coverage of $25,000 will be reduced-by the the at-fault driver's $25,000 in policy limits, only allowing you to recover $25,000 as opposed to the full $50,000 as in the example above.
Thus, if you can afford it, an add-on UM insurance policy will better protect you and your family members and will result in more money in the event of a serious accident.
Car Accident Scenario: How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Can Help?
Scenario: Driver A and Driver B have an accident on the road and Driver B rear-ends Driver A. Liability is clear: Driver B is at fault. Driver B experiences no pain from the accident, but Driver A suffers intense neck, back, and head pain following the crash. Driver A is brought by ambulance to the ER for X-rays and an MRI scan, which show no broken bones or brain damage. It is discovered Driver B has no liability insurance, and cannot pay for Driver A's physical therapy or medical bills. Once released from the hospital, Driver A consults a law firm for legal help. Driver A sues Driver B but Driver B has no liability coverage.
In this scenario, Driver A can file a claim against their own insurance company for damages with underinsured motorist coverage. Indeed it is for this very reason UM insurance was created. Driver A's auto insurance policy contains add-on UM insurance. Filing a UIM claim will provide Driver A with compensation for any out-of-pocket medical expenses for bodily injury and lost wages resulting from the accident.
Georgia Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists Law
The Georgia uninsured motorist statute can seem complex, however, Badger Law Group's experienced staff will navigate all the of the difficulty for you and will work to help you recover the most in damages. In Georgia, drivers must be insured for a minimum amount ($25,000) before they are legally allowed to drive. This coverage provides compensation to drivers who suffer injuries while they are driving.
If you have been injured by a driver who is not fully covered, it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and maximize your compensation for injuries and other damages. To learn more about Georgia's uninsured motorist law and how to seek help after an accident, contact Badger Law Group today.
What's the Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Insurance Coverage in Georgia?
Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you against accidents caused by other drivers who do not have insurance. This can cover expenses related to medical bills and vehicle repairs in the event of a crash. In contrast, underinsured motorist coverage provides protection against crashes involving drivers who may be insured, but whose policies limit or cap their liability for damages. To learn more about how to choose the right UM/UIM coverage for your needs, contact an insurance agent or provider in Georgia today.
It's always a good idea to have underinsured motorist insurance. Georgia residents should elect for as much as they can afford, because uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is the only method to seek full compensation from uninsured drivers or small liability insurance policies.
If You've Been in an Accident with an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver, Call Badger Law Group Today!
If you've been in a serious accident, or one involving multiple vehicles, the responsible driver and his liability carrier will likely not provide coverage sufficient for your bodily injury.
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, it is important to have underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. This type of insurance can help protect you from financial losses if the other driver does not have a full insurance policy. At Badger Law Group, we understand the importance of having reliable UIM coverage and can help litigate your claim for damages. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact Badger Law Group for a free consultation for uninsured motorist insurance cases. If you have been in an accident and the other driver does not have insurance, contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you deserve. We understand the importance of having reliable UIM coverage and can help litigate your claim for damages. Call us now to learn more about our services and how we can help you get the compensation you deserve. 855-6-BADGER, or BADGERWINS.com.
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