People involved in car crashes often rely primarily on the other driver’s insurance. While no-fault personal injury protection coverage can provide support for minor medical expenses, those with significant injuries often need support from the liability coverage of the driver at fault for the wreck.
Unfortunately, an increasing number of drivers do not maintain the insurance coverage that they should. Rising costs and other social factors have contributed to a noticeable increase in uninsured motorists. If the driver at fault for the crash does not have an active liability insurance policy, then the other people involved may need to use their own coverage. Many motorists carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for a situation such as this.
What happens if someone needs to make an uninsured motorist insurance claim after a wreck?
The policy should help cover losses
As is the case with basic liability coverage and no-fault personal injury protection coverage, uninsured motorist coverage is subject to specific limits. It is common for drivers to carry a similar amount of uninsured motorist coverage when compared with their liability protection.
Regardless of the total amount of losses sustained in a crash, the policy limits of the insured driver determine what compensation they have available. Motorists making a claim against their own uninsured driver coverage can obtain reimbursement for expenses up to their policy limits. They may need help optimizing their recovery.
Their premiums may increase
Most drivers understand that if they are at fault for a crash, then their policy premiums are likely to increase. Insurance companies look at the likelihood of large losses when determining how much to charge for an insurance premium.
A driver who has made a claim against their uninsured motorist coverage may have to pay more for their policy the next year. Typically, drivers using their own policy for coverage may have to pay approximately $98 more for the same insurance when they renew.
People filing uninsured motorist claims may need help communicating with insurance providers and reviewing their policy documentation. They may need assistance with negotiating with their insurance company and trying to avoid common company tactics, such as requests for recorded statements. Obtaining proper support early in the claims process can help people optimize their financial recovery after a collision with an uninsured motorist.