What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Indiana requires all drivers to carry specific types of auto insurance. This includes uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which pays for any losses you suffer in an accident caused by a driver who does not have insurance. This includes losses for medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages. UM coverage is included in all auto policies sold in Indiana. You should have this coverage unless you declined it in writing.

Even with a valid policy, collecting full compensation through your UM claim can be challenging. You will need to file a claim with your own insurer to seek compensation for injuries caused by an uninsured driver. The insurer may deny liability or dispute the amount you are requesting. You will likely benefit from having an experienced Indiana car accident attorney stand up for you if you have a disputed claim.

At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, we can help you pursue every cent you need for the medical bills and other expenses you’ve been left with through no fault of your own. Keep reading to learn more about uninsured motorist insurance in Indiana and why you need it.

Types of Uninsured Motorist Coverage

There are two main types of uninsured motorist coverage you should have as part of your Indiana auto insurance package:

  • UM Bodily injury coverage – This covers the medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering after a collision for you and anyone else in your vehicle at the time of the crash. In most cases, there are separate policy limits for a single person injured in a crash and for all people injured in a crash.
  • UM Property damage coverage – This pays for the damage to your car or other belongings after a collision caused by an uninsured driver.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage Limits

Indiana has the same minimum limits for uninsured motorist coverage as for liability coverage. Unless you specifically reject uninsured motorist coverage in writing, your policy must include at least:

  • $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
  • $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident
  • $25,000 for damaged property

You can select higher coverage limits if you wish, though doing so may increase your premiums.

Why Should You Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Indiana?

Uninsured motorist coverage is crucial after an accident in two situations. It provides coverage if you are hit by a driver who does not have insurance. You would then turn to your own insurance company to cover your losses.

The second situation in which uninsured motorist coverage is key is if the other driver flees the scene and is not identified. Insurance companies treat a hit-and-run accident like an accident involving an uninsured driver. Without uninsured motorist coverage, you would be left to pay for the cost of medical care, vehicle repairs, and other losses after a hit-and-run accident.

How Much Can I Get From an Uninsured Motorist Claim?

The severity of injuries and insurance available determine the maximum amount you can seek in an uninsured motorist claim. If you have $25,000 in losses and $25,000 in bodily injury coverage and you were the only one hurt in the crash, you may seek to recoup the full amount of your losses. However, if your losses exceed the limits of your UM policy, you may be left with some out-of-pocket costs. For this reason, it is a good idea to opt for higher uninsured motorist coverage limits if you can afford to pay for the insurance.

Injured in a Crash with an Uninsured Motorist? Contact Our Experienced Indianapolis Attorneys Now

If your insurer is disputing your claim for full and fair compensation after a collision with an uninsured motorist, contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC today. Our experienced Indianapolis car accident attorneys can help you demand the money you’re entitled to receive. We look forward to meeting you during a free consultation.

Author:

Since 1999 the Indianapolis legal team at Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC have been dedicated to helping individuals and their families who have been injured or have lost a loved one as the result of someone’s carelessness. The firm was founded by three attorneys, David Craig, William ‘BJ’ Kelley II and Scott Faultless, since then they have added attorneys and legal professionals to the team and opened four additional office locations to better serve their clients.