If you only read one sentence today, please remember this: always buy “Added On” Underinsured Motorist Insurance and never buy “Reduced” UM Coverage, and call your agent or login to get a quote for the maximum amount of “Added On” coverage you can afford ASAP.
As a legal driver, you must carry the minimum limits of auto insurance required by the state. Liability required under Georgia law are $25,000 bodily injury per person; $50,000 bodily injury per accident; and $25,000 property damage per accident. This mandatory amount of basic insurance covers personal injuries that a driver causes someone else.
Auto insurance is to protect yourself in the event of an accident. But what happens when you are in an accident with a bad driver who has no liability insurance or not enough coverage to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering? If you lack uninsured motorist coverage, you could potentially be at significant financial risk with respect to your medical bills and beyond. Having uninsured motorist coverage in Georgia is important to protect you and your family.
Uninsured (aka Underinsured) motor vehicle insurance helps pay your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering when another driver without insurance or without enough insurance causes the accident. Other situations include at-fault drivers that had insurance that did not meet state-mandated minimum liability requirements, or whose insurance company denied their claim or was not financially able to pay it.
Both polices provide you, your spouse, children, and other authorized drivers with significant coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage will also cover any passengers who are riding in your insured vehicle.
Added On underinsured motorist coverage adds money to whatever coverage the at-fault driver is carrying. Imagine a driver runs a redlight and crashes into your car and causes $150,000 worth of medical bills, lost salary, and pain and suffering. In these following examples, one client is covered for their loss while the other is left with $100,000 in out of pocket losses.
The Client with the Added on Coverage is sitting pretty:
The client with “Reduced” UM Insurance $100,000
The percentage of uninsured motorists on the road has been steadily rising over the years. In Georgia, nearly 12 percent of drivers are uninsured, and a much higher percentage only have the minimum liability required by the state. In many cases, minimum liability would not be enough to cover all bodily injury or property damage, making you responsible for the rest of your bills. Read more on uninsured statistics by clicking here.
If you are unsure if your automobile insurance policy covers uninsured/underinsured drivers, be sure to call your insurance company. With the number of uninsured motorists rising, uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage is a smart investment.
Immediately seek legal help if you find yourself in an automobile accident. At Yates Law Group we can help deal with all insurance companies involved in your case, including the at-fault driver’s liability insurer and your own uninsured motorist coverage provider. Call us today to schedule a consultation at 404.800.3030 or email us at Help@LawyerATL.com.
