In Missouri, it is important for drivers to have underinsured motorist coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. This type of coverage can provide much-needed protection in the event of an auto accident with a driver who does not have enough insurance to cover the costs of the accident.

When you are involved in a car accident, the at-fault driver is typically responsible for paying for any damages or injuries that result from the accident. However, if the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover the full cost of the accident, you may be left with significant out-of-pocket expenses. This is where underinsured motorist coverage comes into play.

Underinsured motorist coverage is an optional type of auto insurance coverage that provides additional protection for you if you are involved in an accident with an underinsured driver. This coverage can help pay for damages or injuries that are not fully covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.

How Does Underinsured Motorist Coverage Work?

For example, let’s say that you are involved in a car accident in Missouri that was caused by another driver. The other driver’s insurance policy only has coverage of up to $25,000, but the total cost of the accident is $50,000. In this situation, your underinsured motorist coverage would kick in and help pay for the additional $25,000 in damages that are not covered by the other driver’s insurance policy.

Without underinsured motorist coverage, you would be responsible for paying the full $25,000 in non-covered damages out of your own pocket. This could be financially devastating, especially if you are already dealing with the medical costs and other expenses associated with the auto accident.

In addition to providing financial protection, underinsured motorist coverage can also provide peace of mind. Knowing that you have this coverage can help you feel more secure on the road, knowing that you have some protection in the event of an accident with an underinsured driver.

Overall, underinsured motorist coverage is an important type of auto insurance coverage to have in Missouri. It can provide much-needed financial protection in the event of an accident with an underinsured driver, and it can also provide peace of mind. If you do not currently have underinsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, it absolutely worth adding it to your policy.

How Do I Access Underinsured Motorist Coverage When I Need It?

To make a claim under your underinsured motorist coverage, you must first obtain or collect all of the proceeds available under the at-fault party’s insurance policy. You must then establish the full nature and extend of your damages to the satisfaction of your own insurance company. Sometimes, the amount of coverage that your purchased  may be reduced by money received by you from the at-fault party.

The attorneys at Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC urge you to review your family automobile coverage with an attorney, whether that attorney is a member of this firm or another firm, before you are in an accident. We cannot advise any specific minimum limits regarding UIM coverage but we can discuss worst case scenario situations.

Finally, never hesitate to seek legal advice following an auto accident. You need to make sure that your attorney has all of your policies if you have been in an auto accident. Insurance policies are legal contracts, which often require you to jump through hoops to make a successful claim. Our lawyers are familiar with these claims and the steps necessary to jump all of the hoops. We will lead you through the process, helping you obtain full and fair compensation for your injuries.

Contact Us Today

If you have any questions regarding your coverage or you, a family member, or friend have found yourself in the unfortunate position of being involved in an auto accident feel free to contact us or call us at (573)686-2459. We are here for you when you need us.