Uninsured Motorist vs. Underinsured Motorist Insurance

Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist Insurance

Car insurance can be confusing, especially when you hear terms like Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist coverage. Read this blog to make sure you have the right auto coverage in case you are ever in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured at-fault driver.

Our Actionable Advice

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Here is some great information from Mercury Insurance about uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

What’s the difference:

  • Uninsured Motorist coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver who has no insurance.  
  • Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you if you are hit by a driver who does not have enough coverage to pay for the damages or injuries they caused.

What does it cover:

  • Uninsured Motorist coverage (UM) protects drivers and passengers if they are involved in an accident with a motorist with no insurance. It typically includes Uninsured motorist bodily injury and Uninsured motorist property damage.
  • Underinsured Motorist coverage (UIM) has a similar purpose, but when the at-fault driver has insurance but the limits are too low to cover all the damages. It typically includes  Underinsured motorist bodily injury and Underinsured motorist property damage.

Is it required:

  • In Georgia, insurance companies are required to offer UM/UIM coverage. You are not required to accept it. However, it is HIGHLY recommended.

Why do I need it:

  • According to Value Penguin, if you live in a state with a high rate of uninsured drivers, it is a good idea to add UIM to your policy. In Georgia, 12.4% of drivers are uninsured. 

The Big Takeaway

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The Whitlock Group has over 30 years of experience in Homeowners and Auto Insurance, so you can be confident you are protected.

If you have questions about your current policies or would like a quote for Homeowners and Auto Insurance, please contact Kristi Flynn.