NEED TO KNOW
If you are wondering about Uninsured Motorist Coverage:
• UM provides coverage when you're involved in a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
• Uninsured Motorist is usually an affordable add-on to your current policy.
Being in an accident can be scary, stressful – and expensive, especially if the other driver doesn’t have car insurance. Uninsured Motorist coverage helps you avoid paying out of pocket expenses for damages to your car or medical bills caused by a driver with no insurance.
Many drivers think that a standard “full coverage” policy covers every situation, but that’s not always the case. Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage provides additional financial protection when you are in an accident with another driver who doesn’t have car insurance.
What is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?
What does it mean to be underinsured? That means that a driver has auto insurance, but the the cost of the damages is higher than the coverage limits of the driver’s policy. An example:
Let’s say you are in a collision with a driver and that driver’s policy has a limit of $10,000 for bodily injury, but your medical expenses are greater than that amount. Uninsured Motorist would then be applied to those gaps in coverage.
Why It’s Important: The Risk of Uninsured Drivers
According to the Insurance Research Council, more than 14 percent of drivers in the US do not have car insurance. That’s a whopping 32 million licensed drivers who do not have any auto insurance coverage if they cause an accident, even though it’s legally required by most states.
If you're hit by an uninsured driver, you could be stuck with medical and repair bills unless you have UM coverage. If you don’t have Uninsured Motorist insurance coverage, your only alternative to recover those costs could be to sue the at-fault driver, which can be time consuming and expensive.
Uninsured Motorist coverage is typically lower cost than standard coverage, and it’s definitely cheaper than paying thousands out of pocket or having to file a lawsuit against another driver who has limited financial resources.
No one plans to get hit by an uninsured driver — but having UM means one bad day doesn’t have to turn into a financial disaster.
Everyday Examples Where UM Could Make a Difference
Maybe you’ve never been in an accident or think that you’ll never need UM. Here are a few examples of everyday occurrences where having UM coverage could be beneficial:
• Hit-and-run accidents
• A crash caused by an uninsured driver with no auto insurance
• Underinsured drivers with minimal coverage that doesn’t cover all of your expenses.
Unfortunately, scenarios like this aren’t unusual —and UM can provide essential protection in all of them.
Is UM Required by Most States?
Uninsured Motorist insurance coverage is not required in all states. Check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or Department of Safety for the most up-to-date requirements.
Although it is not required in every state, most insurance experts recommend it. Because it’s often inexpensive – especially compared to the coverage that it offers – it’s worth considering. A few extra dollars a month could protect you from a significant financial burden.
How Do I Know If I Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Focus customers can easily review or make changes to an existing Focus auto policy! Not sure if you’re covered? Checking only takes a few minutes. You can review coverage and print ID cards 24/7 here. To find out what your coverage limits are, check on the cost of UM coverage or to add UM coverage to your policy, call us at 877-80-FOCUS and we’ll be happy to help.
Other ways to ensure you have the coverage you need:
• Contact your insurance agent or insurance provider to check your current policy coverage.
• Review your current UM/Underinsured Motorist limits to make sure they are enough to cover serious medical costs or vehicle replacement.
• Ask your insurance agent or provider if bundling with other coverages can help reduce overall costs.
Uninsured Motorist coverage is a safety net you hope you never need—but one you’ll be glad to have.
• It protects you, your passengers, and your finances from risks outside your control.
• Take the time now to ensure you’re covered.
Preparing for the unexpected is important. Combined with your other auto insurance coverage, UM can provide additional peace of mind for events that are out of your control.
If you’re not sure whether you’re covered, we can help you check your options. Get a Focus Auto quote today and stay protected for whatever’s ahead.
FAQs
About Uninsured Motorist Coverage
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