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Serving the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Since 1983
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30 West Third Street, Media, Pennsylvania 19063 | Tel:(610) 892-9700


PA Auto Insurance:
Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Empty pocket with no money

Required Coverage: None
Our Minimum Recommendation: $15,000 per person
$30,000 per occurrence

While most drivers and vehicles are insured, many only carry the minimum amount of Bodily Injury Liability coverage required by law.  In Pennsylvania, that amount is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per incident.

 

If another driver is at fault in an accident in which you are injured, no matter how serious your injuries, you will only be compensated up to the limit of that driver's insurance policy.  While the party responsible for the accident may be considered personally liable for additional damages, it is unlikely that there would be liquid assets available from which you could collect.

 

If you have Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, your own insurance company steps in to make up the difference between the money you deserve in compensation for your injuries and the amount the at-fault driver's insurance will pay.

 

For example, assume you elect to carry $100,000 per person UIM coverage.  You are then in a serious car accident leaving you with $110,000 in Bodily Injury damages, but the responsible party has a Bodily Injury Liability policy limit of $15,000.  The other driver is therefore underinsured.

 

You may then file a UIM claim with your insurance company which would, in this example, pay out the difference between the amount you are owed and the limit of the other driver's policy, a difference of $95,000.  In total, you would receive the full $110,000 award.  If you did not have UIM coverage, you would only be given $15,000, losing significant funds which you may truly need if you require extensive treatment for your injuries or lose time from work.

 

UIM coverage is valid whether you are a driver, a passenger, or even a pedestrian involved in a motor vehicle accident in which another person is at fault. 

 

While UIM coverage is not required in Pennsylvania, the few dollars a month you save without it are simply not worth the risk of losing possibly thousands of dollars you would need if you were involved in a moderate to severe accident.

 

Note: Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) and UIM coverage amounts cannot exceed the limit of your Bodily Injury Liability protection, which covers you if you are found to be at fault in an accident which injures another party.

 

If you have more than one vehicle, be certain to check with your insurance company about stacking UM and UIM benefits.

 

If you have further questions about this or any other aspect of Pennsylvania Automobile Insurance, please do not hesitate to contact Gary Stewart Seflin by calling 610-892-9700 or by filling out our contact form.

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