A number of misconceptions revolve around two types of auto insurance, Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist coverage. Many people include these two types of auto insurance in their policies, but may not know the facts about these types of coverage.

We at Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions understand that there is a great deal of mystery surrounding Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage, so here, we explain the similarities and differences between these types of coverage, and why you should include this coverage in your policy.

Why You Need Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

There are many situations where Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist coverage will be of great help to you. For example, if you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, and you sustain damage to your vehicle, perhaps even with bodily injury, Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist coverage can help you with the cost of dealing with your damages and injuries. If you are in an accident with an insured driver, but his coverage is not enough to pay for your damages and medical bills, Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist will fill the coverage gap for you. Another condition where this coverage will help you is if an at-fault driver is insured, but his carrier cannot pay the claim, your coverage will help you pay for damages and medical bills. In some states, if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist coverage will cover your damages and medical costs.

You can clearly see the benefits of having Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist coverage outweigh the costs, yet many drivers prefer to forego this type of insurance. Some bypass this coverage due to several misconceptions about this type of insurance. We will address a few of these misconceptions so that you might reconsider adding Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist coverage to your policy.

1.) Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Will Raise My Rates.

Though it is true that you will pay a few dollars more on your insurance premiums if you carry this type of coverage, try to think of what your costs might be if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. In the long run, you should hedge your bet and add Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist coverage to your plan.

2.) I Do Not Need Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Because I Have an Excellent Health Insurance Plan.

If you have great health insurance, that is definitely a factor in your favor, but your health insurance policy probably will not cover long-term medical care and lost wages in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. In fact, your health insurance policy may require that you exhaust all of your auto insurance benefits before you can make a claim against your health insurance. Additionally, if your health insurance deductible is very high, you can use your Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist coverage and pay your auto insurance deductible instead.

3.) If I Am In an Accident That Is the Fault of the Other Driver, His Insurance Will Cover My Medical Bills and Damages.

This is true, but only if the other driver carries adequate coverage to do so. If you live in a no-fault insurance state, you may not have the option of relying on the other driver’s coverage. Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist coverage makes sure you are covered, even when the other driver is not insured or underinsured. If you live in a no-fault insurance state, Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist coverage will pay your lost wages while you recover from the accident.

Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions offers cheap SR22 insurance for those with less than perfect driving histories. We specialize in providing state-approved California SR22 insurance, and our agents electronically file your certificate of financial responsibility with the California DMV so within 15 minutes of selecting your policy, the California DMV will have your paperwork in their possession. Call 866.822.7755 to speak with a Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions agent to obtain your free SR22 insurance quote.