What Is the Best Protection Against Uninsured Drivers and How to Get It

Having insurance against uninsured drivers can be a lifesaver in case of an accident. This type of coverage is often included in comprehensive or collision insurance policies.

According to statistics, nearly 1 in 5 drivers on the road are uninsured, so it's essential to have protection in place. In many states, insurance companies can't drop your coverage even if you're involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.

If you're involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you can file a claim with your insurance company to cover damages. This is especially important if you're in a state with a high percentage of uninsured drivers.

In 20 states, including Illinois, New Jersey, and New York, uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage is mandatory, but it's a wise buy even if it's not required.

One or both kinds of coverage are mandatory in 20 states, including Illinois, New Jersey, and New York.

You should purchase UM/UIM with the same limits as your own liability coverage, which is $100,000 bodily injury per individual, $300,000 bodily injury per accident, and $100,000 property damage.

U.S. drivers spent an average of $792 for auto insurance but only $69 for UM/UIM in 2010, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

If you're hit by another driver, create a record of the accident and document who was at fault by calling the police to create an official accident report.

Get the other driver's license, registration, plate number, and vehicle make and model information, as well as take pictures of the damage and get the name and phone numbers of witnesses.

Don't give an uninsured driver your sympathy, but not your trust, and report the accident to your insurer.

In some states, such as Virginia, UM/UIM may cover the deductible if you have collision insurance.

Washington State had one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers with more than 1 in 5 drivers being uninsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

You never know when you'll be involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Most auto policies include collision coverage that will pay for car repairs, but it might not be enough if you have an expensive vehicle or need long-term medical care.

Your health plan will kick in to cover your injuries, but it won't cover long-term care needs or help if you aren't able to work. The deductible for uninsured/underinsured coverage is $250, which is lower than the deductible for collision coverage.

Anyone who drives could need uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. It's like buying an extra insurance policy to cover you when the driver who caused the accident didn't have enough insurance.

You can usually add more uninsured/underinsured coverage in $5,000 increments. A rule of thumb is to add at least enough property damage coverage to replace your vehicle.

Here's a quick breakdown of what uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays for:

Insurance companies must offer uninsured motorist coverage when you buy auto insurance. If you don't want it, you have to turn it down in writing.

Understanding your policy limits is crucial for protecting yourself against uninsured drivers. Knowing the maximum amount your insurance will pay after an accident is essential.

Both UM and UIM coverage have limits, which may not be enough to cover the full costs of a major accident. If your coverage limits are insufficient, consider increasing them for better protection.

Having expert help can make a huge difference in protecting yourself against uninsured drivers. According to statistics, 13% of drivers in the United States are uninsured, which means you could be at risk of financial loss if you're involved in an accident with one of them.

Many insurance companies offer uninsured motorist coverage, which can help pay for medical expenses and other damages if you're involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. This coverage is often included in standard auto insurance policies, but you may need to specifically request it.

If you're unsure about your insurance coverage, it's a good idea to review your policy documents and ask your insurance agent for clarification. They can help you understand what's covered and what's not.

Having a good understanding of your insurance coverage can give you peace of mind and financial protection in case of an accident with an uninsured driver.