Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Mandatory?

Clayton Cain | | Auto Accident
Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Mandatory?

If you get into a car accident and you are not at fault, the at-fault driver is responsible. That is why after a car accident you exchange insurance information and car contacts. However, what happens if the driver responsible for your accident does not have insurance? Who will you submit your claim to?

That is a question that many drivers cannot answer. However, there is an easy solution which is to sign for the uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. It is a type of cover that is offered when you purchase your minimum vehicle policy. The cover aims to ensure that you are taken care of in case you get into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

In case you do not have the uninsured cover, you need to consult your lawyer to know how you will get compensated. There is the option of filing a lawsuit against the driver which may have different outcomes depending on the case. In any case, it is best that you talk to an attorney that will ensure you get what you need.

Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Mandatory in Georgia?

No, it is not mandatory that you get uninsured motorist coverage, but it is advised that you get it. It is, however, required that your insurer makes it available to you when purchasing your policy.

You need to have at least the minimum car insurance requirement which is:

  • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident.
  • $25,000 for bodily harm per person.
  • $25,000 for property damage per accident.

That is only the minimum requirement by law, but if you wish, you can get more cover depending on what you need. It is best that you agree to carry uninsured and underinsured coverage since it protects you.

Some of the reasons why this coverage is necessary include:

  • It allows you to seek compensation from your insurer if the at-fault driver doesn’t have car insurance.
  • It allows you to get compensated if the at-fault driver is underinsured.
  • You can also get compensated if you get into a hit and run accident.
  • You can also collect compensation if you are hit and injured as a pedestrian or cyclist.

The uninsured coverage not only covers you it also includes your spouse, relatives, anyone using your vehicle and a passenger in your car. It covers all of these people as long as they are living with you. Therefore, you may not see the benefits of signing the UM coverage, but there are many for you and your family.

What Are the Types Of UM Coverage and Why Do You Need Automobile Injury Attorney?

There are two types of uninsured coverage, which is the non-stacking also known as the traditional and stacking option. A stacking coverage allows you to collect both the underinsured liability coverage as well as your Underinsured Motorist coverage. That means that if the underinsured driver has $25,000 as coverage and it is not enough to cover your losses, you can stack your UM hence collecting $50,000.

The non-stacking coverage only pays the balance after the at-fault driver’s insurance is counted. For example, if you suffered losses worth $35,000 and the at-fault driver has $25,000 your UM will only pay for the $10,000 difference allowing you to collect $35,000.

That is why it is essential to purchase UM coverage since it allows you to collect maximum benefits. In case the driver is uninsured, you get the minimum coverage to cover your losses, so you don’t lose everything.

On the other hand, you may opt to sue the uninsured driver which may not yield much. That is because, assuming that the driver couldn’t afford to purchase insurance, it will be impossible for him to provide your compensation. To avoid all of this it is best that you get the uninsured coverage to cover your losses.

Call Automobile Injury Lawyers for Help after a Car Accident

No one would ever wish to be in a crash much less with an uninsured driver. Unfortunately, it happens every day, and you have to protect yourself against huge bills and losses. The best thing you can do is purchase the UM coverage when buying your car insurance policy. If it happens that you didn’t buy the coverage and you get into an accident with an uninsured motorist, then you need an accident attorney. At Cain Injury Law, we have excellent lawyers that will take up your case. We will work hard to ensure that you get the compensation you need after the crash.