When you make arrangements for your auto insurance coverage, you will have several choices. One choice will be whether to buy uninsured and underinsured motorist benefits. This type of coverage provides compensation in the event that you are injured as the result of being hit by someone who does not have auto insurance (uninsured benefits) or in the even that you are injured as the result of being hit by someone who has insufficient auto insurance to cover all of your losses (underinsured benefits).
Many insurance agents will tell you that you do not need to buy uninsured or underinsured motorist benefits. They may say that such coverage is unnecessary or too expensive. Don’t believe them! If you want full coverage, then you must insist on uninsured and underinsured motorist benefits. Without these benefits, you run the risk of not receiving the compensation to which you are entitled in the event you or your family suffers injuries as the result of someone’s negligent driving.
Don’t sell yourself short. Uninsured and underinsured drivers who cause you or your family to suffer injuries do not care about you. Only you can protect yourself against uninsured and underinsured drivers. Check your auto insurance policy. If it does not include uninsured and underinsured motorist benefits, contact your auto insurance agent and ask that these coverages be added to your policy.
Understanding the ins and outs of insurance policies is part of what we routinely do at Silberblatt Mermelstein. If you have questions about auto insurance and the types of coverages that are available, feel free to contact us.