About Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Baltimore, MD

Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Baltimore

When you’ve been involved in a vehicle accident, the reality of being left with expensive medical costs and property damage due to an uninsured or underinsured driver. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage (UIM/UM), and Jack J. Schmerling, Attorney at Law in Baltimore, MD, is here to help.

Caucasian Woman Driver Making Phone Call To Insurance Agent After Traffic Accident. Accident. Car insurance an non-life insurance concept.

Who Does UM/UIM Coverage Help?

What is uninsured motorist coverage? Uninsured or underinsured motorists coverage is designed to protect those impacted by an accident with a motorist who does not have sufficient insurance coverage, no insurance coverage, or a driver who flees the scene. UM/UIM coverage helps victims by providing financial assistance to satisfy their medical needs, amongst other damages incurred in an accident.

Why Should I Purchase Additional Coverage?

Many drivers are uninsured; even those with insurance often have minimal personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) limits. In certain cases, PIP coverage may not apply to you. Additionally, PDL coverage is only used to cover the costs of property damage caused by the negligent driver, meaning you will be responsible for any exceeding costs.

The Two Types of UM Coverage

There are two forms of UM coverage, combined single limit and split limited. What is the difference between split limit uninsured motorist coverage vs. combined single limit uninsured motorist coverage? The majority of people have a split limit, which provides various amounts based on one driver versus several others injured in a collision. In contrast, a combined single limit offers a set amount no matter the number of people involved.

When Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Apply?

Uninsured motorist coverage applies in a wide number of circumstances. UM coverage applies to not only you but also family members, even if they were not in your vehicle, and it covers you if you were driving another person’s vehicle during the time of the collision. Furthermore, UM coverage protects passengers in your vehicle, hit and runs phantom collisions and pedestrian accidents. It is also important to have in case of uninsured motorist property damage.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Underinsured motorist coverage is used in cases where the at-fault driver’s insurance does not cover the total of your damages. When this situation arises, you must exhaust the coverage provided by the at-fault driver’s insurance before seeking benefits through your own insurance policy.

How to Seek Benefits

Once their insurance limits are depleted, their insurance company will be required to tender their policy limits, which then permits you to write a letter to your insurance company advising them of the tendered policy. From this point, you may maintain the right of subrogation or waive the right of allowing the tender to be canceled without settlement.

Understanding Subrogation

If the UIM carrier waives their right to subrogation, the at-fault driver’s insurance will pay the policy limits, and the UIM carrier can then negotiate the remaining balance with their insurance provider. If the UIM carrier does not waive subrogation, the tender against the at-fault driver is canceled, and there will be no settlement.

Multiple Layers of UM/UIM Coverage

Depending on the situation, there are different layers of UM/UIM coverage. Primary coverage refers to coverage for a driver and their passengers in their own vehicle. However, secondary coverage is possible if you are in a different vehicle with a UIM carrier. In this case, you would be covered under their policy limits, and then your policy would kick in as the secondary UIM coverage.

Choose Jack J. Schmerling, Attorney at Law

UM and UIM coverage can be complex and overwhelming to navigate on your own. That’s why Jack J. Schmerling, Attorney at Law, provides trusted legal services to help you better understand your policy and protection. Backed by decades of experience and a track record of success, Jack J. Schmerling is your trusted attorney for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Speak with a Baltimore, MD Attorney

Whether you’re unsure about your policy limits or you’re looking to secure a plan that accommodates your needs, rely on Jack J. Schmerling, Attorney at Law, for expert legal advice that protects your rights and best interests regarding uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Contact us to schedule a consultation.