The Short Answer: Coverage for When Their Limits Are Too Low
Underinsured motorist coverage, often called UIM, can help pay covered damages when an at-fault driver's liability insurance is not enough.1
The other driver's coverage may be small. UIM is one coverage that may help in that situation. For more on this exact situation, see when the other driver's coverage is low.
If the driver who hit you had no insurance at all, read about what happens when the driver had no insurance.
Do I Have UIM Coverage on My Policy?
The fastest way to check is your declarations page. That is the summary page your insurer sends when your policy starts or renews. It lists each coverage you bought and its limits.
Look for a line about UIM coverage. You can also call your agent or insurer and ask them to confirm in writing.
Illustration only. This is not a real case or a result our firm obtained.
Example: A crash where the other driver carries the minimum Priya is hit by a driver who drifts across the center line. Her hospital stay, follow-up care and lost wages come to about $90,000. The other driver's policy limit is far lower than that. That limit may leave a large gap between her losses and what that insurer pays. Priya bought UIM coverage when she set up her own policy. Her UIM coverage may help with part of that gap, depending on her policy terms, her limits and the facts of the crash.
What Should I Gather If the Other Driver's Coverage Looks Low?
Good records help any claim. If you think the other driver's coverage may fall short, start collecting:
- Your declarations page and full auto policy
- The other driver's insurance information from the crash report or exchange
- Medical records and bills
- Proof of missed work and lost pay
- Photos of the vehicles, the scene and your injuries
- Names and numbers of any witnesses
Write down what you remember about the crash while it is fresh. Keep a simple log of your symptoms, appointments and missed days. A lawyer can explain how this works for you.
When Is It Worth Talking to a Lawyer?
It may help to talk with a lawyer if any of these sound familiar:
- Your injuries are serious and the other driver's coverage looks low
- More than one policy might apply
- Your insurer disputes your claim
A lawyer can look at the facts of your situation and explain your options.
South Carolina Law on This
- Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is optional coverage on your own auto policy that can pay when the at-fault driver's liability limits are too low to cover your losses.1
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my policy includes UIM?
Check the declarations page your insurer sent when the policy started or renewed. It lists each coverage you bought. Your agent can also confirm it in writing.
Will my UIM coverage pay for my crash?
That depends on your policy terms, your limits and how the crash happened. It is the kind of question a lawyer can only answer after reading your policy and hearing the details.
What papers should I pull together?
Start with your full auto policy, the crash report, your medical bills and proof of missed work. Keep them together and add to the pile as new papers arrive.
Sources
This page is general information about South Carolina law, not legal advice for your situation. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change, and every case depends on its own facts.
Attorney responsible for this page: Sean Hall, Sean Hall Law Firm, LLC. Office: 677 King Street, 3rd Floor, Charleston, SC 29403.
