What is Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage? - Auto Insurance

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage is optional in Ohio.  Many have questions as to what this coverage actually is and how it works.  We would like to take some time to explain this coverage and how it works for you.

What is an Uninsured Motorist?

An uninsured motorist would be someone who has no liability insurance at the time of an accident or has lower limits than the state required minimums where the accident occurs.  Also, if a liability policy applies but the insurer denies coverage or is insolvent and can’t pay.

How does this work?

If you as the insured or your passengers are injured by an uninsured motorist the claim is turned into your insurance company, which will investigate to determine if the uninsured motorist was actually at fault.  If they are found at fault your own company pays you and your passengers for injury or death up to your policy limits.  Then your company would subrogate (suing the negligent party for amount paid out on your policy) to recover what they paid to you and your passengers from the fault of the uninsured party.

What is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Underinsured motorist coverage is similar to the uninsured motorist coverage, but may apply when the other at fault party causes injury and has insurance but not enough.  For underinsured motorist coverage to kick in and pay for injures you and your passengers received from the at fault party your policy for bodily injury and underinsured motorist coverage must be written at a higher limit than the policy of the other at fault driver.

What does Underinsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage pay out for?

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage is for bodily injury only.  It does not cover damage done to your vehicle.