Uninsured vs. Underinsured Motorist Property Damage
Are uninsured and underinsured motorist coverages bundled together, or are they distinct policies that must be purchased separately?
I recall experiencing an accident where my uninsured motorist property damage coverage did not extend to cover damages caused by an underinsured motorist.
State: CA
In California, uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) property damage are generally considered separate coverages. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): This coverage typically protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have any insurance. It can help cover repairs to your vehicle or other property damage.
Underinsured Motorist Property Damage (UIMPD): This coverage comes into play if the at-fault driver has insurance, but their limits are insufficient to cover the total damage costs. UIM coverage can help bridge that gap.
Since these are distinct types of protection, it’s necessary to add them separately to your auto insurance policy if you want coverage for both situations. It’s also worth reviewing your policy details or speaking with your insurance agent to ensure you have the right coverage for your needs.