Colorado UM/UIM Insurance Concerns with USAA
I’m currently dealing with a situation in Colorado where my car was hit in a parking lot. Fortunately, the other driver left their information, and I’m working with their insurance to cover the repairs. However, when I contacted my insurance company, USAA, I was told there’s essentially nothing they can do if I had found my car damaged without any information from the other party.
I thought that UM/UIM insurance in Colorado would cover damages caused by another driver, even if their details were unavailable. The agent I spoke to mentioned that without information about the other party, I would be fully responsible for the repairs. They stated that the only way to receive coverage in such a scenario is to have collision insurance, which, in Colorado, can’t be combined with UM/UIM coverage.
Can anyone clarify if this information is correct? Do I need to consider updating my insurance coverage?
It sounds like you’re navigating a tricky situation with your UM/UIM coverage in Colorado. Here’s a breakdown of what you might want to consider:
Understanding UM/UIM Coverage: Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverages are designed to protect you in cases where you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages. In Colorado, this coverage primarily applies to bodily injury, and while it can sometimes cover property damage, it’s less straightforward when it comes to damage incurred without a known at-fault party.
Parking Lot Accidents: In your situation where the other party left their information and their insurance is handling the damages, you’re in a good position. However, if you had found your vehicle damaged with no note, the lack of information generally means you can’t claim under UM/UIM for property damage unless you opted for certain provisions in your policy (if available).
Collision Coverage: As your agent mentioned, collision coverage is what typically pays for damage to your own vehicle, regardless of who is at fault or whether you have information on the other driver. If you only have UM/UIM, and no identifiable at-fault party, you’re correct that your options would be limited.
Policy Reviews: Given the nuances of your situation, it might be beneficial to review your policy or even schedule a follow-up conversation with your insurance agent. Specifically, ask about the details of your UM/UIM coverage regarding property damage. You may want to consider adding collision coverage for more comprehensive protection in the future.
Consult with an Expert: If you’re still feeling uncertain, consider contacting a local insurance agent or attorney who specializes in auto insurance. They can provide insight specific to Colorado’s laws and help ensure you’re adequately covered.
Updating your coverages to better fit your needs—especially if you frequently park in areas where damage might occur or are concerned about uninsured drivers—can help you feel more secure. It’s always a good idea to be proactive about understanding your policy details.