Colorado UM/UIM Insurance Update
I’m currently in Colorado and recently my car was hit while parked. Thankfully, the other driver left their information, and I’m working with their insurance to cover the repairs. However, I contacted my own insurance company, USAA, and I was informed that they wouldn’t be able to assist me in this situation. They mentioned that if I had discovered my car damaged without any note or information, I would be entirely responsible for the repair costs.
I assumed that in Colorado, UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) insurance would cover damages caused by another party, even if I couldn’t obtain their information. The USAA agent clarified that if the other driver’s details were unavailable, I would have to bear the entire financial burden for the damages unless I had collision coverage—which is separate from UM/UIM in my state.
Could someone clarify whether this information is correct? Should I consider updating my coverage? Thank you!
It sounds like you’re navigating a tricky situation, and it’s important to clarify how UM/UIM (Uninsured Motorist/Underinsured Motorist) coverage works in Colorado.
UM/UIM coverage is designed to protect you from damages caused by a driver who either does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the costs of an accident you are involved in. However, it typically applies in scenarios where you can identify the at-fault party. If an accident occurs and the other driver provides their information (as in your case), their insurance is responsible for the damages, so you should not have to rely on your own UM/UIM coverage.
If you found your vehicle damaged with no note or information about the other party, that implies the other driver is unidentified. In this case, your UM/UIM coverage could potentially come into play, but it may depend on the specific terms and conditions of your policy and state law. It’s true that UM/UIM is often invoked in situations where you cannot identify the at-fault driver, but coverage specifics can vary based on your insurer’s policy guidelines.
Given what the USAA agent mentioned, your understanding may be somewhat correct, but it’s worth the following steps:
Review Your Insurance Policy: Look closely at the specific wording of your UM/UIM policy to understand the coverages and any exclusions.
Contact Your Insurance Again: It might be beneficial to reach out to USAA again or request to speak with a supervisor. Explain your situation clearly and ask for clarifications about when UM/UIM coverage applies—especially regarding hit-and-run scenarios.
Consider Adding Collision Coverage: Since your current situation shows a potential gap in coverage, you may want to consider adding collision coverage. This would cover damages to your car regardless of fault or the other driver’s insurance status.
Speak to an Insurance Expert or Attorney: If you’re still unsure, consulting with an insurance agent or an attorney who specializes in auto insurance might provide more specific guidance based on your exact situation and local laws.
In summary, while UM/UIM is beneficial, if there’s damage from an identified party, their insurance should cover it. However, for unidentified drivers, you might need collision coverage or need to explore how your UM/UIM policy applies.