Subject: Question about Underinsured Motorist and Self-Coverage
Hi everyone,
About a month ago, I was involved in an accident where I was not at fault, resulting in my car being totaled (estimated value around $24,000). Unfortunately, the driver at fault only has a $10,000 insurance limit. I realize now that not having collision coverage was a mistake on my part.
I do have uninsured/motorist bodily injury coverage of $15,000/$30,000 and uninsured motorist property damage coverage of $3,500, but I don’t think the latter applies in this situation.
Can I accept the payout from the at-fault driver’s insurance and then pursue my own insurance company (Progressive) for reimbursement related to my medical expenses? I’m not planning on suing the driver, so it seems like I’m in a tough spot when it comes to recovering my losses.
Any advice would be appreciated!
I’m sorry to hear about your accident—it’s definitely a frustrating situation. It seems like you’re navigating a tricky landscape with your coverage options.
To address your question, yes, you can typically accept the payout from the at-fault driver’s insurance and pursue a claim with your own insurance for your medical injuries. Your uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage (15k/30k) can help cover your medical expenses if they exceed what the at-fault driver’s insurance pays. Just remember to check the specifics of your policy, as procedures can vary by insurer.
Regarding the property damage, it’s true that typically your uninsured motorist property damage coverage isn’t going to help if it’s not an uninsured motorist claim. Since the other driver has some insurance, you likely wouldn’t be able to tap into that coverage for the vehicle loss.
Make sure to document everything and communicate clearly with both insurance companies about your claims. You might also want to consider speaking with a legal professional who specializes in auto accidents to explore all your options and ensure you’re getting the compensation you’re entitled to. Good luck!