In Pennsylvania, drivers have the option to select uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage is very important and should be selected by anyone purchasing auto insurance.
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you in the event that you are hit and injured by a driver who is uninsured. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people driving without insurance and if you are hit by an uninsured driver the odds are great that this uninsured driver will not likely have any assets from which you can collect in the event you file a claim. But if you have uninsured motorist coverage you will be able to make a claim against your own company for the benefits you deserve.
Underinsurance is also a very important coverage that you should buy when purchasing auto insurance. Underinsurance benefits protects you in the event you are struck and injured by an underinsured driver. For example, say a drunk driver goes through a red light and hits you and your spouse broadside. You and your spouse are badly injured and are both out of work for six months. Your medical bills are in excess of $100,000.00, your wage loss is in excess of $25,000.00, you have permanent injuries which will bring with it pain and suffering, and the drunk driver had only $15,000.00 worth of insurance and no assets. If you purchased underinsured motorist benefits you could go to your insurance company and make a claim against your own insurance since the driver that hit you is underinsured. If you don’t select this coverage you are stuck with the $15,000.00 the drunk driver had and that’s all you will get and it will never replace what you have lost.
So remember, when purchasing auto insurance, it’s very important to purchase uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage. When buying your insurance you must fully protect yourself and your family.