Iowa requires drivers to carry liability insurance, but many on the road carry only minimum coverage or none at all. When an underinsured or uninsured driver hurts you, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may be the key to a fair recovery.
What UM/UIM Coverage Does
UM coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance; UIM coverage applies when they have some, but not enough to cover your losses. In a serious crash, the at-fault driver's minimum policy can run out almost immediately, and your own UM/UIM coverage steps in to fill the gap.
Your Own Insurer May Fight You
A UM/UIM claim is filed against your own insurance company, and that company has the same incentive to minimize payouts as any other insurer. Many injured Iowans are surprised to find their own carrier disputing the value of their claim. Iowa law imposes good-faith obligations, and an attorney can hold an insurer accountable.
Check Your Policy Before You Need It
Many drivers do not realize how much UM/UIM coverage they carry until after a crash. Reviewing your declarations page now — and considering higher limits — can make an enormous difference if you are ever hit by an underinsured driver.
Have questions about your own situation? Get a free, confidential case review. You pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Iowa attorney.