Too many Iowa drivers carry no insurance or only the bare minimum. When an at-fault driver cannot cover your losses, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may be the most important protection you have.
What UM/UIM Coverage Does
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or flees the scene. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver's limits are too low to cover your injuries. These coverages come from your own policy but compensate you for another driver's negligence.
Many Iowans do not realize how valuable this coverage is until they need it — and insurers do not always make it easy to claim.
Fighting Your Own Insurer
A UM/UIM claim is filed against your own insurance company, and despite years of paying premiums, the insurer may dispute fault, downplay your injuries, or undervalue the claim. You are entitled to the full benefit of the coverage you paid for.
An attorney levels the playing field, documents your losses, and holds the insurer to its obligations — including the duty of good faith.
Maximizing Recovery
Stacking multiple policies, coordinating with health insurance and medical liens, and proving the full extent of your damages can significantly increase recovery. Experienced counsel knows how to navigate these issues.
Call 973-566-5599 for a free, confidential review of your Iowa UM/UIM claim.
Injured in Iowa? Get a free, confidential case review today. There's no obligation, and you pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nothing upfront. The attorneys in our network work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fee unless they recover compensation for you. Your case review is always free and completely confidential.
Iowa's statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of injury under Iowa Code § 614.1(2). Claims against a city, county, or the state are governed by separate notice rules and shorter deadlines, so it is important to act quickly before evidence disappears.
Iowa uses a modified comparative fault rule under Iowa Code § 668.3. You can still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault, though your award is reduced by your own percentage of fault. Many people who assume they have no case are surprised to learn they can still recover.
You are entitled to use the coverage you paid for after a crash caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. An attorney can help you pursue the full value of your claim and address any concerns about the process.
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Iowa attorney.