Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage in WV: Are You and Your Family Protected? …Part II

West Virginia Car Insurance

In this follow up to last weeks post about Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage for auto accidents, I  will address additional options under related to UM/UIM coverage as well as provide you with points every driver should know.

 Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)

As a cheaper option than collision coverage, UMPD can be an economical way to protect your car from uninsured drivers.  Generally, this is appropriate for those considered to be careful drivers who don’t have collision coverage.  It is important to note however, UMPD often does not apply to hit-and-run accidents because it is cheaper than collision coverage.

 Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI)

This type of coverage would generally protect you in car accidents that are caused by another driver who has no car insurance.  Under such circumstances, this coverage could compensate you for your medical expenses, pain suffering, and lost wages.  In some situations, it is superior to medical payments coverage and health insurance, because those won’t compensate you for lost wages.  There are other lost wages and disability insurance options that many employers offer; however, such coverage would not cover other passengers or family members and may be revoked if you switch jobs.

Things Every WV Driver Should Know…

In West Virginia, every driver is required to have Unsinsured Motorist Coverage.  Underinsured Motorist Coverage is not requited, but your auto insurance provider must offer you the option to purchase it.  If the insurance company does not offer you this coverage and you are in an auto accident involving an uninsured driver, your insurance provider may still be responsible for covering your medical bills, pain, suffering and lost wages.  If you’re injured in a car accident by another driver who is underinsured and your insurance company informs you that you don’t have underinsured coverage and you don’t recall being offered such coverage, contact West Virginia Personal Injury lawyer Brooks West or another experienced attorney to discuss your options.