You’re driving safely when, out of nowhere, another vehicle collides with you. In the chaos that follows, you find out the other driver is uninsured. This unsettling scenario is more common than you might think. What happens next? Will your insurance policy cover the damages, and how can you be prepared? This blog will break down how your insurance steps in to protect you when an uninsured driver is involved in an accident in Ohio.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is designed for exactly this situation. When a driver without insurance causes an accident, your UM coverage helps pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other related costs. In some cases, it may also cover damages to your vehicle. If you don’t have UM coverage, you could be left paying for these expenses out of pocket. Below are some expenses that your uninsured motorist coverage would cover.
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Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and future medical treatments related to injuries from the accident.
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Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lose while recovering from the accident.
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Pain and Suffering: Financial compensation for physical and emotional distress resulting from the incident.
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) – A Critical Addition in Ohio
While uninsured motorist coverage can protect you from medical costs, it’s equally important to consider Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage, especially in Ohio. UMPD helps pay for repairs to your vehicle if it’s damaged by an uninsured driver. In Ohio, UMPD is an optional coverage that can save you significant out-of-pocket costs if your car is damaged and the at-fault driver is uninsured. This coverage is especially important if you do not have collision coverage on your policy because of the below.
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Avoid Out-of-Pocket Repair Costs: Without UMPD, you may have to pay for repairs on your own if you’re hit by an uninsured driver.
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Lower Premiums Than Collision Coverage: UMPD is often less expensive than adding or increasing collision coverage while still offering substantial protection.
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Peace of Mind: UMPD ensures you’re fully covered, whether the other driver has insurance or not.
Next Steps: How to Ensure You’re Covered Correctly
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Review Your Policy: Check to see if your auto insurance includes uninsured motorist and uninsured motorist property damage coverage.
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Talk to Your Agent: If you’re unsure about your coverage, talk to your insurance agent. They can help you understand what’s included and recommend appropriate coverage limits.
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Consider Higher Limits: Standard coverage might not be enough if you’re seriously injured or if your car sustains significant damage. Consider increasing your limits to provide more protection for you and your family.
Real-World Scenarios that Uninsured Motorist and the additional Uninsured Motorist Property Damage could help in
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Hit-and-Run Accidents: If an unidentified driver hits you and flees, your UM coverage can help with the costs, treating it as if the driver was uninsured.
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Distracted Driving Incidents: If a driver without insurance causes a collision because they were texting and driving, your UM and UMPD coverage can take care of your medical bills and vehicle repairs.
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Multi-Vehicle Collisions: If multiple vehicles are involved in an accident and the at-fault driver is uninsured, your policy can still protect you.
Being involved in an accident with an uninsured driver is stressful enough without having to worry about how you’ll cover the costs. Uninsured motorist coverage, especially when combined with uninsured motorist property damage coverage, gives you peace of mind, ensuring you’re protected when others aren’t. Review your policy today and make sure you’re covered, so you can focus on what really matters: staying safe on the road.
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