It is important to note that UIM coverage does not generally kick in until the at-fault driver’s insurance company offers their policy limits.
It is also important to understand that the policy definition of who is an underinsured driver can be very important, too. Some policies define an “underinsured motorist” as someone whose liability limits are less than your underinsured motorist limits. For example, if you have $100,000 of underinsured motorist coverage and the other driver has $100,000 of liability coverage, then a policy that defines an underinsured motorist as someone who has less coverage than you do results in there being no underinsured motorist coverage in that situation.
Set-off provisions in Missouri policies can be difficult to understand. Some people are quite confused when they buy what they think is $100,000 of underinsured motorist coverage, but learn that their insurance company only has to pay them $50,000, since the at-fault driver had $50,0000 in coverage.
If you are seriously injured in a crash, it is very important for you to contact an experience personal injury attorney who can evaluate all of your insurance policies to see what benefits might apply to help you fill in the gaps if the at-fault driver doesn’t carry enough insurance. If you want help reviewing all of your insurance coverages, feel free to give Jill Bollwerk a call, and she can help.
