How does the auto insurance claims process differ for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage?
Many people ask if the auto insurance claims process differs for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Knowing how uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage differs from other kinds of auto insurance can help you decide if you need it and prepare for filing uninsured motorist claims.
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Travis Thompson has been a licensed insurance agent for nearly five years. After obtaining his life and health insurance licenses, he began working for Symmetry Financial Group as a State Licensed Field Underwriter. In this position, he learned the coverage options and limits surrounding mortgage protection. He advised clients on the coverage needed to protect them in the event of a death, critica...
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Scott W Johnson is an independent insurance agent in California. Principal Broker and founder of Marindependent Insurance Services, Scott brings over 25 years of experience to his clients. His Five President’s Council awards prove he uses all he learned at Avocet, Sprint Nextel, and Farmers Insurance to the benefit of his clients. Scott quickly grasped the unique insurance requirements of his...
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Updated November 2024
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays for damages or medical expenses if a driver without insurance or with inadequate insurance causes an accident
- The claims process is usually similar to other types of insurance
- You can select coverage for uninsured or uninsured/underinsured drivers
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re in an accident and a driver without insurance is at fault. After a hit-and-run accident, it can also help you when the other driver doesn’t share their insurance information.
Learning more about how the claims process for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage works can help you get compensation after an accident. You could pay high repair and medical costs in many states without uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Here’s more information about how uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage works and how to file an auto insurance claim.
The Auto Insurance Claims Process for Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
An accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist could be very costly without the right coverage. The best policy for you depends on your car, local regulations, and other factors. Contact your insurance company to make a claim with your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
With most organizations, you can call the number on your insurance card or use a website. Some companies let you file claims through smartphone apps, as well. Understanding auto insurance and the claims process can be difficult, but it’s worth it. (For more information, read our “How does the auto insurance claims process differ for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage with Farmers?“).
Read more:
- How does the auto insurance claims process differ for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage with Nationwide?
- How does the auto insurance claims process differ for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage with Progressive?
- How does the auto insurance claims process differ for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage with State Farm?
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage Works
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can help with repair and medical costs if someone else causes an accident and doesn’t have the money to pay for the resulting expenses.
For example, if a car hits your vehicle while changing lanes and the driver doesn’t have insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can pay for repairs. You’ll still be responsible for any applicable deductible. After an accident, you should:
- Find a safe spot where you can pull over.
- Contact the police and make a report.
- Ask the other person for their insurance information, if possible.
- Use your smartphone to take pictures of any damage and the other person’s license plate.
Keep copies of records, such as repair bills, medical invoices, and police reports, so you can provide copies to your insurance company. An insurance adjuster will analyze this data and calculate your payment amount.
When you agree, you’ll receive an electronic payment or a check in the mail. If the other driver has insurance and doesn’t cover all your costs, you can use underinsured motorist coverage. Insurance policies usually have a maximum amount or limit that they won’t exceed for an accident.
Driving without auto insurance is illegal in most parts of the United States, but some people do it anyway. If auto insurance doesn’t provide enough to cover all of your expenses, you can think about suing the other driver. However, people who don’t have auto insurance usually don’t have many assets.
Therefore, the other driver may not be able to pay you even if you win the lawsuit. Also, many insurance companies wait to pay until the lawsuit ends. Then, they only pay the amount not covered in the lawsuit.
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Understand the Auto Insurance Claims Process for Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
The claims process for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is like many other kinds of auto insurance. However, your insurance company may be unable to contact the other driver’s insurer.
By understanding the claims process, you can get compensation for many expenses related to an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Before a crash, ensure you have the coverage you need by learning how to compare auto insurance quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are tort and no-fault states different?
In tort states, whoever causes an accident is responsible for repairs and medical expenses. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help if the other driver can’t pay all your costs.
In no-fault states, the person who caused an accident is responsible for repairs, but everyone pays for their medical expenses. Your auto insurance may pay if health insurance doesn’t cover these costs.
How long do uninsured/underinsured motorist claims usually take?
A claim can take from a few weeks to more than six months. Giving your adjuster as much information as possible can help them conclude your claim quickly.
Does making an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim raise your rates?
Sometimes, an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim will raise your auto insurance rates, even though the accident wasn’t your fault. However, some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness, letting you avoid increased rates after a crash if you haven’t had an accident.
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