Underinsured motorist insurance coverage can help protect the person that has been injured due to the negligent driving of someone who does not have enough car insurance coverage. This is completely separate and does not apply when uninsured coverage applies.

Here are a few examples of when this underinsured coverage (often called UIM by your insurance agent) may apply:

Scenario 1:  You are a driver or passenger in a vehicle that was hit by another vehicle. You incurred $70,000 in medical expenses from this crash. The negligent driver did not have enough car insurance to cover your medical expenses.  Remember, Missouri’s state minimum coverage is currently only $25,000 for this situation, and most drivers on the road today only carry minimum coverage.  That can leave you responsible for the remainder of the medical bills. This coverage will usually only apply after the negligent driver’s car insurance policy has already been paid.*

Scenario 2:  You are riding your motorcycle or bicycle and are struck by a vehicle that has insurance, but not enough to cover your damages.  Your own car or motorcycle insurance may cover your bodily injuries for this type of collision.*

Scenario 3:  You are walking down the sidewalk and are struck by a vehicle. The driver does not have enough car insurance coverage to pay for your injuries. Your own car insurance may cover your bodily injuries for this type of situation.*

*Please note every case is different and most insurance policies are different as well.  Therefore you should consult an attorney immediately regarding a potential claim.

There are also some limited situations in which an uninsured motorist claim and an underinsured claim can prevail if there are two negligent drivers involved.  Consult an attorney to discuss this possibility.