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Do insurance policies cover an uninsured or underinsured driver?

A small percentage of Pennsylvania car accidents that happen involve an uninsured or underinsured driver. These drivers are categorized as such because they do not have adequate, or in some instances, any car insurance. Car insurance protects drivers from themselves and also from other drivers when they get into car accidents. When involved in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver, those who are injured often have questions.

In short, when involved in an uninsured motorist crash, the injured may or may not be covered by their own policy regardless of the other motorist’s underinsured or uninsured status. These accident costs aren’t usually covered under basic plans, only what the state declares the bare minimum is. In Pennsylvania, there isn’t a bare minimum insurance requirement in which the insured driver is protected from an uninsured or underinsured driver. However, many people have insurance policies that do protect from injuries or damages resulting from an underinsured or uninsured driver.

Compensation can be received from your own insurance policies in cases where you are struck by a driver that is uninsured or underinsured. Uninsured drivers are often ill-equipped to be driving for one-reason-or-another. The particulars of compensation can be determined by studying an insurance policy to determine if you or a loved one is covered after an accident.

However, the amounts an insurance company initially offers after a crash with an uninsured motorist can be inadequate. You may consider the insurance company’s offer to be inappropriate given your losses and medical expenses. It’s possible to seek the appropriate level of damages from your insurance company after an uninsured driver causes damages. It isn’t necessary to accept the first offer the insurance company makes you after a crash. If you have questions regarding your insurance policy, you may find it helpful to contact an attorney who specializes in insurance law.

Source: insurance.pa.gov, “Automobile Insurance Guide,” Accessed January 23, 2017

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