Reasons to Get Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Depending on where you live, you may or may not be required to purchase uninsured motorist coverage as part of your automobile insurance policy. But even if you don't live in a state that requires uninsured motorist coverage, you should seriously consider it. While, yes, it's an extra annual expense, the fact is that uninsured motorist coverage can protect you if you're ever in a serious accident. While you're following the law by getting auto insurance, you can't be sure that every motorist out there is as responsible as you. And unfortunately, you need to protect yourself.

Here are just some of the reasons why you should consider buying uninsured motorist coverage:

• If you're in an accident with an uninsured driver, you have no financial protection. This means you could be liable for thousands in repairs and damage, even potential healthcare costs and lost wages, all on your own with no insurance protection.
• If you don't have health care coverage, or if you have just basic health care insurance, your policy might not protect you in the event of an accident. Now, if you have very comprehensive health insurance, you could be protected for your healthcare costs by that policy when an uninsured driver causes an accident. Make sure you're aware of all your coverages and protections ahead of time.
• If you're in an accident and decide to settle with the uninsured driver on your own, you won't be able to use your uninsured motorist protection coverage. Your policy is likely to provide far more coverage than an individual could offer in a personal check. Use the benefits of your policy to their fullest extent.
• In comparison to the costs you'd incur without the coverage, uninsured motorist protection is considered fairly affordable. You might be surprised at how much it will cost. Be sure to ask about it when you get an insurance quote. Typically, this coverage covers lost wages and even pain and suffering, so the benefits extend far beyond repairing your car or any property that was damaged during the accident. This also means that you'll be given the time to heal properly from the accident.
• You could be given separate options to purchase uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage and uninsured motorist property damage coverage. It could be wise to consider these separately, and then as a package. Compare the costs, look at what you're comfortable with, and think about your comfort level with risk.