Uninsured / Underinsured motorist coverage are optional among the various types of auto insurance offered by the insurance companies in the United States. The UM and UIM cover are optional as they are not required by the states or by law. It is in the interest of the motorists to have them. If you have UM, you need not worry about the huge medical expenses that may arise out of an accident injury where you were hit by an uninsured driver. Your own UIM policy will pay for these expenses in this situation. You may also be involved in a hit and run accident where the other driver cannot be traced. In this situation it is the UM policy that will come to your help if you have one.
Medical expenses, hospital charges, surgeries and medication expenses are on the rise. The number of uninsured drivers is also on the increase. Therefore it is a wise thing to invest in the UM insurance cover even though it is not mandatory.
When you are injured when an underinsured driver hits you, his insurance will pay for your medical costs. Most of the drivers carry only the minimum liability auto insurance. If your medical bills exceed the amount of his insurance, you will have to bear the remaining amount. In this situation, your own UIM policy will pay for the remaining amount after claiming his policy amount provided you have this coverage.
Generally many motorists think that it is not necessary to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance as they are not compulsory. They understand the importance of the UM and UIM coverage only after they get involved in a situation like those explained above. Better be safe than being sorry and review your auto insurance needs and make sure that you have enough protection against en calamities.