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The importance of having uninsured motorist coverage

On Behalf of | May 18, 2022 | Car Accidents

Being involved in a motor vehicle crash is stressful enough. However, when the other driver who caused the collision doe not have auto insurance, that simply adds to the stress. And the financial challenges, too, especially if you sustain serious injuries.

Laid up at the hospital, you may be out of work for days, weeks and months, recovering and seeing mounting medical bills. All of this is because of the actions of an uninsured driver. This is why it is important to have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance package

Oklahoma has its share of uninsured drivers

You may never know when you will encounter an uninsured driver.

According to a 2021 study by the Insurance Information Institute, an estimated 13.4% of Oklahoma drivers were uninsured in 2019. The state ranked No. 18 in the country in having the most uninsured drivers. Oklahoma’s percentage was slightly higher than the national average of 12.6%.

Those numbers may make you see the importance of having uninsured motorist coverage. Three types of insurance will help you deal with uninsured drivers. They include:

  • Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI): Covers a person’s injuries after he or she has been hurt in a collision with a vehicle driven by an insured driver.
  • Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD): Pays for damages to your car or other property damaged in a crash with an uninsured motorist.
  • Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM): Pays for treatment for the injuries sustained by you, the passengers in your vehicle as well as for the damages to the vehicle.

When seeking auto insurance, it is not a good idea to rush through to secure basic coverage at the lowest cost. Put some thought into it and seek advice if you need it.

Getting complete protection

When it comes to auto insurance coverage, know your options, know what is available, know what is right for you and know that you need protection. That includes protection from uninsured drivers. Take the necessary steps in purchasing uninsured motorist coverage. You may need it sooner than you think.