What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage and Why Do I Need It?

In North Carolina, underinsured motorist coverage protects you against other drivers who do not carry enough insurance coverage to compensate you completely for your injuries. Underinsured motorist coverage is commonly referred to as UIM. UIM coverage applies when you are injured in a car crash and the at-fault driver has less liability insurance coverage than you have in UIM coverage. For example, if the at-fault driver has $30,000 in liability coverage, you have $100,000 in UIM coverage, and your injuries entitle you to damages over $30,000, your UIM will kick in to pay above the $30,000 from the at-fault driver’s insurance. If you are entitled to damages of $100,000, then the at-fault driver’s insurance would pay $30,000 and your insurance would pay $70,000 for a total of $100,000 in compensation to you.

You need to check with your insurance agent to ensure you have enough UIM coverage. If you are in a car crash and you do not have the proper UIM coverage, you could be stuck with compensation that is less than you deserve.

Who will pay for my injuries if I am the victim of a hit and run?

Hit and runs, unfortunately, are not a rare occurrence. There are countless incidents where an irresponsible person would rather run than own up to his or her mistake. If you are the victim of a hit and run and the at-fault driver cannot be located, there is a way you can still be compensated. Uninsured or “UM” coverage is insurance coverage that is mandatory in North Carolina. If you do not think you have UM coverage, you do! Your own UM insurance coverage will kick in to pay for your injuries that are caused in a hit and run. If you are a victim of a hit and run, you can take the next step in receiving compensation by filing a claim with your own insurance company.

What is medical payments coverage?

Medical payments or “Med Pay” coverage can be purchased on your own insurance policy. You may already have it and not know it. Medical payments coverage will pay for your medical expenses when you are in a car crash even if the crash is your fault! In order to be compensated after a car crash by Med Pay, submit your medical bills to your insurance company. Your insurance company will pay for all medical expenses that are related to the injuries you sustained in the crash up to the amount of the Med Pay coverage you have on your policy. For example, if you have $5,000 in medical expenses that are all related to your car crash injuries and you have $1,000 in medical payments coverage, your insurance will only pay $1,000. It is crucial that you review your insurance policy to make sure you have enough coverage when the unexpected happens!

About the Author

Attorney Gabriel Snyder is a NC licensed attorney at Ward Black Law where he represents people in North Carolina who have been injured in car wrecks or hurt at work. Gabe earned his undergraduate degree from Campbell University and his law degree from Campbell School of Law. He received the Millie Wiggins Scholarship and the Howard Memorial Christian Citizenship Award during his time at Campbell Law. He was named by the National Trial Lawyers as “Top 40 Under 40” attorneys in North Carolina.

Snyder met his wife, Audrey, during undergraduate school at Campbell and then they attended Campbell Law together. After they were married, they returned to Gabe’s hometown of Greensboro to pursue their legal careers.

After graduating law school, Gabe Snyder joined Snyder Law where he worked alongside his father, Barry Snyder, practicing personal injury, family and criminal law. Now Gabe and Audrey Snyder are a husband and wife team of lawyers, both practicing at Ward Black Law.