In the aftermath of a crash, the last thing you want to think about is the logistics of filing an insurance claim. When bundled, uninsured motorist insurance provides coverage if you are involved in an accident with an at-fault driver who does not carry insurance, subject to a few other circumstances. In contrast, underinsured motorist insurance applies if the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your injuries or if they do not meet the state’s statutory minimum liability limits. Neither UM nor UIM coverage applies to property or vehicle damage.
Both uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is optional in Harrisburg, PA, and is utilized in several situations. At Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, our Harrisburg, PA, car accident lawyers are committed to informing drivers of their rights. To discuss your legal options, give our office a call.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
In Harrisburg, PA, uninsured motorist (UM) insurance coverage can apply to you, relatives in your household, or your passengers in any of the following circumstances:
- If you are involved in an accident with an at-fault uninsured driver
- If you are the victim of a hit-and-run (the driver flees the scene without exchanging information or rendering reasonable medical assistance)
- If you are struck by a motor vehicle while walking, jogging, or riding a bicycle
What is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
In Harrisburg, PA, underinsured motorist (UIM) insurance coverage can apply to you, relatives in your household, or your passengers. It applies if you or your passengers’ medical bills exceed your personal injury protection (PIP) limits and the other driver is at fault. Currently, the Commonwealth requires that drivers carry at least $5,000 in PIP coverage (this applies regardless of fault). While exceeding your PIP coverage does not automatically trigger a UM/UIM insurance claim, it is a recovery option.
Is UM/UIM Insurance Coverage Required in Harrisburg, PA?
As previously mentioned, UM/UIM insurance coverage is usually bundled, so you do not have to specify which coverage specifically applies. Even though they are bundled, they do have slightly different procedures. Although coverage is optional for both, insurers are required to offer it to policyholders. If you choose to reject UM/UIM insurance, you must do so in writing, and your insurer is required to use specific verbiage in accordance with Pennsylvania law.
What is the Minimum Coverage You Can Purchase?
Minimum coverage for UM/UIM insurance is the same as the state’s minimum bodily injury liability limits, which are $15,000 per bodily injury coverage per person and $30,000 for bodily injury coverage per accident. However, these minimum limits are rarely sufficient to cover lost earnings and medical expenses following an accident.
Stacking UM/UIM Coverage
If you have sustained severe injuries but did not purchase higher limits, our legal team recommends “stacking” coverage. “Stacking” UM/UIM coverage permits you to combine the UM/UIM policy limits for each driver listed on your policy or multiple cars you own on the same policy.
If you do choose to “stack” policies, your annual premium will increase. However, the benefit often outweighs the extra cost, offering a solution to protect you and your family in the event of an injury crash. If you are experiencing significant medical bills following an accident, our Harrisburg car accident attorneys are happy to review your policy to discuss if “stacking” is a viable option.
Consult with Our Harrisburg Car Accident Attorneys Today
Being hit by a motorist who does not carry sufficient insurance or no insurance can be frightening. You may think that you will be held personally responsible for your medical bills, even though the other driver is clearly responsible. Thankfully, our Harrisburg car accident lawyers are available to discuss avenues for recovery. To discuss your car accident case, contact Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, online or by phone at (717) 229-6580 today.