Why Do I Need Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

 Posted on February 19, 2025 in Car Accidents

The cost of auto insurance rose significantly in 2024, and that trend may continue this year. When you have a tight budget, you might be tempted to carry only the minimum amount of coverage required by Illinois law. If you are lucky, those limits might be enough. However, choosing not to purchase additional coverage can be a costly mistake.

Various scenarios could require you to file a claim against your own policy’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. If your damages exceed your policy limits, you could be left to pay the difference out-of-pocket. In addition, your insurance company does not want to pay any claim, not even for its own policyholders. You need a knowledgeable Orland Park, IL car accident lawyer on your side to protect your best interests.

What Auto Insurance Limits Does Illinois Require?

Illinois drivers must purchase auto insurance that covers at least these liability limits:

• $25,000 bodily injury or death per person

• $50,000 bodily injury or death per accident

• $20,000 property damage per accident

You must also buy uninsured motorist (UI) bodily injury coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident or higher. Although uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage is a requirement, if you choose not to raise the limit, you do not have to purchase underinsured motorist coverage. However, if you do buy more than the minimum, you must also buy underinsured motorist coverage.

When Would Your UI/UIM Coverage Apply?

Your UI coverage could provide benefits if you are involved in an accident caused by someone who has no auto insurance, but that is not the only situation where it might apply. If you were hurt in a hit-and-run or miss-and-run crash and the at-fault driver is unidentified, your insurance claim would also be against your UI coverage.

If your injuries are minor, the minimum $25,000 limit might cover your medical bills and lost wages. However, your financial losses for more serious injuries will probably exceed $25,000. This is why you should consider buying more than the minimum coverage.

Now, suppose the driver who caused your crash only has 25/50/20 coverage, which is classified as underinsured. If you are the only injured victim and your damages exceed $25,000, your UIM coverage should kick in. If several people sustain injuries in your crash, the driver’s policy might only cover $50,000 worth. The more injured victims, the lower your share would be. To avoid being left paying the rest out of pocket, think about adding UIM to your policy.

If you are unsure about whether your UI/UIM coverage applies to your collision, call our office. We can help you explore your options.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a UI/UIM Claim?

As you can imagine, these claims can be difficult to handle successfully. Your insurance company will probably offer you a low amount that does not come close to paying for your damages. You can save yourself the stress and struggle by trusting us to investigate your accident, locate and preserve the proper evidence, and negotiate with your insurer to reach a favorable settlement amount. If they refuse, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

Speak With an Experienced Orland Park, IL UI/UIM Accident Lawyer

Now is a good time to review your auto insurance policy to ensure that your UI/UIM limits provide enough coverage. If you need help with a claim, you can rely on our trusted Orland Park, IL car accident attorney. Issa Law, LLC offers no-cost case reviews, and you will not owe us legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us online or call 708-966-2408 now.