Many Illinois drivers spend time comparing insurance premiums, but few take a close look at one of the most important parts of their policy: uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Unfortunately, after a serious accident, this coverage can make the difference between receiving fair compensation and paying out of pocket for your injuries.
At O’Brien Law LLC, we regularly help clients in Geneva, Batavia, St. Charles, and throughout Kane County who discover too late that the driver who hit them didn’t have enough insurance.
What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage protects you if you’re injured by a driver who has no auto insurance. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage helps when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to fully cover your injuries and damages. While Illinois requires drivers to carry liability insurance, not everyone follows the law. Even drivers who meet the state’s minimum requirements may not have enough coverage to pay for serious injuries.
Why Minimum Coverage May Not Be Enough
Medical expenses can add up quickly after a car accident. Emergency transportation, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and lost wages can easily exceed the minimum insurance limits carried by many drivers. Imagine you’re seriously injured in a crash and the at-fault driver only carries the Illinois minimum liability limits. If your medical bills and other damages exceed those limits, your own underinsured motorist coverage may help bridge the gap. Without adequate coverage, you could face significant financial hardship despite doing nothing wrong.
How Much Coverage Should You Carry?
Every driver’s situation is different, but many insurance professionals recommend purchasing uninsured and underinsured motorist limits that match your bodily injury liability coverage. Higher coverage limits generally cost far less than most people expect, especially when compared to the financial impact of a serious accident. It’s worth reviewing your policy with your insurance agent and asking questions such as:
- What are my uninsured motorist limits?
- What are my underinsured motorist limits?
- Would increasing my coverage significantly change my premium?
- Does my policy adequately protect my family?
Don’t Wait Until After an Accident
One of the most common conversations we have with clients is about insurance coverage after a crash. Unfortunately, once the accident has happened, it’s too late to increase your protection. Taking a few minutes today to review your policy could provide valuable peace of mind tomorrow.
O’Brien Law Is Here to Help
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Geneva, Batavia, St. Charles, or anywhere in Kane County, O’Brien Law LLC can help you understand your rights, review available insurance coverage, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact O’Brien Law LLC today for a free consultation. We’re here to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence.
