The basic difference between uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage is this:
- An uninsured driver has no coverage at all for a car accident for which he is responsible;
- An underinsured driver has coverage, but not enough coverage, for an accident for which he is responsible.
In both an uninsured motorist claim and an underinsured motorist claim, you are seeking recovery of damages from your own insurance company caused by the negligence of the other driver. Your insurance company “steps into the shoes” of the other driver and pays you the damages which are owed to you.The most important thing to know about uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured coverage is that it protects you and your family in the event of a car accident, so you should be sure to buy it when you purchase or renew coverage for your car insurance.
