What is UM/UIM and Why You Should Buy It
Picture this: you’re cruising down the open road, enjoying the breeze and some tunes, when suddenly, your peaceful drive is rudely interrupted by a reckless driver who crashes into your vehicle. To make matters worse, you soon discover that the other driver doesn’t have insurance. Now you’re faced with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of navigating a legal maze. While options like medical payment coverage can help with immediate healthcare costs, they often fall short when injuries are serious or long-term. That’s where uninsured motorist coverage becomes your invaluable shield against the unexpected.
Enter Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM), often bundled with underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) in Colorado, is a crucial type of auto insurance that protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance—or not enough to cover your damages.
Whether you’re involved in a car accident, motorcycle crash, or even a pedestrian accident, UM/UIM coverage helps pay for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Ongoing care for serious injuries such as brain injuries or spinal cord injuries
In Colorado, when you purchase UM coverage, UIM is included by default—giving you full-spectrum protection.
Why Should You Buy Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
You never know who is going to hit you while you’re driving. We here at Born & McCaffrey have been representing car accident victims across the state of Colorado for years, and we have seen first-hand too many occasions in which the at-fault driver did not carry liability car insurance, or did not buy enough of it to cover our clients’ damages. Although there are some alternative options in that scenario that we can pursue, it is a much quicker and simpler process for our clients when they carry their own UM/UIM insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage acts as your safety net—remember, even if you’re the best driver in Denver, you can’t control what others on the road do.
On top of the protection it affords you and your family, UM/UIM is not going to break the bank. It is an optional coverage, meaning it is not required by law to have. But, as explained above, it is incredibly useful. It costs slightly more than a basic liability policy—depending on your insurance company, it might only cost an extra $10–20 a month on your premium. It’s a good idea to consult with your insurance agent to determine the right balance between coverage and cost.
Oh and by the way, UM covers hit-and-runs. Hit and runs are like ninja surprises – you never see them coming. If you’re a victim of a hit-and-run, uninsured motorist coverage is like your secret weapon. It’ll cover your damages even when the other driver has vanished into thin air.
Uninsured motorist coverage is more than just an insurance policy; it’s your shield against the unexpected twists and turns of life on the road. The peace of mind, financial protection, and comprehensive coverage it offers make it a smart investment for any driver. Don’t leave your fate to chance. With uninsured motorist coverage in place, you can navigate I-70, I-25, or any other highway or byway across the state of Colorado with confidence, knowing that you’re prepared for whatever the road may throw your way.
FAQs About Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
Is UM/UIM coverage required in Colorado?
UM/UIM coverage is not mandatory in Colorado, but insurance companies must offer it. Drivers must actively reject it in writing if they choose not to carry this coverage.
How much UM/UIM coverage should I carry?
Many personal injury attorneys recommend carrying UM/UIM limits equal to your liability limits, as serious injuries can quickly exceed minimum policy amounts.
Does UM/UIM coverage apply if I’m a passenger in someone else’s car?
Yes. UM/UIM coverage may apply if you are injured as a passenger, depending on the policies involved and how coverage layers or “stacks.”
Can I use UM/UIM coverage if the at-fault driver flees the scene?
Yes. UM/UIM coverage often applies in hit-and-run cases, even if the other driver is never identified, as long as the accident is properly reported.
Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, or a hit-and-run, don’t face the recovery process alone.
Call Born & McCaffrey, PC at
(719) 416-4246
to schedule a free consultation with a
car accident lawyer
who will fight for the compensation you deserve.
