South Carolina Car Accident FAQ: Will an Underinsured Motorist Claim Increase My Insurance Payments (Monthly Premium)?

Generally, the cost of underinsured motorist protection should not rise just because you filed a claim, but the monthly cost for your insurance may still rise anyway, because of the way some insurance policies are written.

What is UIM Insurance?

Underinsured Motorist Protection (UIM) is insurance which pays you and others insured if you are involved in a car accident with an underinsured driver. The central purpose of the underinsured motorist (UIM) statute is to provide coverage when the injured party’s damages exceed the liability limits of the at-fault motorist. Simply put, if you’re injured and the other driver doesn’t have enough liability insurance to pay for your injuries and other damages, then UIM (Underinsured Motorist Protection Insurance) can pay you more money in addition to the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. Underinsured Motorist Protection helps you to make sure you get enough money to cover your damages in an auto wreck.

Unlike Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, which is required in the state of South Carolina, Underinsured Motorist coverage is an optional addition to your auto insurance policy. In the event the at-fault party’s insurance company cannot pay for all of your damages, UIM coverage should cover the difference, up to the limits of your policy.

UM/UIM Insurance Could Save You Thousands of Dollars

Generally, your monthly insurance premium should not increase just because you filed a claim, but the amount you pay the insurance company may increase after filing a claim for various reasons.

UM/UIM Insurance Could Save You Thousands of Dollars

While Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is generally included in your auto insurance policy, it is recommended that you also opt for Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage to guarantee all damages and expenses will be covered, either by your insurance provider or the at-fault party’s insurance provider, in the event of an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver. Together, these two policies can cost pennies on the dollar, but can save you tens of thousands of dollars if you are ever hurt in an accident.

Your Insurance Company Must Offer You UIM Insurance

Under South Carolina law, any contract for insurance for a South Carolina automobile must include a meaningful offer of Underinsured Motorist Protection. The Insurance company must make records of their offer of Underinsured Motorist protection up to the limits of your liability coverage, as well as their offer of additional coverage for an additional premium. If the insurer fails to comply with its duty to make a meaningful offer of UIM insurance to the insured, the policy will be reformed, by operation of law, to include underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage up to the limits of liability insurance carried by the insured.

Do You Have Questions?

If you have questions concerning your car insurance policy and whether or not you already have UM or UIM insurance coverage, you should contact your insurance provider to get a full description of your policy. It is extremely important to consider purchasing this coverage if you don’t have it already, as it will ensure that you receive the compensation you need to cover your losses after an accident. Without it, you could end up paying money out of your own pocket for an accident that you didn’t even cause.

Call a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you have been involved in a car accident with an underinsured driver in Greenville, Charleston, Columbia, Walterboro, or anywhere else in South Carolina, contact the experienced South Carolina car accident attorneys at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers to get the immediate help you need. We can help you understand more about UIM and UM claims and the ways in which we can help you collect compensation after an accident. Give us a call at (888) 612-7001 to request your free consultation, or fill out an online contact form and we will be in touch with you promptly.