Does Your Car Insurance Protect You?
The Brutscher Law Office often receives questions regarding the ability to maintain a claim for injuries received in a car accident when the offending driver does not have insurance. Often, the person will assume that since the other driver didn’t have insurance, they do not have a claim. They are later surprised to discover that they not only have a claim, but that they may have a source of insurance recovery.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) is coverage that is provided by your insurance company in the event you are injured by a motorist driving without insurance. You pay a premium for this coverage to your own insurance company. If you are hurt by an uninsured driver, your own insurance company will step into the shoes of the other driver’s insurance and provide a source for your recovery.
Kentucky law requires that insurance companies offer this type of coverage, which is mandatory. However, be aware of agents offering to reduce your premiums or lower your rates at the expense of UM coverage. In order to reject this mandatory coverage, Kentucky law requires that you execute a rejection in writing, evidencing your intent to do so. Many people mistakenly reject this coverage, thinking that the money they save in premiums is worth it. Only after they are struck by a motorist without insurance do they realize they have made a mistake.
The chance of being struck by an offending driver who lacks insurance is far greater than any premiums you pay for the coverage. It’s a sure bet that someone is driving on the roads today without insurance. During economic downturns the chances only increase. Someone who is reckless enough to drive without insurance is reckless enough to cause an accident. Don’t be a victim of someone’s selfish behavior. Beware of agents selling you car insurance without UM coverage. Make sure your policy has UM coverage.
