Not having auto insurance is illegal in most states, and Michigan is no exception. Every vehicle owner in the state is required by law to carry auto insurance. Unfortunately, there are still situations where drivers are either completely uninsured or do not have enough coverage to pay for damages. Understanding the difference between “uninsured” and “underinsured” – and how these can affect your claim – is critical to protecting yourself on the road.
If another driver fails to pay their insurance or simply doesn’t have enough coverage, and you don’t have protection in place, you could be left with nothing after an accident.
In fact, a 2023 study by the Insurance Information Institute ranked Michigan 4th in the nation for the highest percentage of uninsured motorists – a staggering 22.3%.
While Michigan law does not require uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, we strongly recommend adding both to your auto insurance policy. These coverages can provide critical protection if you are ever involved in an accident. When choosing your coverage, we recommend selecting uninsured/underinsured motorist benefits at a level at least as high as your liability insurance limits.
1. Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you are injured in an accident caused by a driver who has no insurance at all. In these situations, your own insurance company steps in to pay for your damages.
If you are injured by an uninsured motorist, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. These claims can be complex, and having legal guidance can help ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
2. Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to fully cover your damages. Whether this was intentional or not, it still means their insurance will not pay enough to cover your losses.
With underinsured motorist coverage, your insurance company can make up the difference – ensuring you’re not left paying out-of-pocket for expenses caused by someone else’s negligence.
Why Legal Help Matters
Michigan’s auto insurance laws can be complicated, especially when dealing with uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. At JuneLaw, we have over 25 years of experience successfully handling these cases. We’ve navigated complex claims, challenged insurance companies, and recovered millions of dollars in benefits for clients just like you.
If you’ve been in an accident and need to understand your rights under your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us now: 734-481-1000
🌐 Contact us online: https://junelaw.com/contact/
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice or assistance with a specific legal matter, hire June Law for top-notch legal services.