Should I buy Pennsylvania Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Is Pennsylvania Uninsured Motorist Coverage Worth Buying?
If you’ve ever wondered whether adding Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage to your Pennsylvania auto insurance policy is worth the extra cost, the answer from nearly every personal injury attorney and consumer advocate is a clear yes. Here’s why.
The Uninsured Driver Problem
Despite Pennsylvania’s legal requirement that all drivers carry automobile liability insurance, a significant percentage of drivers on the road are uninsured. Whether due to financial hardship, negligence, or deliberate non-compliance, uninsured drivers are a real and ever-present risk on Pennsylvania roads — including the Erie area. According to insurance industry estimates, approximately 1 in 8 drivers nationally operates without insurance.
If one of those drivers hits you and causes serious injuries, you face a stark reality: there is no liability policy to make a claim against. Without your own UM coverage, your recovery options are severely limited.
What UM Coverage Does
Uninsured Motorist coverage fills the gap left by the uninsured at-fault driver. It allows you to file a claim with your own insurer for the same types of damages you could have recovered from the at-fault driver’s liability policy — medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more — up to your own UM policy limits.
UM Coverage Also Applies in Hit-and-Run Accidents
Pennsylvania UM coverage typically applies in hit-and-run situations where the responsible vehicle makes contact with yours but cannot be identified. This is an important protection for drivers on high-traffic roads and highways where hit-and-run incidents occur.
How Much Does UM Coverage Cost?
The cost of adding Uninsured Motorist coverage to your Pennsylvania auto policy depends on the limits you choose and whether you select stacked or unstacked coverage. In most cases, UM coverage is one of the more affordable additions to an auto insurance policy relative to the protection it provides. Many drivers spend more on coffee each month than they would on meaningful UM coverage.
What Limits Should You Choose?
At a minimum, purchase UM limits that match your liability coverage limits. Many attorneys recommend purchasing $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident or higher, particularly if you drive frequently, have dependents, or work in a job where a serious injury could affect your earning capacity for years. If you have multiple vehicles, consider stacked coverage to maximize the protection available to you.
Review Your Policy Today
If you’re not sure whether you have UM coverage or how much you have, pull out your auto insurance declarations page or call your agent. If you have been injured by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver and have questions about your coverage, consult with an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the claims process.
