Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Collision Coverage
By Pyle Law, September 29 2023 8:06 pmGetting into a car accident is stressful, and not having the right insurance to cover damages can make a situation even more difficult to address. There are several types of insurance drivers can – and should – carry to address the financial impact of an accident. Two kinds of coverage for automobile accidents are uninsured motorist coverage and collision coverage. Each can help to cover certain costs so that you are not left with a higher bill than necessary.
If you have been in an accident, a car accident attorney in Kansas can help file a claim and successfully negotiate with insurance companies.
Uninsured motorist coverage covers the costs of medical bills, vehicle repairs, and additional damages from a car accident with an uninsured driver. Too many drivers fail to carry the required coverage in Kansas, leading to serious concerns for accident victims about recouping their losses.
About 12% of motorists in the United States are uninsured, with some states as high as 20% or more (Mississippi, Michigan, Tennessee, and New Mexico). More specifically, about 11% of Kansas drivers are uninsured, though the number may be higher for vehicles that are not publicly recorded. Uninsured motorist coverage is not mandated by every state, though Kansas does require drivers to carry it. Uninsured motorist insurance should also cover a hit-and-run accident, as it treats drivers who flee the scene as uninsured drivers.
Other insurance can sometimes overlap with uninsured motorist coverage. For example, a health insurance provider may pay out medical costs only after all other insurance sources have paid out damages first. You should check with your insurance provider to identify how they cover the cost of damages in the event of an accident. Uninsured motorist insurance should also cover passengers even if they do not have their own insurance.
Collision coverage will cover the cost of damages to your vehicle, no matter who is at fault. If you were the one to cause an accident and damage your car, your collision insurance provider should still cover the cost of car repairs to your car despite you being at fault for the accident. It is not always required by law but may be mandatory if you lease or finance a motor vehicle.
Kansas requires drivers to have liability and uninsured motorist coverage. Collision or comprehensive coverage is not required by the state of Kansas. Not having collision coverage can be detrimental to your financial recovery following an unexpected accident.
Carrying only uninsured motorist insurance may limit the damages you may be entitled to if you have been in a car accident. It only protects you in a handful of scenarios involving other at-fault motorists – with collision coverage, you can be covered in more situations, whether you or the other driver is at fault for the accident.
Uninsured motorist coverage ensures only that:
With collision insurance, you do not have to prove someone else was to blame or they were uninsured – your property damage will be covered less your contractual deductible.
If you do not have collision coverage, you will be liable for the cost of damage to your vehicle and injuries if you get into an accident and are at fault. Additionally, if you’re in an accident and the other driver is at fault but has no insurance, you will be responsible for any losses that exceed your uninsured motorist coverage.
Determining which combination of insurance is best for you is a personal decision. You will have to decide what you want and what is most important to you when preparing to protect yourself as much as possible in the event of a car accident. First, you must comply with the law and have the minimum coverage required, including uninsured motorist coverage. However, also consider supplemental coverage, such as collision, that is not required but highly beneficial in the event of a serious accident and injuries.
We might drive defensively to prevent collision with another motorist, but we may not have control of or be aware of every moment. Therefore, motorists should prepare for the unexpected with proper car insurance coverage, whether collision or uninsured motorist coverage.
If you have been in an accident, working with an experienced car accident lawyer can help you reclaim all the damages owed to you from various policies. Pyle Law can help you file a claim and secure a maximum settlement. Contact us to set up an appointment today.
