Why You Need Uninsured Motorists Coverage

Uninsured motorists (UM) coverage provides insurance protection for bodily injury, and in some states property damage, caused by a motorist who is not insured. This coverage allows you to collect from your own insurance company as if it provided liability coverage for the negligent and uninsured driver. In contrast, underinsured motorists (UIM) coverage provides insurance protection for bodily injury, and in some states property damage, sustained by you when a motorist who is not sufficiently insured negligently causes an accident. The following list provides reasons why you should buy UM/UIM coverage.

• The chance of a negligent uninsured motorist hitting you is greater than you might think. In some states, up to 32 percent of all drivers lack automobile insurance. The country-wide average is 14 percent.
• UM and UIM coverage is broad, since it provides benefits for you and your family members’ injuries sustained (a) in your own covered auto, (b) in autos you do not own, and (c) as pedestrians.
• The cost for this coverage is very reasonable, compared to liability coverage and physical damage coverage for your own car. The increased costs for higher UM/UIM limits are quite affordable for most people.
• If your car is damaged by an uninsured driver, the deductible for UM property damage, if available in your state, is normally only $250. This amount is often considerably less than your collision coverage deductible.

If you have further questions about uninsured motorist coverage, please call Hunter Insurance at 401-769-9500.

Questions To Consider For Insurance Checkup

One recent insurance survey suggests that over 30 million U.S. households own insurance policies that are seriously out-of-date. As a result, the following questions should be asked. If the answer to one or more of these questions is yes, then you should contact your insurance agent as soon as possible so your insurance policies can be appropriately updated.

• Has your house undergone major renovations or improvements? If so, your home may be underinsured.
• Has your marital status changed? If you have married, for example, you may now qualify for a multi-car discount on your auto insurance.
• Have you purchased new valuables or collectibles? If so, you may be seriously underinsured for these items. Specialty policies or endorsements can properly cover them.
• Are you now participating in a carpool? If so, your exposure to injuring passengers has grown and your liability limits may need to be increased.
• Are you now retired? If so, your auto insurance premium will likely drop since your annual mileage should decrease.
• Have you added a burglar alarm with central station reporting for your home? If so, you could qualify for a homeowner's premium discount.

For questions about renewing your homeowner's policy, please call Hunter Insurance at (401) 769-9500.