Benefit of uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage if...

by kirtap » Sun Feb 24, 2013 10:20 pm
Posts: 4
Joined: 24 Feb 2013

What is the benefit (if any) of uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage if I already have collision insurance and $100K + 1M extraordinary medical/PIP coverage from my auto insurance policy in Pennsylvania, with the Limited Tort (not Full Tort) option?

Total Comments: 2

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 10:32 pm Post Subject:

I should note, I called Progressive and according to them UM/UIM covers things that the $100K + 1M extraordinary medical coverage does not, such as pain and suffering, etc.

However, I'm not so sure, because according to PA law, when you choose the Limited Tort option:

"you and other household members covered under
this policy may seek recovery for all medical and other
out-of-pocket expenses, but not for pain and suffering or
other nonmonetary damages unless the injuries suffered
fall within the definition of "serious injury" as set
forth in the policy or unless one of several other
exceptions noted in the policy applies."

http://law.onecle.com/pennsylvania/vehicles/00.017.005.000.html

Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 02:06 pm Post Subject:

according to them UM/UIM covers things that the $100K + 1M extraordinary medical coverage does not, such as pain and suffering, etc.

Imagine that.

or unless one of several other exceptions noted in the policy applies.

Ever look for the exceptions in your policy?

but not for pain and suffering or other nonmonetary damages

Now re-read what someone else wrote here in relation to what you wrote (the first quote above), and answer your own question.

Yes, PIP covers the direct cost of injuries up to the policy limit. What if the other party that causes your injuries doesn't have $500,000 in liability insurance (but does have $300,000) to cover your $500,000 loss including "pain and suffering". Your PIP pays the first $100,000 of direct medical expenses, the other party pays $300,000 including general damages (pain & suffering), and your UM pays $100,000. Without the UM, you would be short $100,000.

As for your collision coverage, that simply pays for damage you do to your own vehicle. Who pays for repairs when you are involved in a collision caused by someone without (or without enough) insurance coverage? You do. If you have collision coverage, you pay the deductible. With UM, you probably don't pay the deductible (or you have up to $3500 in coverage).

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