Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Julie Akin • January 13, 2018

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

A gray car with a damaged side is parked in a gravel lot. Do you have the proper coverage in place? if you're injured by an uninsured motorist, your policy could provide the coverage you need IF you have the proper coverage in place.  Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is an inexpensive and valuable coverage.

According to a recent study from Insurance Research Council, about one in six drivers across the United States may be driving uninsured. This means responsible drivers who purchase insurance may end up paying for injuries caused by uninsured drivers.

If you haven’t reviewed your liability coverage in the last two years, now is a good time to revisit your auto coverage to ensure you avoid extra costs after an accident. We’re happy to help – and we can often increase your coverages without a significant increase in premium.

Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage (UM)

Uninsured motorist provides coverage for any damages resulting from and accident when you're struck by someone that doesn't have any insurance. This coverage provides financial assistance for: medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other injury-related costs. This is also available to victims of hit-and-run accidents and provides coverage for you and your family members in ANY vehicle you travel in as a passenger, not just your own vehicle.  It also provides coverage if you or a member of your household are struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian or while riding your bike.  You can add this optional coverage to your automobile insurance policy, and file a claim to receive compensation after an accident.

This coverage is inclusive of all family members in your household, including your children.

Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage (UIM)

Under insured motorist provides coverage for any injuries resulting from and accident when another driver hits you that doesn't have enough insurance. This coverage provides financial assistance for: medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other injury-related costs.  This is also available to victims of hit-and-run accidents and provides coverage for you and your family members in ANY vehicle you travel in as a passenger, not just your own vehicle.  It also provides coverage if you or a member of your household are struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian or while riding your bike.  You can add this optional coverage to your automobile insurance policy, and file a claim to receive compensation after an accident.

This coverage is inclusive of all family members in your household, including your children.

The Benefits of Having Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured (UM) and Underinsured Motorist coverage (UIM) kicks in when the other driver’s coverage stops. For example, if your incur $50,000 worth of damages from an accident, but the other driver’s insurance is capped at $25,000, then you will need to file a UIM claim with your own insurance company for the remaining $25,000.  You can buy uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage through your insurance provider to be used in situations where the other driver cannot pay for your expenses.

Having this coverage allows you to receive the compensation you need from your own insurance company.  The cost for this coverage typically starts at roughly $15 per month, per vehicle.  A very low price to pay for a very broad and valuable coverage!

Please note that uninsured and underinsured motorist does NOT provide coverage for damage to your vehicle.  Coverage provided is for injury related expenses only, including loss of wages.

 

Contact us  to about the benefits of Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist coverage and request a price quote today!

 

May 9, 2025
To update you on what is happening at the Lukeville/Sonoyta border crossing for our insureds traveling to Rocky Point: Depending on the officer, Mexican authorities (Guardia Nacional) are enforcing the FMM and passport requirements, but not consistently. Some travelers have reported crossing as usual without passports, and officers simply waived them through. Others have reported obtaining FMMs at the border, with all travelers carrying passports. If travelers are transparent and declare any alcohol they’re bringing into Mexico, they are being charged a 114% tax. However, some people reported having alcohol but were waived through by officers and did not pay the tax. It appears enforcement depends on the officer, and tourists are currently taking their chances. It comes down to each traveler’s level of confidence and risk tolerance, as enforcement is not yet consistent. Our company’s recommendation is to follow the law: Process the FMM online Print the form Stop at the INM (Immigration) office at the border to get it stamped Reminder: The FMM tourist permit is only for foreign citizens, not for individuals with dual citizenship. Here is the link to obtain the FMM online (in case travelers ask where to process it before crossing the border): https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html The INM Immigration Office is located in the Aduana building. For your reference, the Gastrak/Sanborn’s location in Lukeville and the Aduana building (just to the left after crossing the border) are highlighted. Additional reminders for this border crossing: All vehicles must have a current, original, valid registration OR the original title/notarized copy. Digital copies or images are not accepted. If the vehicle is not owned by the driver (e.g., a company vehicle, borrowed from family or friends), a notarized letter of permission from the owner is required to take the vehicle into Mexico. Border Hours: U.S. and Mexican authorities have agreed that the Lukeville–Sonoyta border crossing to Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco) is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) from March 7 to October 10, 2025.
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