What is uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, and how does it work?
Having this coverage could help pay for damage to your car and any injuries if another driver hits you and can't cover the expenses. Somebody hits you and drives off? You're usually covered for some expenses if you have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your USAA Auto Insurance policy. What if they have insurance, but it's not enough? Don't worry — your underinsured coverage could help pay for the rest.
What's usually covered?
- Damage and injuries caused by a hit-and-run driver
- Damage and injuries caused by a driver with no liability insurance
- Damage and injuries caused by a driver without enough insurance
What's not covered?
- Damage and injuries you're legally responsible for
- Damage caused by vandalism and theft
Is uninsured and underinsured coverage required?
Some states require some form of uninsured motorist protection, while it's optional in others. Minimum requirements vary by state, and some states require both uninsured and underinsured coverage.
How much does uninsured and underinsured coverage cost?
It can be relatively inexpensive to add uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to your policy. However, costs may be higher in states with large numbers of uninsured drivers.
If you're insuring more than one vehicle, you can choose to stack your coverage in some states. That means you can combine your limits for each vehicle and significantly increase your coverage. If your bodily injury coverages are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, in some states you could stack coverages for two vehicles and have $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. Stacking could increase your premium, but the extra coverage might be worth it if you're seriously injured by an uninsured driver.
What's the difference between uninsured and underinsured coverage?
-
In some states, uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for property damage and bodily injury caused by a driver without liability insurance.
-
Underinsured motorist coverage helps pay for property damage and bodily injury caused by a driver who doesn't have enough liability insurance to cover all the expenses after an accident.
Help protect yourself from irresponsible drivers.
Get insurance in case you're hit by someone without it.
How do uninsured and underinsured deductibles work?
In some states, there's no deductible for uninsured and underinsured motorist claims for medical bills, while in other states it can vary based on your policy. A deductible, or the amount you pay before your insurance kicks in, is usually collected in claims for property damage.
Does uninsured and underinsured coverage have limits?
Yes. Whether your state requires it or you're choosing to purchase uninsured and underinsured coverage, you can set your limits higher or lower. Consider exploring your options based on your budget and the amount of risk you're willing to take.
Did you know?
One in eight drivers on the road is uninsured, according to the Insurance Research Council.
How can I save on my insurance?
-
Increase your deductible. Paying more out of pocket may lower your premium.
-
Select a different car. Consider a vehicle that won't be too costly to repair and run quotes on the ones you're looking at.
-
Get an anti-theft device.See note1 If you also have comprehensive coverage, having an anti-theft device installed in your car may help lower your car insurance premium.
-
Bundle and save. Most insurers, including USAA, offer discounts if you buy both your auto and property coverage with them.See note2
Learn more about car insurance.
Get the other coverage you need.
Have more questions or need to file a claim?
It's easier than ever to file a claim online. But you still may have questions, which is why we're here to help. Call 800-531-USAA (8722)([thats 800-531-]8722). To learn more, visit our car insurance FAQ page.