Why You Should have Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Nancy Salley • December 6, 2018
Every insurance policy in the state of South Carolina must contain uninsured motorist coverage pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 38-77-150. In South Carolina, the minimum amount of coverage is $25,000.00. This coverage guarantees that if you are in an accident with a driver that does not have insurance or carries just the minimum limit, you will be at least minimally protected. However, this policy alone is often not enough to cover your expenses if you are in a serious accident and in many cases, this is all you can obtain from the at fault driver as many drivers carry this minimum limit.
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 38-77-160, South Carolinians are afforded an opportunity to purchase additional (optional) coverage under the Underinsured Motorist (“UIM”) coverage statute. Underinsured Motorist coverage is “to provide coverage in the event that damages are sustained in excess of the liability limits.” This additional layer of coverage is available for purchase through your own insurance carrier, is easily obtainable and often can be added to your existing policy in a matter of minutes. It is also fairly affordable.
To best protect yourself from this worst case scenario, many people purchase Underinsured Motorist coverage. This coverage will step in and help you to cover your damages over and above available liability coverage, including medical bills and lost income when the at-fault driver does not have sufficient liability insurance to cover your losses.
UIM coverage is recommended for most drivers and should be reasonably easy to obtain from your current insurance carrier. Check your policy and contact your insurance agent today to obtain as much protection as you possibly can afford in order to protect yourself, your family, and your property.
If you would like to speak to one of our experienced attorneys about any serious personal injury you or someone you know has sustained due to someone else’s fault, please contact Salley Law Firm today at 803-356-5000 or toll free at 1-800-321-6125. Your consultation is free and we also offer home and hospital visits.
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