If you were injured in a car crash due to someone else’s negligence, you might be surprised why everyone is asking how much car insurance you have. You’re probably thinking, “the other guy caused the crash, their insurance should pay!” While we certainly understand the sentiment, in our experience, to maximize the chances of being fully compensated for your accident injuries, you’ll want sufficient car insurance to cover the claim. Even if it turns out that it’s your own car insurance that comes into play.
Did you know that you can drive will little (or no) car insurance in Virginia?
In Virginia, you can legally drive with as little as $30,000 in liability coverage. While this may sound like good coverage, if you’re catastrophically injured, that amount will just be a “drop in the bucket.” What’s more, some drivers choose to drive illegally without insurance.
Given this, you need to protect yourself by purchasing UM (uninsured motorist) or UIM (under-insured motorist) coverage. This protects you if it turns out that the driver that caused your injuries lacks sufficient insurance to cover your claims. You can then tap into your own policy to collect money for your damages.
Not sure if you already have UM/UIM coverage?
Take a look at your insurance summary page (also known as a “declarations page.”) In addition to your liability and property damage insurance, there should be a separate number for UM/UIM coverage. If you didn’t purchase any, or you can’t tell how much you have, get on the phone with your car insurance company right away.
How much UIM should you buy?
At Abrenio Law, we recommend purchasing $1 million in coverage. This may seem like a lot, but it will be invaluable for you and your family if you’re seriously injured by an uninsured (or under-insured) driver. Surprisingly, obtaining $1 million in coverage frequently costs only a few hundred more dollars than a minimum $30,000 policy. So, it’s a great financial investment.
Was your crash after July 1, 2023? Virginia law recently made an important change to UIM law.
If you were injured after July 1, 2023, you need to be aware of Virginia’s new UIM rule. Assuming you did not elect out of this option, your UIM carrier will not get a credit for the defendant’s liability coverage in the event that you need to tap into your UIM funds. Read more about this important change here.
But, James, I’m “fully insured,” and have an umbrella policy.
We hear this all of the time. However, we often find that you didn’t purchase exactly what you thought you did. When it comes to being “fully insured,” injury victims are frequently sold minimum policy limits by the insurance companies who inform them that’s all they will need. Insurance agents often push umbrella policies that don’t even have UIM protection! Do yourself a favor and take a look at your policy now! Insurance is like wearing a seatbelt. It only counts if you have it on when a crash happens. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Still have questions?
Make sure to check out our Personal Injury & Criminal Defense Practice Pages where we’ve answered many other questions you likely have. Abrenio Law is a Fairfax Personal Injury & Criminal Defense attorney that practices throughout Northern Virginia. You can learn more About Us, some of our Prior Results, and Read Our Reviews. Make sure to contact us at Ph. 703-570-4180 for your Free Consultation.