By Pierce Blitch & Will Dasher
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: What You Need to Know
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) insurance covers your damages if another driver with little or no insurance causes an accident. When clients come to us after a car accident, we review all their household auto insurance policies to identify available UM/UIM coverage.
A Real-World Example
Consider a recent case where the at-fault driver had only the minimum $25,000 liability coverage. Our client had $100,000 in UM/UIM coverage on his personal vehicle, his wife had $25,000 in UM/UIM coverage on her personal vehicle, and the client’s mother-in-law who lived with them (resident relative) had $300,000 in UM/UIM coverage on her personal vehicle This added $425,000 in UM/UIM coverage to the $25,000 from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
Common Client Concerns
Clients often hesitate to claim their UM/UIM coverage, fearing it might raise their insurance rates. However, UM/UIM coverage is there for situations like these, and premiums are paid for this protection.
Will My Insurance Rates Go Up?
Many worry about their premiums increasing or their policy being canceled if they file a claim. The insurance industry has instilled fear in customers, discouraging them from using their benefits. However, insurance companies cannot legally punish you for using your insurance by raising rates.
Georgia Law Protects You
In Georgia, O.C.G.A. § 33-9-40 states that insurers cannot increase premiums or cancel policies due to a multi-vehicle accident where you are not at fault. Specifically, the law says: “No insurer shall surcharge the premium or rate charged on a policy of motor vehicle insurance or cancel such policy as a result of the insured person’s involvement in a multivehicle accident when such person was not at fault in such accident.”
What About Nonrenewal Risks?
Clients also worry about insurers refusing to renew policies. O.C.G.A. § 33-24-45 covers cancellation and nonrenewal of auto and motorcycle insurance policies. It allows for nonrenewal only after more than two incidents in 36 months, such as:
· Accidents where you were not at fault
· UM/UIM claims
· Comprehensive coverage claims
· Towing or road service claims
If you make a UM/UIM claim for an accident you didn’t cause, you are within your rights under this code section. The insurance company cannot raise your premiums, cancel coverage, or refuse to renew your policy unless you have more than two such claims within three years.
What Should You Do?
If you have an accident and need to make a UM/UIM claim, talk to your agent. Ask if your premiums will go up or if your policy won’t be renewed. If you don’t get a clear answer, shop for other coverage.
Knowing your rights can help you make informed decisions about your UM/UIM claims without fear of unfair treatment by your insurance company. It’s essential to stay informed and proactive.
CALL THE BLITCH LAW FIRM ATTORNEYS AT LAW TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CASE
We fight for you, and we don’t back down. Every personal injury case has potentially life-altering consequences. We don’t hold back on providing our clients the best possible representation. At The Blitch Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a personal injury case can take. If you, a family member, or a close friend has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact The Blitch Law Firm today at 706-434-8770 or visit us at 7004 Evans Town Center Blvd., Third Floor, Evans, Georgia 30809 to discuss your unique case and our dedicated personal injury strategies with one of our compassionate and experienced attorneys.
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