UIM means uninsured motorist coverage, a special type of car insurance coverage available to Pennsylvania residents. So, a UIM claim is a type of car insurance claim made under your own car insurance policy. There are 2 key factors: 1. Not everyone gets this optional type of coverage. 2. It only applies when you’re injured in a car accident caused by someone who didn’t have enough of their own car insurance coverage to compensate you for your injuries and damages.
Pennsylvania UIM Law – The Basics
Who Can Make a UIM?
UIM claims in Pennsylvania can be made by anyone covered under a car insurance policy, i.e., the named insured, their spouse, and dependents in the household. However, many people fail to purchase this important coverage and instead opt for a lower auto insurance premium. You can review your declaration sheet or ask your insurance company to provide one that was in effect on the date of the accident. If UIM coverage was purchased, it will be indicated on the declaration sheet. It will be reflected as UIM/UM, which stands for underinsured motorist and uninsured motorist coverage.
Who is a UIM Claim Filed Against?
UIM claims are filed with your own insurance company, not against the at-fault driver. As indicated above, a UIM claim is allowed only if another driver caused the accident, and that driver didn’t have enough insurance coverage to cover your injuries. This means that in most cases, a UIM claim follows a claim against the at-fault driver. You’d make a claim against the negligent driver first, recover the maximum allowed under that driver’s policy, then make a UIM claim. If your car insurance company fails to act reasonably under the insurance policy/contract, you’d then file a lawsuit against the car insurance company.
Related UIM Case Result: $250,000 Settlement in UIM Car Accident Case in Philadelphia by Attorney Jordan Namerow [Client’s car accident caused by driver who fled and was never found. Our firm secured a settlement of the uninsured/underinsured motorist claim totaling $250,000.]
What’s the Time Deadline to Make a UIM Claim?
Because UIM claims are technically contract claims against your insurance company, Pennsylvania’s 4 year statute of limitations law applies. However, the date the 4 year clock starts ticking is not set in stone. It depends on the facts of the case. Under PA law, the clock starts ticking when the insurance company breaches the car insurance contract, i.e., fails to pay or otherwise declines to pay the UIM claim of the insured (injured auto accident victim). It is critical to speak to a car accident lawyer about your situation to determine whether you are eligible for UIM benefits and the time deadline to file a claim.
How Much Can You Receive in a UIM Case?
It depends on the amount of coverage purchased. The UIM/UM coverage amount is the same as the amount of Bodily Injury Liability coverage. Under PA law, the minimum amount of Bodily Injury Liability coverage required is $15,000, which means the minimum UIM/UM coverage amount on a bare bones policy would be $15,000. However, many PA residents elect higher amounts, such as $50,000, $100,000 or higher.
Top Rated Personal Injury Lawyer
Our Pennsylvania law firm handles all car accident injury claims including UIM and UM claims. Firm founder Jordan Namerow is rated as a “Top Rated Personal Injury Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA” by Super Lawyers magazine. Contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION. (215) 985-0777