What Is the Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Pennsylvania?

Quick Answer

The difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in Pennsylvania is straightforward:

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) may apply when the at-fault driver does not have applicable liability insurance.

Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) may apply when the at-fault driver has liability insurance, but the available limits are not enough to cover the losses and damages caused by the accident.

Both types of coverage can provide important protection after a serious Pennsylvania car accident, but whether either applies depends on the insurance policies and facts involved.

Key Takeaways

• UM coverage generally addresses an at-fault driver who has no applicable liability insurance.
• UIM coverage generally addresses an at-fault driver whose available liability limits are insufficient.
• UM and UIM are separate coverages even though they are frequently discussed together.
• Pennsylvania policyholders may reject UM and UIM coverage in writing.
• The actual policy should be reviewed before assuming either coverage is available.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Pennsylvania?

Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect an insured person who is legally entitled to recover damages from the owner or operator of an uninsured motor vehicle.

A common example is a driver who causes a collision but has no applicable automobile liability insurance.

If UM coverage applies, the injured person may have a source of insurance protection even though the at-fault driver does not have liability coverage available for the accident.

Pennsylvania law provides for uninsured motorist coverage and allows a named insured to reject that coverage in writing.

What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Pennsylvania?

Underinsured motorist coverage addresses a different problem.

The at-fault driver does have insurance, but the available liability limits are not sufficient to pay the losses and damages resulting from the accident.

For example, a serious collision may cause injuries and losses that substantially exceed the amount of liability insurance available from the responsible driver.

If applicable UIM coverage exists, it may provide an additional source of compensation after the available liability coverage is considered.

What Is the Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

The simplest distinction is:

UM = no applicable liability insurance.

UIM = liability insurance exists, but there is not enough of it.

In short, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage addresses two different insurance problems after an accident.

That difference matters because the circumstances that trigger each type of coverage are different.

It is also important not to assume that simply having automobile insurance means you necessarily have UM or UIM benefits. The declarations page, policy language, coverage limits and any rejection forms may need to be reviewed.

What To Do Next

If you were injured by a driver who may be uninsured or underinsured:

1. Take care of your health first. Seek appropriate medical attention for injuries or symptoms.
2. Get the other driver’s insurance information. Preserve photographs and police-report information as well.
3. Confirm the available liability limits. Whether the driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance determines which issue may arise.
4. Review the automobile policies that may apply to you. Look specifically for UM and UIM coverage.
5. Save all insurance communications. Coverage questions may become important as the claim develops.

Need Help With a UM or UIM Insurance Question?

Determining which automobile insurance applies after a serious accident can become complicated.

PhillyLegalConnect provides educational information to help Pennsylvania drivers understand these insurance issues.

When legal representation is needed, PhillyLegalConnect connects readers directly with The Oakes Firm — Philadelphia Injury Lawyers.

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