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What's the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?

Why do I need both uninsured and underinsured coverages on my policy? It seems like they cover the same things.

avatar
Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“In most states that require
uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
, you are required to carry both. While they are similar in name, they do cover two different situations.
Uninsured motorist coverage covers your injuries if an uninsured driver is at fault in an accident. Since they don’t have
bodily injury liability
to cover your injuries, your own insurance would cover your medical expenses.
Underinsured motorist coverage covers your injuries if a driver doesn’t have enough coverage when they’re at fault. If a driver has $25,000 in bodily injury coverage but your expenses are $30,000, your underinsured motorist coverage would cover the remaining amount.
Without these coverages, you would likely need to pursue legal action against the at fault driver for damages.”
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