In Kentucky, it’s mandatory to carry a minimum liability coverage of $25,000.00 for bodily injury damages per person, at least $50,000.00 for bodily injury damages for all individuals involved in an accident, and $25,000.00 for property damage stemming from a single accident. However, some drivers opt to go without insurance for various reasons or don’t have sufficient coverage. To address this, insurance providers offer uninsured motorist coverage and first-party coverage. While this coverage may be included in your policy, confirming with your agent and reviewing your insurance documents is essential to ensure its presence. In an unfortunate accident involving an uninsured at-fault motorist, you may wonder what steps to take.
What exactly is uninsured motorist (UM) or first-party coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage acts as a fallback option when the responsible party in an accident lacks an auto insurance policy or possesses inadequate coverage. If it is the at-fault driver is uninsured, the injured party’s auto insurance policy can come into play if it includes coverage for uninsured motorists. The policyholder can file their claim with their own insurance company and they will compensate the unjured party for the incurred damages.
What should you do if you are in an accident with an uninsured motorist?
If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, follow these steps:
- Ensure everyone’s well-being. If anyone is injured or you suspect injuries, immediately dial 9-1-1.
- If everyone appears unharmed, still call 9-1-1 to report the accident. Having an official police report is crucial for documenting the incident.
- If possible, gather information from the uninsured motorist, including their name, address, phone number, and license plate number.
- Reach out to your insurance company to initiate the claims process.
- Refer to your insurance policy documents to verify whether uninsured motorist coverage is included, or contact your agent for clarification. While you can’t control others’ actions, you can ensure your and your family’s preparedness for situations involving uninsured or underinsured motorists.
