When another driver causes an accident but lacks insurance coverage, uninsured motorist coverage steps in to protect you by paying for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. In Indiana, approximately 14 percent of drivers fail to maintain proper insurance coverage.
Every day, responsible drivers share Indiana roads with others who choose to drive without insurance. While state law requires all drivers to maintain auto insurance, the reality is that many do not. This leaves insured drivers vulnerable to significant financial hardship if they’re hurt in an accident with an uninsured motorist. By understanding uninsured motorist coverage, you can know what to do should you be in such a situation.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage works as a protection plan within your auto insurance policy. When you’re involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance, this coverage ensures you won’t face the financial burden alone. It also protects you in hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver cannot be found. Think of uninsured motorist coverage as a shield that protects your financial well-being when the traditional path of filing a claim against an at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t available.
Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Mandatory in Indiana?
In Indiana, insurance companies must include uninsured motorist coverage in every auto policy they sell. However, drivers can choose to reject this coverage in writing.
This creates a critical decision point for Indiana drivers. While you can decline this coverage, doing so puts you at significant financial risk. Consider the following facts:
- One in seven Indiana drivers lacks proper insurance.
- Medical bills from even minor car accidents can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
- Without this coverage, you might need to pay these expenses out of pocket.
The relatively low cost of uninsured motorist coverage compared to the potential financial burden of an accident makes keeping this coverage a wise choice for most Indiana drivers.
What Are the Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Indiana?
Indiana law establishes clear minimum insurance requirements for auto coverage.
Every driver must carry liability insurance that meets these standards:
- Bodily Injury Liability – $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident to cover injuries to others
- Property Damage Liability – $25,000 to pay for damage to other people’s property
These amounts represent the minimum coverage required, but many drivers choose higher limits for better protection. Medical bills and other costs can quickly exceed these minimum amounts in serious car accidents. This is why purchasing a policy with greater protection tends to be a good idea for those who can afford it.
What Does Uninsured Motorist Car Insurance Coverage Include?
Uninsured motorist coverage provides multiple layers of protection when you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver. Understanding these different types of coverage helps you make informed decisions about your insurance needs.
Bodily Injury Coverage
This component helps pay for the medical, emotional, and economic repercussions of your accident-related injuries.
Coverage may compensate you for the following:
- Medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages when injuries prevent you from working
- Future medical care for long-term injuries
- Pain and suffering compensation
Property Damage Coverage
This portion covers the cost of damage to your car or other personal property, including:
- Repairs to your vehicle
- Replacement costs if your car is totaled
- Damage to other personal property in your vehicle
- Rental car expenses while your vehicle undergoes repairs
Additional Protection
Most forms of uninsured motorist coverage also include provisions for elements such as:
- Coverage for passengers in your vehicle
- Protection when you’re walking or riding a bicycle
- Coverage for accidents with hit-and-run drivers
Many insurance companies offer enhanced coverage options beyond these basic protections. While Indiana requires minimum coverage amounts, you can choose higher limits based on your needs and circumstances. When selecting coverage limits, consider the following:
- The value of your assets
- Your regular commute distance and driving habits
- The number of people who regularly ride in your vehicle
- Your ability to pay out-of-pocket expenses after an accident
Understanding these coverages helps you make informed decisions about your insurance needs and ensures you maintain adequate protection on Indiana roads.
Will Uninsured Motorist Coverage Cover Me If I Am in Another Vehicle That Was Not Mine?
Many drivers wonder about their protection when riding in someone else’s vehicle. The good news is that your uninsured motorist coverage typically follows you, not your car.
This means your coverage protects you when:
- Riding as a passenger in a friend’s car
- Using a rental vehicle
- Taking public transportation
- Walking or cycling
- Riding in a rideshare vehicle
Your uninsured motorist coverage acts as a personal shield, protecting you regardless of the vehicle you occupy when an accident occurs. This broad protection makes uninsured motorist coverage even more valuable than many drivers realize.
Contact an Indiana Car Accident Lawyer
When drivers get into car crashes involving uninsured motorists, working with an experienced attorney makes a significant difference in protecting their rights and securing fair compensation.
For over 40 years, the attorneys at Truitt Law Offices have fought for accident victims throughout Indiana, building a track record of maximizing results for our clients. Our deep understanding of insurance company defense strategies, combined with our sole focus on personal injury cases, allows us to anticipate and overcome obstacles in your case. With more than 100 five-star Google reviews, our clients trust us to handle their cases with the care and attention they deserve.
As Fort Wayne personal injury lawyers, we understand the challenges you face after an accident. Let us put our experience to work for you by:
- Thoroughly investigating your accident
- Documenting all your losses
- Identifying all potential sources of compensation
- Fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve
Our car accident lawyers will support and advocate for you every step of the way. Because we work on contingency, you won’t have to pay anything upfront, and there are no fees unless we recover money for you.
Call our offices or fill out our online contact form today for a free consultation about your case. An experienced Fort Wayne personal injury lawyer will listen to your story and help you understand the best path forward.
