Being injured in a car accident can be a harrowing experience. You may be in physical pain. Mentally you may be stressed and confused about car insurance issues. A common car insurance issue that pops up is the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

If you have these concerns, I am a Massachusetts uninsured and underinsured insurance lawyer that can help you. Here is the difference between these two types of insurance coverages in Massachusetts.

What Is Massachusetts Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Sometimes referred to as UIM coverage, this insurance is mandatory and is insurance you already have on your policy. It is contained at Part 3 of the Standard Massachusetts Auto Policy.

The minimum amount you must carry in uninsured coverage is $20,000. This insurance kicks in when the person that caused your crash does not have any liability insurance. This commonly happens in hit-and-run situations. It is wise to purchase as much of this insurance as you can afford.

Massachusetts Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This insurance is referred to as UIM coverage. Unlike uninsured coverage, underinsured coverage is not mandatory under Massachusetts law. What this insurance covers is when the driver who caused the accident does not have enough bodily injury (BI) coverage to cover the cost of your injuries.

In that situation is when you look to your auto insurance carrier for underinsured motorist benefits.  You are only entitled to underinsured benefits if your coverage exceeds the bodily injury coverage of the driver who caused your injuries.

Massachusetts Uninsured And Underinsured Insurance Lawyer Christopher Earley Can Help You

Uninsured and underinsured insurance coverage issues arise quite often. If you were injured in a car accident, truck accident, bicycle accident, pedestrian accident, or other kind of motor vehicle accident, call us with your Massachusetts uninsured and motorist questions today. The Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers can help you.