November 16, 2018
Michigan Uninsured Motorist Insurance in 2018
Uninsured motorists make up a significant percentage of the driving population in Michigan. Approximately 20% of motorists lack valid insurance for their vehicles, and the number is potentially higher in communities such as Flint and Detroit. Most residents cite the high costs of insurance in the state to be the leading factor that hinders them from acquiring coverage. Nevertheless, the high number of uninsured translates to a higher probability of Michigan drivers getting into an accident with uninsured drivers. Some of the leading Michigan car accident attorneys work at our firm.
Lacking insurance is both illegal and risky for the driver and any passengers. Apart from the hefty fines and the potential for a jail term, the driver misses out from the benefits that come along with insurance covers. For instance, uninsured drivers cannot claim the benefits of Michigan’s no-fault insurance or make legal claims against the at-fault driver for monetary compensations. The driver will not be entitled to have any form of financial support that is directly related to the incidences of the car crash.
However, there is the case of being involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. Due to the high probability in Michigan, this is an issue of high concern. Insured drivers can get into accidents with uninsured drivers that may result in harm to passengers and damage to property. Additionally, there is the case of hit and run where the driver cannot be identified. In such cases, uninsured motorist insurance gives the victims an opportunity to claim compensation for suffering and damages. A leading Detroit car accident attorney at our firm can help you with filing a Michigan car accident insurance claim.
What does Michigan Uninsured Motorist Insurance Cover?
Uninsured Motorist insurance tries to cover the damages that arise from accidents with uninsured motorists. Drivers can acquire this type of insurance from their insurers to cater for compensation in the event of damage, injury or loss from an uninsured driver. Since the coverage is not mandatory for all, drivers have to make a conscious decision to purchase the policy to be part of their insurance. The coverage is either a minimum of $20,000, or $40,000 and varies upwards according to the coverage purchased. Most covers are inexpensive while still offering extensive coverage over some months. Speak with some of the leading Michigan car accident lawyers at our firm today.
How to make Michigan Uninsured Motorist Claims
The procedure for initiating uninsured motorist claims is straightforward. Once named as a beneficiary of an insurance policy, making a claim is as simple as contacting your insurance provider. Unnamed individuals who can benefit are those who were passengers in the insured vehicle at the time of the accident with an uninsured driver. If the individual can prove their occupancy of the vehicle, they can claim the insured driver’s provider. Driving uninsured in Michigan is not a good idea as Michigan police can check your insurance using your license plate.
However, the claims made are subjected to the specific terms outlined in the insurance policy. Different insurance contracts may have varying obligatory clauses that must be adhered to before the claims are approved. The obligations involve the time limits for making the claim which when ignored can disqualify a claim. Moreover, only no-fault individuals are allowed to make a claim. In special cases where there is shared fault, for a claim to be valid, the driver has to have less than 50% of fault.
Nevertheless, uninsured motorist benefits offer a much-needed reprieve for motorists against the ignorance of other drivers. It is recommended that drivers add insurance to their basic coverage to protect against harm and or damage from uninsured drivers. An elite Michigan car accident attorney at our firm is standing by to help you immediately with any issues you may be having regarded an auto accident.