Carrying automobile insurance is not just a good idea; it's the law in Delaware. Under Delaware law, motorists are required to carry a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per occurrence in liability coverage when driving. While drivers can choose to increase their coverage limits for added protection, they cannot lower them below this mandatory minimum.
However, even with these legal requirements, not everyone on the road is compliant. Some drivers fail to maintain the necessary automobile insurance. While you can't control whether others have insurance or the extent of their coverage, you can take steps to protect yourself by ensuring that you are adequately insured.
Protect Yourself and Your Household
One important way to safeguard yourself is through Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM). Insurance companies in Delaware are required to offer UM/UIM Coverage when issuing automobile policies to residents. Although purchasing this coverage is not mandatory, rejecting or waiving it could leave you financially vulnerable if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Investing in robust UM/UIM coverage isn't just about protecting yourself. It extends to everyone in your vehicle and household, offering peace of mind that your loved ones are covered in case of an accident.
Recommended Coverage Levels
Having just $25,000/$50,000 in UM/UIM coverage is often insufficient in most situations. Medical expenses and lost wages can quickly exceed these limits, leaving you financially vulnerable. By choosing higher coverage limits, you ensure that you have the necessary resources to handle the aftermath of an accident without undue financial strain.
We recommend nothing less than $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident for UM/UIM coverage. However, consider opting for even higher limits, such as $250,000/$500,000 or $500,000/$1,000,000. These higher limits offer a stronger safety net, ensuring comprehensive protection for you and your loved ones.
Will my insurance payment go up?
Opting for UM/UIM coverage usually results in only a slight increase in your insurance premium. Yet, the benefits can be significant. This coverage is designed to pay for injuries or damages caused by drivers who either have no insurance or insufficient insurance.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: If you are in a collision caused by an uninsured driver, UM coverage allows you to seek compensation through your own automobile policy. Essentially, your insurance company steps into the role of the uninsured driver, covering your medical expenses and property damage.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: If the at-fault driver's insurance is insufficient to cover all your injuries and damages, UIM coverage allows you to make a claim against your own insurance policy for the difference. This ensures you are not left with substantial out-of-pocket expenses due to someone else's lack of adequate insurance.
Better to Have it and Not Need it vs. Need it and Not Have it
Considering the relatively small cost to add UM/UIM coverage to your policy, the peace of mind and financial protection it offers can be invaluable. Accidents are unpredictable, and having this coverage can make a significant difference in your ability to recover both physically and financially.
Don't wait until it's too late to understand your insurance options and protections. Contact one of our experienced lawyers today to get a clearer picture of your coverage and learn more about your rights in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Your proactive steps today can help ensure you're protected on the road tomorrow.
At Kimmel Carter, our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to guiding you through the Delaware Personal Injury process. If you have been involved in an accident, please call us for a free legal consultation at (302) 565-6100.
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