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Protecting Yourself on Maine Roads: Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) is a vital part of your auto insurance policy that protects you if you're in an accident caused by a driver with little or no insurance. It includes two key parts:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: Pays for your injuries if the at-fault driver has no insurance.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: Pays for your injuries if the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover all your costs.
While insurance is mandatory, nearly 13% of U.S. drivers are uninsured. Driving on Maine's roads in Biddeford, Wells, Kennebunk, or Ogunquit means facing risks from uninsured local drivers and out-of-state visitors. Being in an accident is bad enough; it's far worse if the at-fault driver can't cover your medical bills and other damages.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is your financial safety net, ensuring you don't have to pay out-of-pocket for another driver's irresponsibility.
What Are Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverages?
Imagine you're driving near Ogunquit when another driver runs a red light and hits you. The accident wasn't your fault, but the other driver has no insurance, or their policy only covers $25,000 while your medical bills are $75,000. What now?
This is why Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and Underinsured Motorist coverage (UIM) exist. They protect you when the at-fault person—the one legally responsible for the crash—either has no insurance or not enough to cover your damages.
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies when an at-fault driver has zero insurance. Your UM coverage steps in to pay for injuries and other damages that their non-existent policy would have covered.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover all your expenses. UIM helps bridge that financial gap.
These coverages work with other parts of your policy to create a complete safety net. To see how they fit together, check our guide to full coverage auto insurance in Maine.
UM vs. UIM: The Key Difference
The distinction is simple: does the other driver have no insurance or not enough insurance?
Uninsured motorist coverage is your lifeline when the at-fault driver breaks the law by driving without any insurance. There's no policy to file a claim against, so your UM coverage pays for your medical bills and lost wages up to your own policy limits.
Underinsured motorist coverage handles a different problem. The at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy isn't enough. If an accident in Kennebunk leaves you with $100,000 in damages and the other driver only has $50,000 of coverage, their insurance pays its limit. Your UIM coverage can then cover the remaining $50,000 gap, so you're not stuck paying out of pocket.
How Hit-and-Run Accidents Are Covered
Your Uninsured motorist coverage typically treats a hit-and-run driver as if they were uninsured. If you or your passengers are hurt, your UM bodily injury coverage (UMBI) can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
However, property damage is different. Maine does not offer Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage. For vehicle damage in a hit-and-run, you'll need to use your collision coverage.
Crucially, you must file a police report immediately. Your insurer will require an official report to process a hit-and-run claim. Without it, you may not be able to use your UM coverage. If you're in this situation in Wells, Biddeford, or anywhere in Southern Maine, call the police right away.
Why Uninsured Motorist Coverage is a Must-Have in Maine
Simply meeting Maine's minimum insurance requirements isn't always enough to truly protect yourself. Here, Uninsured motorist coverage isn't just a smart choice—it's a legal requirement.
Maine's minimum liability limits are 50/100/25 ($50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage). While higher than many states, these limits can be exhausted quickly in a serious accident.
This is especially important in "Vacationland." We welcome millions of visitors, but this brings an increased risk from out-of-state drivers who may be uninsured, underinsured, or unfamiliar with our roads. As the Maine law regarding uninsured vehicle coverage highlights, UM coverage must be included in every policy. While you can reject it in writing, we strongly advise against it. The Insurance Information Institute reports that nearly 13% of drivers nationwide are uninsured, and even with Maine's better-than-average rate, the risk from visitors remains.
The Financial Risks of Lacking Adequate Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Rejecting or carrying low limits on Uninsured motorist coverage is a huge financial gamble. If you're in a serious accident with an uninsured driver in Biddeford, the consequences can be devastating:
- Medical Debt: Even with health insurance, you can face high deductibles and copays. A serious injury can easily cost over $100,000.
- Lost Income: If injuries prevent you from working, UM coverage can replace lost paychecks, helping you cover daily expenses.
- Long-Term Care Costs: Severe injuries may require extended physical therapy or in-home care, draining your savings.
- Inability to Recover Damages: Suing an uninsured driver is often fruitless, as they likely lack the assets to pay for your losses.
Robust UM/UIM protection is about safeguarding your family's financial stability.
Maine's Unique Position: High Minimums, Higher Risks
Maine's status as "Vacationland" means a constant flow of drivers from states with much lower insurance minimums. An accident with an underinsured out-of-state driver is a significant risk on our roads, from Portland to Wells Beach.
Furthermore, even Maine's higher minimums often aren't enough for severe accidents, given today's medical and vehicle repair costs. A serious injury can easily surpass the $50,000 per-person limit. Your UIM coverage is the critical safety net in these scenarios. It's always better to be over-prepared than under-protected.
What Expenses Does UM/UIM Cover in Maine?
In Maine, Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage are all about protecting people, not property. Your policy specifically covers Bodily Injury (UMBI), acting as a financial lifeline when you or your passengers are hurt by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Crucially, Maine does not offer Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage. This means if an uninsured driver damages your car, your UM policy won't pay for repairs. This is why having separate collision coverage is essential in Maine. Your collision policy pays to fix your car, while your UM policy covers your injuries.
Think of it as a team approach: UMBI takes care of you and your loved ones, while collision coverage takes care of your car. For more on how comprehensive options protect your vehicle, see our guide on Maine comprehensive car insurance rates.
Understanding Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Bodily Injury (UMBI)
Your Uninsured motorist coverage for Bodily Injury (UMBI) is the workhorse of your policy in Maine. It protects you, your family, and your passengers when an at-fault driver lacks proper insurance.
UMBI is comprehensive, covering:
- Medical expenses: Hospital stays, surgery, doctor visits, physical therapy, and prescriptions.
- Lost wages: Replaces income you lose if your injuries keep you from working.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical discomfort and emotional trauma from the accident.
- Funeral costs: In the most tragic cases, UMBI can help cover funeral and burial expenses.
Essentially, your UMBI coverage acts as if the at-fault driver had an insurance policy with the same limits as yours, giving you control over your financial security.
How UM/UIM Works with Your Other Coverages
UM/UIM, health insurance, and collision coverage are not redundant; they are layers of protection that work together.
- Health Insurance: Helps with medical bills but won't cover lost wages or pain and suffering. It also comes with deductibles and copays. UMBI fills these gaps.
- Collision Coverage: This is essential for vehicle repairs in Maine, as UM does not cover property damage. It pays to fix or replace your car regardless of fault (after your deductible).
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This required, no-fault coverage provides immediate payment for medical bills and lost wages up to its limit. UMBI acts as a backup, covering expenses that exceed your PIP limit and providing compensation for pain and suffering, which PIP does not cover.
Together, these coverages create a comprehensive safety net, ensuring you're not left vulnerable after an accident with an uninsured driver.
Determining Your Coverage Needs & Filing a Claim
Choosing the right amount of Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) is a critical decision. It's about ensuring your family is financially secure if the worst happens. We've helped families from Wells to Biddeford find the right protection, and we're here to guide you through the process.
For a complete look at building your policy, our guide on the best auto insurance coverage in Maine can help.
How Much UM/UIM Coverage Do I Need?
While Maine law requires Uninsured motorist coverage, the minimum limits are often not enough. Our recommendation is simple: Match your UM/UIM limits to your liability limits. If you feel your assets are worth protecting with $250,000 in liability coverage, shouldn't your own well-being be worth the same level of protection?
Imagine an uninsured driver causes a serious accident in Ogunquit. Your medical bills reach $120,000, and you lose $15,000 in wages. If you only have the minimum $50,000 UMBI limit, you'd be responsible for the remaining $85,000. But if you had matched your UMBI to a higher $250,000 limit, you'd be fully covered.
When assessing your risk, consider your assets, your income, and the need to protect your passengers. The cost to increase your coverage is often surprisingly small compared to the financial risk of being underinsured.
The UM/UIM Claim Process Step-by-Step
If you're in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, knowing what to do can reduce stress. Follow these steps:
- Prioritize Safety and Call the Police: Check for injuries and call 911 if needed. Always call the police, especially if you suspect the other driver is uninsured or if it's a hit-and-run. The police report is crucial for your Uninsured motorist coverage claim.
- Gather Evidence: If it's safe, exchange information with the other driver. Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and license plates. Get contact information from any witnesses.
- Notify Your Agent: Call us at Sevigney-Lyons as soon as possible. We will report the claim and guide you on the next steps. Policies have time limits for reporting, so don't delay.
- Get Medical Attention and Keep Records: See a doctor for any injuries, even if they seem minor. Keep detailed records of all medical bills, prescriptions, and time missed from work.
- Cooperate with Your Insurer: Your insurance company will investigate the claim, verify the other driver's insurance status, and determine fault. They will then work with you toward a fair settlement based on your policy limits. We'll be your advocate throughout this process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Maine
We've gathered answers to common questions we hear from our neighbors in Wells, Kennebunk, and across Southern Maine to help you feel confident about your Uninsured motorist coverage.
Does uninsured motorist coverage apply to hit-and-run accidents in Maine?
Yes, for bodily injuries. In Maine, your Uninsured motorist coverage (UMBI) typically steps in to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering if you're injured by a hit-and-run driver. However, it does not cover damage to your car; you'll need to use your collision coverage for that. You must file a police report for your UMBI claim to be processed.
Can my premium go up if I file a UM claim?
Typically, no. A UM claim is for an accident that wasn't your fault, so you generally won't receive an "at-fault" surcharge that increases your premium. However, filing any claim could potentially affect a "claims-free" discount you might have. The exact impact depends on your specific insurance provider, so it's always best to discuss it with us.
What is the difference between UM/UIM and collision coverage?
This is a key distinction in Maine. Think of it this way:
- UM/UIM Coverage: Protects people. It pays for your and your passengers' medical bills, lost wages, and other injury-related costs when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance.
- Collision Coverage: Protects your car. It pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it's damaged in a collision, regardless of who is at fault. It's what you'll use for vehicle damage caused by an uninsured driver.
They aren't redundant; they work together. UM/UIM covers your injuries, while collision covers your car.
Your Guide to a Secure Drive in Maine
Driving on Maine's beautiful roads, from Portland to Kennebunk, is a pleasure, but it comes with risks. You share the road with drivers who may be uninsured or underinsured, leaving you vulnerable in an accident.
This is why Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage are essential. They are your personal safety net, ensuring you aren't left paying out-of-pocket for someone else's mistake.
Take a moment to review your auto policy. Are your limits high enough to cover serious medical bills and lost wages? If you're unsure, it's time for a review.
This is where we at Sevigney-Lyons Insurance Agency can help. With deep roots in Southern Maine communities like Biddeford, Wells, and Ogunquit, we understand the unique risks of driving here. As independent agents, we work with over 20 top carriers to find a custom solution that genuinely protects what matters most to you.
Don't let the 'what ifs' of the road cause you worry. Reach out to us today, and let's make sure you feel secure every time you get behind the wheel.
