Does Nationwide car insurance cover damage caused by a driver who is uninsured or underinsured?
Does Nationwide car insurance provide coverage for damages caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver? Find out how Nationwide protects you from the financial burden of accidents involving drivers without adequate insurance.
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Schimri Yoyo
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Schimri Yoyo is a financial advisor with active insurance licenses in seven states and over 20 years of professional experience. During his career, he has held roles at Foresters Financial, Strayer University, Minnesota Life, Securian Financial Services, Delaware Valley Advisors, Bridgemark Wealth Management, and Fidelity. Schimri is an educator eager to assist individuals and families in ach...
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
UPDATED: Oct 31, 2023
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our car insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different car insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 31, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our car insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different car insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Car accidents can happen unexpectedly, and they can be even more challenging to deal with when the driver who caused the damage is uninsured or underinsured. In the United States, it is mandatory for drivers to have liability insurance to cover damage they may cause in accidents.
Unfortunately, however, not all drivers comply with this requirement, leaving other drivers at risk. But what happens if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver? Does Nationwide car insurance cover these types of damages? Let’s find out.
What Is Uninsured Or Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) is a supplementary insurance policy offered by most car insurance companies. The coverage is designed to protect drivers and their passengers from incurring costs resulting from accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers. It’s essential to note that UM/UIM coverage isn’t mandatory in every state, but it is a wise idea to consider, especially if you drive frequently.
UM/UIM coverage can also provide protection in hit-and-run accidents, where the at-fault driver flees the scene and cannot be identified. In such cases, the coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident. Additionally, UM/UIM coverage can also provide coverage for damages caused by drivers who have insurance but not enough to cover the full extent of the damages. This can be particularly helpful in accidents involving severe injuries or extensive property damage.
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Understanding The Consequences Of Not Having Uninsured Or Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver and you don’t have UM/UIM coverage, you may be stuck footing the bill for any damages, injuries, or medical expenses you incur. This situation can be financially devastating, especially if the accident was a serious one. Additionally, you may have to go through the lengthy process of suing the other driver to seek compensation, which can be a time-consuming and expensive process.
Furthermore, not having UM/UIM coverage can also affect your ability to recover lost wages if you are unable to work due to injuries sustained in the accident. Without this coverage, you may not be able to receive compensation for the income you would have earned if you were not injured. This can lead to significant financial strain and difficulty in paying bills and other expenses.
It’s important to note that even if the other driver is insured, their policy may not cover all of your expenses. For example, if the other driver only has the minimum required liability coverage, it may not be enough to cover the full cost of your medical bills or property damage. In this case, having UM/UIM coverage can help fill the gap and ensure that you are not left with a large financial burden.
How Does Nationwide Car Insurance Protect You In Case Of An Accident Caused By An Uninsured Or Underinsured Driver?
Nationwide car insurance offers uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to protect you and your passengers in case of an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. The coverage helps to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage caused by the other party. Nationwide car insurance’s UM/UIM coverage is designed to bridge the gap between the other driver’s liability coverage and your total damages, up to the policy limit.
In addition to UM/UIM coverage, Nationwide car insurance also offers collision coverage, which helps to pay for damages to your vehicle in case of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage can be especially helpful if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, as it can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
Furthermore, Nationwide car insurance offers a variety of discounts to help you save money on your policy. These discounts include safe driver discounts, multi-policy discounts, and good student discounts. By taking advantage of these discounts, you can lower your overall insurance costs and still receive the protection you need in case of an accident.
The Benefits Of Having Uninsured Or Underinsured Motorist Coverage With Nationwide Car Insurance
One of the main benefits of having UM/UIM coverage with Nationwide car insurance is that it offers peace of mind to drivers, knowing that they’re protected in case of an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Additionally, Nationwide car insurance’s UM/UIM coverage is affordable and customizable, meaning you can choose to add it to your policy as per your needs.
Another benefit of having UM/UIM coverage with Nationwide car insurance is that it can provide coverage for hit-and-run accidents. If you’re involved in an accident where the other driver flees the scene, UM/UIM coverage can help cover the costs of damages and injuries.
Furthermore, Nationwide car insurance’s UM/UIM coverage can also provide coverage for accidents caused by drivers with insufficient insurance coverage. This means that if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who has insurance, but their coverage limits are not enough to cover the damages and injuries, your UM/UIM coverage can help make up the difference.
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When Should You Consider Adding Uninsured Or Underinsured Motorist Coverage To Your Nationwide Car Insurance Policy?
If you live in a state where UM/UIM coverage isn’t mandatory, or you frequently drive in high-traffic areas where there’s a higher risk of accidents, you should consider adding UM/UIM coverage to your Nationwide car insurance policy. Additionally, if you have valuable assets that you want to protect from potential liability claims, adding UM/UIM coverage is an excellent way to do that.
It’s important to note that UM/UIM coverage can also provide protection in hit-and-run accidents, where the at-fault driver cannot be identified or located. Without this coverage, you may be left with expensive medical bills and vehicle repairs. Adding UM/UIM coverage to your policy can give you peace of mind and financial protection in these situations.
How Much Does Nationwide Car Insurance Cost For Uninsured Or Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
The cost of adding UM/UIM insurance to your Nationwide car insurance policy depends on several factors, including your deductible, coverage limits, and the number of drivers on your policy. On average, adding UM/UIM coverage may cost anywhere between $100 and $300 annually. We recommend reaching out to a Nationwide car insurance agent to discuss your options.
It’s important to note that UM/UIM coverage is not required in all states. However, it can provide valuable protection in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Without this coverage, you may be responsible for paying for damages and medical expenses out of pocket.
Additionally, Nationwide offers discounts for bundling UM/UIM coverage with other types of car insurance, such as liability and collision coverage. These discounts can help lower the overall cost of your car insurance policy while still providing comprehensive protection on the road.
What Are The Limitations Of Nationwide Car Insurance’S Uninsured Or Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
It’s essential to understand that UM/UIM coverage with Nationwide car insurance comes with policy limits, meaning that you’re only covered up to a certain amount, depending on your policy. Additionally, UM/UIM coverage doesn’t cover damages to your vehicle if the other driver is at fault, nor does it cover damages caused by hit-and-run drivers. Therefore, it’s crucial to read and understand your policy’s fine print to avoid any surprises in the event of an accident.
Another limitation of Nationwide car insurance’s UM/UIM coverage is that it may not cover all types of accidents. For example, if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance, but they’re not at fault, your UM/UIM coverage may not apply. Additionally, if you’re driving a rental car, your UM/UIM coverage may not cover you in the event of an accident.
It’s also important to note that UM/UIM coverage is not mandatory in all states. If you live in a state where it’s not required, you may need to purchase it separately. Furthermore, the cost of UM/UIM coverage can vary depending on your location, driving record, and other factors. Therefore, it’s crucial to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance providers to ensure that you’re getting the best coverage at the most affordable price.
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Tips For Filing A Claim With Nationwide Car Insurance If You’Re Involved In An Accident With An Uninsured Or Underinsured Driver
If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, the first thing you should do is contact the police, gather as much information about the other driver as possible, and take pictures of the scene and any damages. If you have UM/UIM coverage with Nationwide car insurance, you can file a claim by reaching out to their customer support team or your insurance agent. Be sure to provide all the necessary information, including the police report, medical bills, and any other evidence of damages.
It’s important to note that filing a claim with Nationwide car insurance for an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver may result in an increase in your insurance premiums. However, if you were not at fault for the accident, Nationwide may be able to waive the deductible and cover the damages through their uninsured motorist property damage coverage. It’s always best to speak with your insurance agent to fully understand your coverage options and any potential consequences of filing a claim.
How To Maximize Your Compensation From Nationwide Car Insurance If You’Re Involved In An Accident With An Uninsured Or Underinsured Driver
If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be entitled to compensation from your insurance company. To ensure that you get maximum compensation from Nationwide car insurance, you should hire an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the claims process and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
In conclusion, Nationwide car insurance does offer coverage for damages caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver through their UM/UIM coverage. It’s essential to understand the limitations of the coverage and to evaluate your coverage needs carefully. If you’re interested in adding UM/UIM coverage to your Nationwide car insurance policy, we recommend speaking to a Nationwide car insurance agent to discuss your options and find a policy that fits your budget and coverage requirements.
It’s important to note that UM/UIM coverage is not mandatory in all states. However, it’s highly recommended to add this coverage to your policy, especially if you live in a state with a high number of uninsured or underinsured drivers. Without this coverage, you may be left with significant out-of-pocket expenses if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Additionally, it’s crucial to document all damages and injuries sustained in the accident thoroughly. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and any visible injuries. Keep all medical bills and receipts related to the accident. This documentation will help support your claim and ensure that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to from Nationwide car insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nationwide car insurance cover damage caused by a driver who is uninsured or underinsured?
Yes, Nationwide car insurance provides coverage for damage caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers. This coverage is known as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
What is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is an optional add-on to your car insurance policy that protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or whose insurance is insufficient to cover the damages.
Does uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage only cover damage to my car?
No, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage not only covers damage to your car but also provides coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage required by law?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not required by law in all states, but it is highly recommended as it provides an additional layer of protection in case of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Schimri Yoyo
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Schimri Yoyo is a financial advisor with active insurance licenses in seven states and over 20 years of professional experience. During his career, he has held roles at Foresters Financial, Strayer University, Minnesota Life, Securian Financial Services, Delaware Valley Advisors, Bridgemark Wealth Management, and Fidelity. Schimri is an educator eager to assist individuals and families in ach...
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.