Mitch | October 22, 2024 | Car Accidents
Nearly 20% of Alabama drivers are uninsured, making Alabama one of the states with the highest rates of uninsured motorists. If you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver in Alabama, you face a risk of being unable to recover damages for your injuries. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about uninsured motorist coverage in Alabama.
Key Takeaways
- 19.5% of Alabama drivers have no insurance coverage
- Uninsured motorist coverage costs as little as $6-7 per month
- Coverage protects you against both uninsured and underinsured drivers
- Alabama law allows policy stacking for increased coverage
- Hit-and-run accidents are covered under this protection
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage In Alabama?
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) is an insurance policy add-on that protects you and your passengers if you’re injured by:
- A driver with no liability insurance (uninsured)
- A driver with insufficient coverage (underinsured)
- A hit-and-run driver who cannot be located
This coverage essentially steps in to act as the other driver’s insurance, ensuring you can receive compensation for your injuries.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage Is Required In Alabama (Sort of)
Alabama law requires that ALL auto policies include uninsured coverage. However, it also allows policy holders to decline that coverage in order to reduce the premium cost. Many victims have come to later regret taking the cheaper option after being injured by an uninsured driver.
The Low Cost of Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Alabama
The minimum available uninsured motorist coverage ($25,000 limit) can be obtained in Alabama for as little as $6-$7 per month through most insurance companies. Just like other types of auto coverage, you can choose higher limits for additional premium amounts. The additional protection and peace of mind afforded by having uninsured motorist coverage is well worth this small investment.
Benefits Of Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protection Against Hit-and-Run Accidents
Another advantage of uninsured motorist coverage is that it also covers you if you are injured by a hit and run driver who disappears and is never found. This often occurs because the other driver has no insurance, or is driving intoxicated, or possesses drugs, or is a wanted criminal. There are over 1,000 hit and run accidents in Alabama each year which result in either injury or death.
Coverage for Underinsured Motorist Accidents
Although almost 20% of Alabama drivers are uninsured, a larger percentage end up being underinsured for the injuries they’ve caused. Many people choose the lowest possible liability limits because that’s what gives the cheapest rates. In Alabama, the lowest liability limit allowed is $25,000 per injured person. Someone with even moderate injuries can quickly exceed $25,000 in damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain/suffering, etc. Underinsured coverage provides additional compensation when the at-fault driver’s insurance is inadequate. This makes it more likely that you end up fully compensated for your injuries. If you purchase UNinsured coverage in Alabama, you will automatically get UNDERinsured coverage as well.
Policy Stacking In Alabama
Alabama law allows a person to “stack” their insurance policies to increase the amount of uninsured coverage that’s available. For example, if you have 3 vehicles on your policy, each with uninsured coverage of $25,000, you can add the 3 coverages and get $75,000 for a single accident. Alabama limits stacking to 3 coverages under the same policy, however it does not limit stacking across different policies. Thus, if you have one policy with 3 vehicles and another policy with 2 vehicles, you can stack the coverage of all 5 vehicles and have a total of $125,000 available.
Property Damage is EXCLUDED from Coverage
Basic uninsured motorist coverage only applies to personal injuries or death. It will not cover property damage, such as damage to your vehicle. If the at-fault driver has no insurance or insurance insufficient to cover your vehicle damage, you will have to rely on your own collision coverage to get your car repaired. (This is why it’s also important to have collision coverage in your policy.) Although some insurance companies offer UIMPD – uninsured motorist property damage for an additional premium. That type of coverage is rare.
Legal Options For Uninsured Motorist Accidents
Suing The Negligent Driver
If you don’t have uninsured coverage, you can still file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for your injuries and damages. Unfortunately drivers who cannot afford insurance usually have little or no assets from which you could collect a judgment. In the end, this path often ends up costing more to pursue than you ever get out of it.
Consulting With A Lawyer
All Alabama drivers should consider adding uninsured coverage to their policies. It’s one of those things that “you don’t need until you need it, but when you need it, you really need it”. Uninsured motorist coverage has saved many victims from the financial distress and hardship due to lost wages and high medical bills.
Even if you have uninsured coverage, it is advisable that you consult a competent attorney to help you evaluate your options and rights. An experienced auto accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities of being injured by an uninsured driver, such as:
- obtaining the necessary proof that the other driver was uninsured or underinsured;
- determining how, when, and to what extent you can stack policies.
- making sure that the proper insurance notices/approvals are made to protect your coverage (if you settle with one insurance company without proper consent, you might lose some or all of your coverage);
- negotiation of hospital liens and medical insurance reimbursement claims against your settlement; and of course –
- calculating the damages recoverable under the claim.
Call The Lattof & Lattof Law Firm
Uninsured motorist claims can be complex, and difficult to handle by yourself . An experienced auto accident attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Since 1952, attorneys with the Lattof & Lattof law firm have been helping victims of uninsured motorist collisions, as well as all other types of injury and accident cases. We understand the unique challenges faced by our clients in these situations and we’re committed to protecting your rights and interests.
It would be our pleasure to review your case with you and discuss your rights, remedies and options. Our goal is to equip you with the facts that you need to make an informed decision on whether or not to hire a lawyer. Get in touch with us now for a FREE consultation, either by calling our office at (251) 432-6691 or filling out an online request form [link]. We’d be delighted to represent you and your loved ones and help you to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Remember, your health and your rights are important. Don’t let an uninsured driver derail your career or your life. Take action to protect yourself and your future.