[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.kentuckycourage.com\/blog\/why-having-uninsured-underinsured-motorist-coverage-is-crucial\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.kentuckycourage.com\/blog\/why-having-uninsured-underinsured-motorist-coverage-is-crucial\/","headline":"Why Having Uninsured\/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Is Crucial","name":"Why Having Uninsured\/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Is Crucial","description":"As a Kentucky vehicle owner, you understand that the state requires you to carry minimum liability insurance coverage to pay for losses you cause other motorists in the event of a collision that was your fault. At the same time, you likely realize not all vehicles are covered by current auto insurance policies. Should you […]","datePublished":"2026-03-25","dateModified":"2026-03-25","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.kentuckycourage.com\/blog\/author\/roycollins\/#Person","name":"Roy Collins","url":"https:\/\/www.kentuckycourage.com\/blog\/author\/roycollins\/","identifier":16,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ddb9ea105c76cd1235700eb21c46cb033c49bc419ff8b2013850533e2470dca8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ddb9ea105c76cd1235700eb21c46cb033c49bc419ff8b2013850533e2470dca8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.kentuckycourage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/18-mcy-logo-blue.png","url":"https:\/\/www.kentuckycourage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/18-mcy-logo-blue.png","width":300,"height":300}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.kentuckycourage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Why-Having-UninsuredUnderinsured-Motorist-Coverage-Is-Crucial.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.kentuckycourage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Why-Having-UninsuredUnderinsured-Motorist-Coverage-Is-Crucial.jpg","height":720,"width":1280},"url":"https:\/\/www.kentuckycourage.com\/blog\/why-having-uninsured-underinsured-motorist-coverage-is-crucial\/","about":["Car Accidents"],"wordCount":555,"articleBody":"As a Kentucky vehicle owner, you understand that the state requires you to carry minimum liability insurance coverage to pay for losses you cause other motorists in the event of a collision that was your fault. At the same time, you likely realize not all vehicles are covered by current auto insurance policies.Should you get extra coverage to protect yourself in collisions caused by uninsured drivers? And do you need underinsured motorist coverage to cover your losses if a driver with low policy limits hits you?What Is the Difference Between UM and UIM Coverage?It is important to understand the distinction between uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage:UM insurance applies when an at-fault driver has no liability insurance at all, including hit-and-run crashes where the other driver cannot be identified.UIM coverage, on the other hand, applies when an at-fault driver has insurance with policy limits that are too low to fully cover your accident-related losses. In that situation, your UIM coverage can help cover the remaining losses up to your policy limits.Reasons You May Need Uninsured\/Underinsured Motorist CoverageEven if you carry strong liability coverage, that protection does not help you if the other driver cannot pay for the harm they caused. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can fill the gap and reduce your financial risk after a serious crash.Here are some reasons to consider purchasing UM\/UIM coverage:There are many uninsured or underinsured drivers. Not every Kentucky motorist carries valid insurance, and those who do often carry only the minimum required limits. If you get hit by someone without liability coverage or with low limits, you could be left with unpaid medical bills, lost income, and vehicle repair costs. UM\/UIM coverage can step in when the at-fault driver\u2019s insurance cannot fully cover all your losses.It protects your passengers. A crash can injure not only you but also your family members, friends, or co-workers riding in your vehicle. UM\/UIM coverage can apply to their injuries as well, and helps to cover their medical expenses and related losses.The coverage can be cost-effective. Compared to the potential cost of a serious injury, UM\/UIM coverage can be extremely affordable. For many drivers, the added premium is modest, particularly when weighed against the financial protection it provides.UM\/UIM Coverage Requirements Under Kentucky LawWhile Kentucky law requires insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist coverage with every auto policy, drivers have the right to reject it in writing. The same is true of underinsured motorist coverage.Neither policy is mandatory. Because these coverages are optional, many drivers carry only the minimum limits, and some choose to carry none at all. Reviewing your policy can help you confirm whether you have this added protection in place.If You Need Help, Contact Our Car Accident Attorney for a Free ConsultationIf you were involved in a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver and suffered a serious injury, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your financial and personal losses through the UM\/UIM coverage on your own auto insurance policy. An experienced car accident attorney at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer can prepare and pursue your claim while you focus on healing.Contact us 24\/7 at (877) 809-5352 to get started with a free consultation."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.kentuckycourage.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Why Having Uninsured\/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Is Crucial","item":"https:\/\/www.kentuckycourage.com\/blog\/why-having-uninsured-underinsured-motorist-coverage-is-crucial\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]