Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) -
Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)
Las Vegas, Nevada

UM coverage / UIM coverage

We get many e-mails from Las Vegas residents asking us, "What is Uninsured Motorist coverage (UM)?" or "What is Underinsured Motorist coverage (UIM)?"

This article will explain:

• What does UM/UIM mean?
• Is UM/UIM coverage required in Nevada?
• How long does it take to settle a UM/UIM claim?
• Time limits to file a UM/UIM claim
• What is a UM/UIM policy limit?
• Does the UM/UIM insurance cover pedestrians?
• When would the driver reject Uninsured Motorist coverage?
• How much can you get from an Uninsured Motorist claim?
• How does UIM coverage work?
• Does the deductible apply to UM/UIM coverage?
• And much more.

Each car accident is different.

To speak with a car accident attorney directly, call us at 702-432-1000.

We don't charge for a consultation.

We represent clients in Las Vegas and other cities of Nevada.

What does UM/UIM mean?

Uninsured Motorist coverage (UM) or Underinsured Motorist coverage (UIM) is additional coverage you must purchase from your insurance company. The UM/UIM coverage would protect you and all your passengers if you got involved in a hit-and-run or any other motor vehicle accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver. The cost of this extra coverage is usually low.

Is UM/UIM coverage required in Nevada?

No. Buying Uninsured Motorist coverage (UM) or Underinsured Motorist coverage (UIM) is not a requirement in Nevada. Still, the insurance companies must offer you to buy at least $25,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person and up to $50,000 per accident. When purchasing insurance, the driver has the option to reject this coverage. The insurance company has to keep a copy of your rejection letter to prove that the policyholder didn't want to purchase UM/UIM coverage.

How long does it take to settle a UM/UIM claim in Nevada?

If you immediately report the accident to your insurance company and agree to the settlement amount proposed, most insurance companies settle uninsured motorist claims / underinsured motorist claims within 30 days.

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Time limits to file a UM/UIM claim

If you plan to file an injury compensation claim against your insurance and use your UM/UIM coverage, the statute of limitations is six (6) years.

What is a UM/UIM policy limit?

In Nevada, UM/UIM part of your insurance will pay the accident victim only up to the UM/UIM policy limit for the injured driver and passengers.

Always read your motor vehicle insurance policy carefully to see what your insurance covers.

Does the UM/UIM insurance cover pedestrians?

No. If you are a pedestrian injured in a car accident and the at-fault driver did not have liability insurance - you may be out of luck. The UM/UIM part of car insurance covers only the injured driver and all passengers in a car. There are a few exceptions to this rule. To learn more, call us at 702-432-1000.

When would the driver reject UM/UIM coverage?

If you already have full comprehensive collision insurance and good health insurance, rejecting Uninsured Motorist Coverage / Underinsured Motorist Coverage may save you some money. However, in case of an accident, you won't be able to collect compensation for lost wages and pain and suffering.

How much can I get from an uninsured motorist claim?

You will get compensated for your medical bills and other damages up to your UM policy limit.

For example, suppose your motor vehicle insurance includes Uninsured Motorist coverage up to $25,000 for bodily injury per person and up to $50,000 per accident. Then, you can expect your insurance to pay an accident claim for bodily injury up to $25,000 per person and up to $50,000 per accident. This claim may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How does UIM coverage work?

In Nevada, UIM coverage is a separate policy, and the UIM carrier has an independent duty to value the claim.It means that what the at-fault driver insurance agreed to pay is not the most critical factor.

If the adverse party insurance only paid 24K on a 25K policy, but the case is worth more, the UIM will have to pay something. In practice, UIM insurance likes to see what adverse insurance does before making their offer. What is essential to know - in Nevada, the at-fault driver policy doesn't have to be exhausted before the UIM is legally required to act. For further information call our office.

Can my insurance deny an underinsured motorist claim?

Your insurance can deny your UIM claim if:

• You didn't notify your insurance about the collision within a reasonable time;
• Your UIM policy doesn't cover your type of damages;
• You didn't provide proof of your medical expenses or lost wages.

If you need help with your UIM claim, give us a call.

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Does the deductible apply to UM/UIM coverage?

No. Typically, Uninsured Motorist coverage / Underinsured Motorist coverage does not have a deductible.

Is full comprehensive and collision coverage the same?

No. Comprehensive coverage protects your car from things other than an accident, like falling objects and vandalism. On the other hand, collision coverage covers your vehicle's damage due to a collision with another car or object.

What is Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage?

The Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) insurance covers the cost of your damaged or destroyed vehicle caused by the car that is not insured. The Uninsured Motorist Property Damage insurance doesn't cover the cost of the damaged house, building, road sign, or billboard.

Note: You have the Uninsured Motorist Property Damage insurance if you have full coverage.

Before filing a UM / UIM claim

Uninsured Motorist coverage or Underinsured Motorist coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver lacks car insurance or their insurance is not enough to pay for the victim's medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

To file a UM claim or UIM claim and collect compensation, the attorney still has to prove that:

1. Another driver's negligence caused an accident and
2. The at-fault driver did not have insurance, or their insurance was not enough to pay damages.

It is crucial to get the other driver's insurance information or, in case of a multi-vehicle accident, insurance information from all drivers involved.

We can help

If you suffer from an injury after a car, truck, or motorcycle accident and the at-fault driver does not have proper insurance, call us at 702-432-1000 to discuss your case. We helped many clients file uninsured or underinsured motorist liability claims.

We take all car accident claims on a contingency basis, which means - you don't have to pay us unless we settle your case and the insurance company pays for damages.

Our clients live in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Summerlin South, Boulder City, Clark County, and Nevada.

Last updated on January 30, 2024.

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