Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Mobile, Alabama?

Not purchasing uninsured motorist coverage is risky. Many Alabama drivers are uninsured, and you never know when one of them may cause a crash.

Below, we discuss the basics of uninsured motorist (UM) coverage in Alabama.

What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)?

You can use uninsured motorist coverage after a hit-and-run or after a crash with an uninsured driver. After the collision, your Mobile car accident lawyer can file an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance company.

What Does a UM Policy Pay For?

UM insurance is like a substitute for the at-fault driver’s liability coverage. That means it pays for:

• Medical care for you and any injured passengers
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Repairs to your vehicle
• Damage to other personal property during the crash

Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in Alabama?

Yes, Alabama requires all motor vehicle liability policies to include uninsured motorist coverage. However, the driver can reject this coverage in writing (Code of Alabama, Section 32-7-23).   

In other words, insurers must offer UM coverage, but drivers do not have to purchase it.  

Is Alabama Uninsured Motorist Coverage Worth the Higher Premium?

If an uninsured driver hits you and you do not have UM coverage, you may have no other legal options for recovering compensation for your losses. This situation could create a significant financial crisis on top of being injured in a car crash.

Here are some of the main reasons you should consider keeping UM coverage:

14 Percent of Alabama Drivers are Uninsured

In 2022, the Insurance Research Council estimated that more than 14 percent of Alabama drivers were uninsured. Alabama ranked 20th in the nation having the largest number of uninsured drivers.

Uninsured Motorist Policies Cover Passengers

Uninsured motorist coverage protects passengers too. They can use it for their medical expenses and other damages.

You Can Stack UM Coverage

Alabama lets drivers combine UM coverage from other vehicles in their policy. We call this stacking. This option can greatly increase the value of your policy. However, you cannot stack coverage on more than three vehicles.  

You Can Use UM Coverage if You Were on Your Bicycle

If a car hits you and the driver has no insurance, you can use your uninsured motorist coverage to cover your medical expenses and damages from the accident.

Alabama Laws on When You Can Use UM Insurance

You can use your UM coverage whenever the at-fault driver’s vehicle is uninsured, which means one of the following things:

• The driver does not carry bodily injury liability insurance
• The owner of the vehicle does not carry bodily injury liability coverage
• The owner or operator’s liability limits are below the minimum state requirements
• The insurance company became insolvent after issuing the policy

Does My UM Insurance Cover Me After an Alabama Hit-and-Run Accident?

Yes, you can use your UM coverage after a hit-and-run accident in Alabama. This applies if the police cannot find the driver, or the driver does not have insurance.

It is worth mentioning that your insurance company may question whether the crash was a true hit-and-run. They may try to say you were at fault, and you drove away.

That is why you should be proactive when filing a hit-and-run claim:

• Call the police immediately and before leaving the scene
• Seek immediate medical care
• Fully cooperate with the insurance company’s investigation
• Track your medical expenses
• Contact an experienced lawyer

How Much UM Coverage Should I Buy?

For many drivers, their UM coverage is worth the same amount as their liability coverage.

You should consider your financial situation and how much protection you may need.

It is also a good idea to consider the potential cost of medical treatment after a car crash. It is easy to rack up tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills. For some crashes, $25,000 or even $50,000 in coverage might not be enough to cover all of your medical costs.

Another factor is your driving habits. Do you have a long commute during peak traffic hours? If so, you may want more coverage.

Injured by an Uninsured Driver? Call Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys

We have secured millions for Mobile crash victims. Our experienced lawyers offer a free consultation to discuss your case, and there are no upfront costs or fees to pay if you choose our firm to represent you. We only get paid if you do.

Call to find out if we can help you. Call: 215-888-8888