Naperville Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Driving on Illinois roads comes with its risks, and one of the most significant is the chance of being involved in an accident with a driver who has insufficient insurance coverage. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is designed to protect you in these situations, ensuring that you are not left with mounting bills and financial stress if the at-fault driver’s insurance cannot fully cover your damages. Understanding the importance of UIM coverage is crucial for drivers in Naperville and throughout Illinois, given the statistics surrounding insurance coverage and driving habits in the state.
The Problem of Underinsured Drivers in Illinois
Illinois law requires that all drivers carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. As of 2026, the minimum liability coverage required is:
- $25,000 for injury or death of one person in an accident.
- $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident.
- $20,000 for damage to property.
However, these minimums are often not enough to cover the costs associated with a serious accident. Medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses can quickly exceed these limits, leaving you with a significant financial burden if the at-fault driver’s insurance falls short.
Statistics highlight this concern. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), approximately 12.6% of drivers nationwide are uninsured, and many more carry only the minimum required coverage, which may be insufficient in a serious accident. In Illinois, the percentage of uninsured drivers is slightly lower, but the problem of underinsured drivers remains significant. The state’s minimum coverage amounts, though legally compliant, often do not cover the full extent of damages in moderate to severe accidents.
How Underinsured Motorist Coverage Protects You
Underinsured motorist coverage is an additional layer of protection that you can add to your auto insurance policy. This coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough to cover your total damages. Here’s how it works:
- Supplementing the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance: If the at-fault driver’s insurance policy pays out the maximum amount allowed under their coverage, and it still doesn’t cover all of your medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses, your UIM coverage will help make up the difference up to the limits of your own policy.
- Covering a Range of Damages: UIM coverage can help pay for a variety of expenses, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This is particularly important in accidents that result in long-term injuries or disabilities, where the financial impact can be devastating.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have UIM coverage provides peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about the financial implications if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who lacks sufficient insurance. Instead, you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
The Importance of Adequate UIM Coverage in Illinois
While Illinois law requires insurers to offer UIM coverage, many drivers opt for the lowest possible limits to save on premiums. However, this can be a costly mistake. Given the prevalence of underinsured drivers, having sufficient UIM coverage is essential. Experts generally recommend carrying UIM coverage that matches your liability limits. For instance, if you have $100,000 in liability coverage, it’s wise to have $100,000 in UIM coverage as well.
Case Example: The Impact of UIM Coverage in Naperville
Consider a scenario where you’re involved in a car accident in Naperville. The at-fault driver has only the state minimum liability coverage, and your medical expenses alone exceed $50,000. Without UIM coverage, you would be responsible for the remaining balance after the at-fault driver’s insurance pays out. However, with UIM coverage, your insurance policy could cover the remaining costs, sparing you from financial hardship.
“Recently, we helped a client fully exercise her coverage rights for $250,000 in underinsured benefits after she needed surgery for injuries sustained as a passenger in a taxi-cab accident. Taxis are notoriously underinsured, and without UIM coverage, she would have been left with overwhelming medical bills.” – John J. Malm, Naperville car accident attorney
Contact the Experienced Naperville Car Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates
In Illinois, underinsured motorist coverage is not just an optional add-on, it’s a vital part of a comprehensive auto insurance policy. Given the number of drivers with inadequate insurance, UIM coverage ensures that you are protected in the event of an accident. By supplementing the at-fault driver’s insurance, UIM coverage can prevent significant financial strain and provide you with peace of mind on the road.
For more information about protecting yourself with underinsured motorist coverage following an accident, contact John J. Malm & Associates. Our experienced team of Illinois car accident attorneys, serving clients in Naperville, St. Charles, and throughout Illinois, is here to help you navigate the complexities of auto insurance and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.