Cleveland Attorney Discusses the Disadvantages of Uninsured Motorist Coverage October 30, 2012.

If you’re ever involved in a car accident, a Cleveland personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation for damages, such as medical expenses and a totaled vehicle. But what if the other driver doesn’t have insurance? In such a situation, you may be thankful for including uninsured motorist (UM) coverage in your policy, since UM coverage protects you from damage that an uninsured driver causes. However, there are things to consider.

One problem with uninsured motorist coverage is the vague terms that some policies include. You may think you know what to expect after getting into an accident, but, when the time comes, your insurance company may deny your claim if you fail to submit proper documentation, which may not have been thoroughly explained in your policy. Likewise, the company may only pay part of the claim, or you may be left without any financial compensation despite paying extra for this policy.

Uninsured motorist coverage may also limit the amount you can recover for lost wages and pain and suffering. These limits may not be fully explained in your policy either.

Some policyholders may see frequent premium increases. For instance, if you file a claim, the insurance company could raise your rates to recoup some of the money it lost.

Another downfall to uninsured motorist coverage is that it may not be sufficient to meet your needs. You may buy a $20,000 policy, but if three or four passengers are injured in an accident, that $20,000 limit can be exceeded quickly, leaving you to pay some expenses out of pocket.

If you have questions about a car accident or uninsured motorist coverage, contact our office at (440) 333-3800.