What Is Alaska U/UIM Auto Insurance?

Alaska U/UIM Auto Insurance – Uninsured and Under Insured Motorist coverage (U/UIM) protects you and your family if you are injured in a car accident caused by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to pay for your losses.

If the at-fault driver cannot fully compensate you for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, or property damage, your U/UIM coverage can step in and provide the protection you purchased.

For many Alaska families, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is one of the most important parts of an auto insurance policy.

Why Is Alaska U/UIM Auto Insurance Important?

According to national insurance data, approximately 13% of drivers are uninsured. That means roughly one out of every eight drivers on the road may have no liability insurance at all.

If an uninsured driver causes a serious crash, collecting compensation can be extremely difficult. Even if you obtain a court judgment, the at-fault driver may not have the assets or income needed to pay your damages.

U/UIM coverage protects you from that risk by providing a source of recovery when the responsible driver cannot.

What Is the Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Although often grouped together, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protect against different situations.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver:

• Has no automobile insurance;
• Is involved in a hit-and-run collision; or
• Cannot be identified after the crash.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but the policy limits are too low to fully cover your damages.

For example, if you suffer $250,000 in injuries and the at-fault driver carries only $50,000 in liability insurance, your underinsured motorist coverage may help bridge the gap.

What Does Alaska U/UIM Auto Insurance Coverage Include?

There are four primary types of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage:

• Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI)
• Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)
• Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UIMBI)
• Underinsured Motorist Property Damage (UIMPD)

Depending on your policy, coverage may help pay for:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Other accident-related damages

Who Is Protected by U/UIM Coverage?

Most Alaska auto insurance policies extend U/UIM protection to:

• The named insured
• Household family members
• Drivers using the vehicle with permission
• Passengers riding in the insured vehicle

Coverage varies between policies, so review your policy carefully and ask your insurance agent to explain any questions you have.

Is Your Current Coverage Enough?

Many people purchase auto insurance when they are young and focused on finding the lowest possible premium.

The conversation often sounds like this:

“I need the cheapest policy that allows me to legally drive in Alaska.”

As a result, many drivers purchase only minimum liability limits and matching minimum U/UIM coverage.

Unfortunately, minimum coverage may not provide adequate protection after a serious accident.

A traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, multiple fractures, or other catastrophic injuries can quickly generate medical bills and lost income that exceed minimum policy limits.

Why Minimum Coverage May Not Protect Your Family

U/UIM coverage essentially stands in the place of the at-fault driver when that driver lacks adequate insurance.

If an uninsured or underinsured driver causes a life-changing crash, your U/UIM coverage may become the primary source of compensation available to you and your family.

That is why many experienced Alaska injury attorneys recommend carrying at least as much U/UIM coverage as liability coverage.

Recommended U/UIM Coverage Limits

While every family’s needs are different, consider these common coverage levels:

50/100 Coverage

• $50,000 per injured person
• $100,000 per accident

This is often considered minimal protection.

100/300 Coverage

• $100,000 per injured person
• $300,000 per accident

This provides significantly better protection and is a common recommendation for Alaska drivers.

250/500 Coverage

• $250,000 per injured person
• $500,000 per accident

This level offers substantially greater financial protection for serious injuries and catastrophic accidents.

Alaska U/UIM Auto Insurance Is More Affordable Than You Think

One of the most overlooked facts about uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is that it is often relatively inexpensive compared to liability insurance.

Increasing your U/UIM limits may not increase your premium by the same percentage. In many cases, drivers can substantially improve their protection for a modest additional cost.

When reviewing your policy, consider a simple question:

If an uninsured or underinsured driver caused a catastrophic injury tomorrow, would my current coverage be enough to protect my family?

Review Your Alaska Auto Insurance Policy Today

Insurance coverage decisions made years ago may no longer reflect your current financial situation or your family’s needs.

Review your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage regularly. Increasing your U/UIM limits may be one of the most cost-effective ways to protect yourself, your passengers, and your loved ones from the financial consequences of a serious Alaska car accident.

When the unexpected happens, the coverage you choose today can make a significant difference tomorrow.

If you have questions after an Alaska car accident or believe an insurance company is not treating you fairly, the experienced Alaska injury attorneys at Johnson Law, P.C. are available to help. Please call Johnson Law to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping injured Alaskans and those injured while visiting Alaska for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

This article is Part 4 of a 6-Part Series. See additional articles for information about Alaska Insurance Requirements, Alaska Summer Auto Insurance Coverage Review, Alaska Liability Car Insurance, Alaska Medical Payments Insurance, and Umbrella Insurance Policies In Alaska

Secondary Sources: Alaska Division of Insurance

Image generated using ChatGPT – Prompt: Auto Accident on Alaska Summer Road

U/UIM Protects Alaskans In These Situations

You can purchase uninsured motorist (U) / underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage from your insurance provider. Although they cover different events, these two coverages are normally sold together as a package. U/UIM Protects Alaskans. These coverages are in addition to your liability coverage or Medical Payments coverage.

What Does U/UIM Cover?

U/UIM Protects Alaskans – it covers bills resulting from injuries or damages caused by a driver who didn’t have enough or any insurance coverage. Uninsured motorist insurance covers accidents caused by both hit-and-run drivers and drivers without coverage. Underinsured motorist insurance covers injuries and damages resulting from an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have enough to cover all claims.

Alaskan Insurance Companies Must Offer U/UIM Coverage

While Alaskan Law does not force you to purchase U/UIM coverage, insurance companies in Alaska are required to offer UM/UIM coverage. This requirement falls under Alaska Statute 28.22.201.

Insurers must offer U/UIM limits that are at least equal to your liability policy limits. They must also offer optional higher limits. While insurance companies must offer U/UIM coverage, Alaskans have the option to decline or lower U/UIM coverage by signing a specific form.

Critical Notes On Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage

REMEMBER: U/UIM Protects Alaskans – If you choose not to sign a rejection or selection form, Alaska law requires the insurance company to include U/UIM coverage in your policy at limits that match your liability coverage. Your insurance provider will automatically added this coverage to your policy, unless you refuse. If you refuse the coverage, you must do so in writing.

Even if you have the minimum required liability insurance in Alaska – $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, damages from an auto accident could exceed these limits. To refuse U/UIM coverage, Alaskans must acknowledge they may not receive adequate compensation after a crash involving an uninsured or underinsured driver. U/UIM protects Alaskans.

Most importantly, U/UIM coverage is not automatically included in your policy; you must specifically request it. Once you reject the coverage, it’s excluded in any renewals unless you later request U/UIM in writing.

U/UIM Protects Alaskans and can be crucial in these situations, especially given that many drivers in Alaska and nationwide are uninsured or underinsured. 

If you are in an accident, it is important to gather as much information as possible from the other driver. Ask for registration in addition to proof of insurance. In many cases, several insurance policies can apply to assist in making injured parties whole following a crash.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your Alaska accident injury case. We are here to serve you.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Source: Safe Motorist: Alaska Safe Motorist Guide; Alaska Statute 28.22.201.

Image Source: Auto Insurance

Nationally, around 13% of drivers do not have insurance. That equates to about one in eight drivers, a relatively high risk. If you get into a crash with an uninsured or underinsured individual, you would have to sue them personally for damages and injuries.

Uninsured Underinsured Auto Insurance

As the names suggest, Uninsured underinsured auto insurance applies to different situations. However, in each case, the other driver must be at fault. Uninsured coverage applies when the other driver does not have liability insurance. Underinsured coverage applies when the other driver does not have enough insurance to cover all damages from the accident.

There are four kinds of uninsured underinsured motorist coverage:

• Uninsured motorist property damage;
• Uninsured motorist bodily injury;
• Underinsured motorist property damage; and
• Underinsured motorist bodily injury.

What It Covers

Uninsured underinsured auto insurance is referred to as U/UIM. This type of insurance usually provides coverage for you, your household members, those permitted to drive your vehicle, and passengers of your car. However, it’s always a good idea to check your policy to know who your plan covers. In fact, your insurance company can explain the coverage in detail so you know what to expect if you get into a crash.

Is it time to review your Uninsured underinsured auto insurance? Most of us buy our first automobile insurance when we are “young and poor.” Our interaction with an insurance sales agent goes something like this: “I have no money. Sell me the cheapest coverage you have to let me legally drive in Alaska.” As a result, insurance sales agents normally sell us “statutory minimum”  “50/100” liability insurance. If we get really good advice, we also understand the value of and buy a matching 50/100 of U/UIM coverage. This U/UIM insurance provides us with minimal insurance when some drunk, uninsured driver takes us out while we are waiting for a red light to change.

U/UIM

Uninsured underinsured auto insurance protects you (and all occupants of your vehicle and family members) when you are run over by an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist – usually a drunk driver. If you (and your family) are badly hurt by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, this insurance stands in the place of the other driver and pays your claims, just as the other driver’s liability insurance would pay them … if the drunk had any insurance. It is staggering how many Uninsured Underinsured drivers we have on Alaskan roads. U/UIM is VERY important insurance for you and your family.

Statutory Minimum Is Not Enough

Buy at least as much Uninsured underinsured auto insurance as you buy liability insurance. Consider buying more to better protect your family. This insurance coverage may be all that is available to address a lifetime of medical bills, unemployment and pain. We recommend at least 100/300 coverage or $100K per person, and $300K per accident. It is far better than 50/100, but it does not provide much beyond minimal protection. The next step up is 250/500 or $250K per person, and $500K per accident.

IMPORTANT: U/UIM insurance is usually less expensive than liability insurance. It is not linearly priced. In other words, doubling your U/UIM coverage will usually NOT double your premium payment. It is smart to think: “How much is my life – and my family’s lives – worth?”

This Blog is Part 2 of a 5 Part Series. Check these posts for information about Liability, Medical Payments, Umbrella, and Homeowner Insurance..

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law, P.C. to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Secondary Source: Insurance Information Institute

Image Source: Investopedia