“U” coverage means uninsured and/or underinsurance coverage. If you are injured as the result of another party’s negligence, your attorney will seek compensation from the insurance company of that motor vehicle operator. However, in some cases, people who cause accidents are uninsured. In other situations, operators have too little insurance to pay a claim resulting from an injured person’s serious injuries. In Massachusetts, motor vehicle operators are required to carry uninsurance and underinsurance benefits. In the event that you are injured as the result of the negligence of an uninsured driver, your own insurance coverage may be available to provide compensation for your injuries. Similarly, if the bodily injury limits of an negligent driver’s policy are insufficient to pay your claim, your own underinsurance coverage is available if it exceeds the bodily injury coverage of the defendant. There are two important things to remember about “U” coverage. First, in order to preserve your rights to receive it, you must give prompt notice to your own insurance company of any accident or claim of injury. Second, you should carefully consider your need for optional uninsured and underinsurance coverage. Mandatory uninsured coverage is the minimum coverage. At this time it is $20,000.00 per person. Underinsurance will only be effective if purchased as an option in an amount greater than $20,000.00, since what is available is the difference between the bodily injury limits of the defendant and your underinsurance coverage. With “U” coverage, you are insuring against another operator’s failure to carry adequate insurance. Accordingly, you should plan and purchase this coverage thoughtfully with the needs of you and your family in mind. Speak to your insurance agent or company about your coverages, and their adequacy and costs. Be a good consumer of auto insurance; don’t let insurance purchasing decisions be made for you without your input.
Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley
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