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Auto Insurance Claims/underinsured motorist coverage-MO

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Expert: - 5/10/2011


Question
My husband was backing up his truck & the tailgate was down. He hit me and pinned me up against our house. His liab limits are 100/300/100, but since i am a resident relative, the max i can get is $25K. My policy i have med pay of $5k, which i can use also. My question is, since i have underinsured on my policy of 25/50, can i use that coverage on top of his liab and my med pay since i do not recieve the full liab limits off his auto policy? i also live in Missouri.

thanks, allison

Answer
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is excess to the primary liability policy.  It only provides coverage if the UIM policy is greater than the liability poliy.  So if your UIM policy was 50/100, then you would get 50-25 = 25.  Unfortunately your UIM coverage is equal to the liability coverage, so it does not apply.

The Medpay should be in addition to the liability poolicy, unless it is subrogateable in your state.  Normally this is not the case.  Ask your claim rep.

You should check to see if UIM coverage is stackable in your state.  This is the case in a few states.  This would mean you can add your policy to your husbands policy if both from the same insurer.  Ask your claim rep.

Auto Insurance Claims

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Claims Guy

Expertise

I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer......I can answer questions related to any aspect of Automobile insurance claims and coverages. I can provide an inside look at how insurers operate. I always treat my customers fairly and want to help make sure you are treated fairly. However, please keep in mind that being treated fairly according to the law does not guarantee that you will get what you want. I can also answer some questions regarding Homeowner's and other types of insurance claims. I have handled all types of auto insurance claims and coverages. I am NOT an automotive repair expert but can give advice re how insurers handle complex repair issues. Please keep in mind that every state has its own set of laws pertaining to rules of the road, liability, and insurance. No one is an expert on every state. I am most familiar with laws in Maryland, DC, West Virginia, and Virginia, but will attempt to answer questions for other states. I am not an attorney an cannot provide legal advice. My advice will be my opinion based on my experience.

Experience

I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer. I am not an attorney an cannot provide legal advice. My advice will be my opinion based on my experience.

Organizations
CPCU Society. Adjusters license in multiple states. International Association of Specal Investigators

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Finance and have completed the AIC and CPCU designations.

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