Why You Should Have Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Edelman & Thompson Attorney Mike White recently settled a case which illustrates the significance of underinsured motorist coverage.

The at-fault driver struck Mike’s client’s car in a terrible accident and had liability insurance of $100,000; more than the law requires, but insufficient for the client’s serious injuries.

According to Mike, “My client’s injuries are substantial, and it is clear she is going to require significant future treatment for injuries to her head, neck, and lower back.”

Fortunately, a work-related policy the client had provided additional $1 million in underinsured coverage. Initially, our client’s insurance company made an offer of just $50,000 more than the at-fault driver’s coverage. Two days prior to trial, the insurance company relented and paid $650,000. Our client obtained a settlement total of $750,000 to fairly compensate for her injuries.

Underinsured motorist coverage protects you if the at-fault driver has inadequate insurance coverage. The minimum coverage is often insufficient for significant injuries.

Kansas and Missouri have different underinsured motorist coverage requirements

Missouri does not require underinsured motorist coverage—you pay extra to obtain it, but the cost is typically minimal and well-worth it. Kansas requires underinsured motorist coverage, but many don’t carry enough underinsured motorist coverage to protect themselves. We recommend you carry as much underinsured motorist coverage as you can reasonably afford.

The Kansas Insurance Department has a website that provides great information on what to look for when buying auto insurance and how to compare offerings from different insurance companies if you live in Kansas.

If you live in Missouri, review information that the Missouri Department of Revenue provides.

This article is beneficial for residents of states other than Missouri or Kansas.

Learn how pervasive the problem of uninsured and underinsured motorists is. Take a look at the 2017-2023 statistics compiled by the Insurance Research Council.