Why You Should Have Underinsured Motorist Coverage

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

Edelman & Thompson Attorney Mike White

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

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

Fortunately, a work-related policy 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 total of $750,000 to fairly compensate for her injuries.

Underinsured motorist coverage protects you if the at-fault driver has inadequate insurance coverage. In both Missouri and Kansas, $25,000 per person is the required minimum coverage. The minimum coverage is often insufficient for significant injuries.

Kansas and Missouri have different underinsured motorist coverage requirements

In Missouri, underinsured motorist coverage is not required—you pay extra to obtain it, but the cost is typically minimal and well-worth it. In Kansas, underinsured motorist coverage is required, 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.