When the Other Driver's Insurance Falls Short: UIM Explained
Lafayette – November 01, 2026 -- If the driver who hits you carries too little insurance, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage on your own policy may cover the gap, but state law and policy terms determine how much you can collect.
UIM applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough
Chuck Clark, an insurance expert in Lafayette, Indiana, explains the coverage in a new HelloNation article. UIM addresses cases where the at-fault driver's liability limits fall short. Uninsured motorist protection generally applies when that driver has no insurance at all.
Serious injuries can produce medical bills and lost income that exceed another driver's limits. Depending on the policy and state law, UIM benefits may cover those losses and pain and suffering. Coverage may also reach household family members, passengers, and certain incidents involving pedestrians or cyclists.