Uninsured motorist (UM) insurance is a kind of car accident insurance policy, which provides protection to people who are injured in accidents due to uninsured motorists. Majority of states have laws, which oblige car owners to have this type of insurance policy. In a UM insurance, victims of accidents would get an amount that is equal to the amount they would have received if the motorist had been insured.

Uninsured motorist laws vary from state to state, but normally have two things in common:

?Has a requirement that insurance will cover all payments that are entitled to the victim

?Meets the definition of "uninsured vehicle"

The majority of uninsured motorist policies state the following items:

?The one who is "insured"

?The one who is regarded as "uninsured"

?The kinds of vehicles which are and are not covered by the uninsured policy

Uninsured Vehicle: What is it?

The term "uninsured vehicle" has different definitions, depending on the UM laws of various states.

Here are some of the more common definitions:

?Vehicles which are not covered in a state that compels compulsory coverage, automobile insurance

?Vehicles that are used in cases of hit and run accidents in which the identity of the hit and run driver is unknown

?Vehicles which are stolen

Having or Getting Coverage

Virtually all states compel insurers to offer uninsured motorist coverage. Rental car companies, however, normally are not required to offer UM coverage through their insurance.

There are some states in which you may refuse to carry uninsured motorist insurance. The decision has to be made by the "named insured" on the insurance policy and:

?Has to be in writing

?Has to show that the one insured understands what an uninsured coverage is and what it means if ever the coverage gets rejected

?Will take effect on the date when the rejection is signed, which is normally when the full application is signed

Uninsured Motorist Insurance: Who is covered?

It is important that the one who is claiming benefits under a UM policy fall in the definition of the policy of an "insured" for that is who the insurance coverage is intended to protect. Generally, insured persons fall into any one of these three classes:

?Class 1

The one named as the holder of the insurance and his/her family members

?Class 2

Authorized occupants of the vehicle

?Class 3

Persons who are related to the one insured who sustained an injury due to a car accident with an uninsured vehicle. For instance, children who are seeking damages because of the death of a non custodial parent fall into this class

Finding out who falls in each category differs from every state. In many cases, the courts decides this, that is why it is essential to be aware of the laws in your state if you have to claim uninsured motorist benefits from your insurance policy.

You can consult with a competent lawyer who has sufficient knowledge on car accident insurance policies to help you in your legal concerns and aid you in claiming benefits that you deserve.