Reader’s Question:

What are the advantages of purchasing Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist coverage in Hawaii? I live in Ewa, HI.

Mark

Ewa, HI

The minimum mandatory insurance coverage in Hawaii includes bodily injury liability of $20,000 up to $40,000 per accident and a $10,000 per property damage liability.

Hawaii insurance companies also offer uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverages to policyholders of auto insurance. You may buy a minimum of $20,000 per person of UM and/or UIM coverages. Uninsured motorist coverage will pay for serious injuries or death if the motorist at fault does not have insurance or in case of a hit and run accident. Underinsured motorist coverage pays if the motorist at fault does not have enough auto insurance.

UM and UIM insurance coverage advantages are in the added protection you get. This is different with bodily injury liability coverage which covers the other driver if you are at fault. Bodily injury liability insurance takes care of injuries to other party that you are responsible for, while uninsured and underinsured motorist pays for any serious injuries if the other party was uninsured or underinsured for your injuries.

Tags: autos, car, car insurance, insurance