UM/UIM Motorist Coverage

What Most People Don’t Realize Until It’s Too Late

Do you actually understand what’s in your car insurance policy?

Most people don’t. And unfortunately, we usually only find out what’s missing after a serious accident.

At Brodd Law Firm, LLC., we’ve seen this happen too many times - families facing devastating injuries, only to discover the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover all of the damages they caused.

What Is UM and UIM Coverage?

  • Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage protects you if you're injured by a driver who has no insurance - or in a hit-and-run where the driver is never identified.

  • Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to fully cover your injuries.

These coverages come from your own insurance policy - not the other driver’s.

And they can be the difference between financial recovery and financial devastation.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Here’s the reality we see all the time:

A serious crash happens. Medical bills exceed $500,000.
The at-fault driver only has $50,000 in liability coverage.

Legally, they’re responsible for all the damages they caused - but in reality, they most often don’t have the assets to pay beyond their liability policy limits.

So where does the rest come from?

If you don’t have adequate UIM coverage…your damages will be uncompensated.

The Hidden Problem with Insurance Policies

Most people assume their insurance “has them covered.”

But here’s what we often find:

  • Little or no UIM coverage

  • Low UM limits

  • Policies structured in ways that reduce what you can actually recover

  • No explanation from the insurance agent about what any of it means

In Wisconsin, for example, UIM coverage will be reduced by the at-fault driver’s policy limits - meaning you could pay for coverage and still receive nothing in certain situations.

Minnesota law handles this differently, which is why understanding your policy - and where you’re covered - matters.

Another Overlooked Risk: Health Insurance Reimbursement

Even if your medical bills are covered upfront, your health insurance provider may later seek reimbursement from your settlement.

In some cases, this means:

  • You recover money from the at-fault driver

  • Your health insurer claims most (or all) of it

  • You’re left with little or nothing

This is especially common with ERISA-based health plans.

How Much Coverage Should You Have?

Simple answer: as much as you can reasonably afford.

UM and UIM coverage is typically:

  • Relatively inexpensive

  • Far more valuable than collision coverage in serious injury cases

  • One of the only ways to fully protect yourself and your family

We often recommend clients review their policy and consider:

  • $500,000 to $1,000,000 in UM/UIM coverage

  • Umbrella policies that include UM/UIM protection

We’ll Review Your Policy - Before It’s Too Late

If you’re not sure what your policy actually covers, you’re not alone.

We regularly help clients:

  • Review their insurance declarations page

  • Identify gaps in coverage

  • Understand how their policy works across state lines

  • Make informed decisions before an accident happens

Because once a crash happens, it’s too late to fix.

Talk to an Experienced UM/UIM Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a car accident - or just want to understand your coverage - we’re here to help.

At Brodd Law Firm, LLC., you’ll work directly with an experienced trial attorney who understands both the legal and insurance complexities of these cases.

Call (715) 861-2222 or contact us today for a consultation.