When comparing auto insurance options, the biggest difference between Collision coverage and Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) is when they apply. Collision pays for damage to your car no matter who was at fault, while UMPD only applies if the at-fault driver has no insurance. Knowing how these coverages work in Georgia can help you avoid surprise bills after an accident. For additional guidance, see Progressive’s explanation of UM vs Collision coverage.
Collision Coverage Basics
- Pays for damage to your car after a crash, regardless of who was at fault.
- Applies even in single-car accidents (hitting a tree, pole, or wall).
- Usually subject to a deductible you choose in your policy.
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)
- Only applies if an uninsured driver is legally at fault for damaging your vehicle.
- Coverage limits are often lower than collision coverage.
- Does not apply if you caused the crash yourself.
Key Differences and When You Need Both
- Collision: Broader protection, covers almost all accident scenarios.
- UMPD: Narrower, only helps when the other driver has no insurance.
- If you already have collision coverage, UMPD may be less critical for property damage, though uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage is still important.
In all of the above scenarios, you won’t be able to rely on standard liability insurance to cover your costs. In some situations, your liability coverage may pay for another party’s damages but not your own. Fortunately, several other types of insurance provide additional protection for you in a wider range of situations. Unlike liability insurance, these are not required under Georgia state law, but opting out of them may put you at risk of being stuck with the bill in certain kinds of accidents. In this article, we’ll talk about uninsured motorist coverage, collision coverage, and MedPay coverage, their differences, and what each type of insurance will cover.
If you’re currently trying to sort out a car accident claim or have been injured due to another driver’s negligence, it’s a good idea to get legal advice about your specific situation. Attorney Ali Awad is experienced in negotiating with insurance companies and assisting clients in securing favorable settlements. A few years ago, he founded the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm and quickly turned it into one of the fastest-growing law firms in the country. The ideal time to get professional advice on your insurance claim is now, so please contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm immediately for a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
You’re driving along, and out of nowhere, another vehicle slams into you because the driver ignored a stop sign or red light. They were clearly at fault, but when you ask about their insurance, you can’t seem to get a straight answer. Eventually, the police arrive and ask both of you for proof of insurance. It turns out that the other driver doesn’t have insurance after all. They say something about not having the money to pay the premiums anymore. Now you’re in pain, you need to see a doctor, and your car is wrecked, but there’s no way to collect damages from the other driver.
This kind of situation is more common than you might think. About 12 percent of Georgia motorists are driving illegally without insurance, and the cost is the most likely reason. If an uninsured driver causes a crash that results in damages, uninsured motorist coverage offers your greatest opportunity to recover your costs. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, sometimes called UM/UI, will pay your bodily injury and property damage costs, up to the limits of the policy, for a collision caused by an uninsured motorist. You don’t have to be driving, either – UM/UI will also cover damages if you are struck by an uninsured motorist while walking, riding a bike, or riding on public transportation. You may need to prove the other driver was mostly at fault if this isn’t made clear by the police report. Your car accident attorney may be able to help if the insurance company denies your claim for “fault” reasons.
What Is Collision Insurance? Does Collision Cover Uninsured Motorist Situations?
This is a broad type of coverage that pays your property damage costs no matter where the fault lies. You only have to prove that your car was damaged in an accident. This is very helpful if you were at fault, if you had a single car accident for any reason, or if you have vehicle damage costs from an uninsured driver that are not fully covered by an uninsured/underinsured motorist policy.
Collision is especially helpful if you have damage to your car from a hit and run driver. UM/UI will cover bodily injury in hit and run cases, but does not cover your property damage if the other driver is never found.
What Is MedPay?
MedPay is a type of no-fault insurance to take care of your injuries in an accident, no matter who caused the collision. It can be used if you’re injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, but it’s also beneficial in accidents where you may be at fault. Not having to prove fault will save you some time and hassle when filing a claim, but you will still need to prove your injuries happened in the collision. If you have trouble getting your claim paid, it may be that the insurance company believes your injury was a preexisting condition, that the treatment wasn’t necessary, etc. If this happens, contact a Georgia car accident lawyer right away – they can work to convince the insurance carrier of the validity of your claim.
MedPay may also pick up any remaining balance if you’ve used up your UM/UI coverage and still have some unpaid bills. For example, if your UM/UI policy only covers $25,000 in bodily injury and you have $50,000 in medical bills, but another $25,000 in MedPay, you may be able to “stack” the MedPay coverage in addition to the UM/UI policy to get all $50,000 covered.
So Which Kind of Coverage Should I Buy?
Ideally, all three. They all offer coverage in some situations where the others don’t. It may cost you a little more on your premium, but if you’re in an accident with an uninsured motorist, you’ll be glad you have multiple options for getting your claim paid.
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm Is Here to Help After an Accident
If you or a loved one have been hurt by an uninsured driver, please contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm right away for a free review of your case. We’ll answer your questions, and if we take your case, we’ll get right to work seeking out the biggest settlement possible. We also work on a contingency basis, so you don’t owe us anything until we win.
Visit us online to see how much your case is worth, or give us a call at (470) 323-8779.
FAQs
If I have Collision coverage, do I still need UMPD?
Not always. Collision coverage usually pays for the same property damage scenarios as UMPD. However, some drivers choose UMPD for added protection if their collision deductible is high.
What is the main benefit of Collision coverage over UMPD?
Collision coverage applies in more situations, including single-car accidents or when fault is disputed. UMPD only applies if the at-fault driver has no insurance.
What about Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI)?
UMBI is different from UMPD. It pays for your medical expenses and lost wages if you’re injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver. This coverage is critical even if you already carry Collision coverage.
