British Columbia Underinsured Motorist Protection Claims
Every car owner in British Columbia has a legal obligation to carry liability insurance with ICBC. This means that if you are in a car accident caused by someone else, the at-fault driver’s insurance will go towards covering your damages. However, if the at-fault driver does not have enough coverage to cover the given costs, the injured accident survivor may be able to have their costs covered through an Underinsured Motorist Protection (UMP) claim.
To address your specific circumstances and learn what may be possible for you, contact us to schedule a consultation with our British Columbia underinsured motorist protection lawyers today.
What is Underinsured Motorist Protection?
Underinsured Motorist Protection, also known as UMP, is a policy administered through ICBC as part of Basic Autoplan insurance. The purpose of UMP is to provide you with financial support if the driver at fault for your accident does not have enough insurance coverage to meet the costs.
In British Columbia, it is mandatory for all drivers to have liability insurance. However, the minimum a person may have is $200,000, which may not be enough for the costs associated with treatment for catastrophic injuries. If you are involved in an accident south of the border in the United States, the difference between an at-fault driver’s coverage and the amount you need to cover your costs may be even greater: in Washington, many drivers only carry $25,000 in third party liability benefits. UMP can make up the difference, covering you and the members of your household for up to $1 million each.
Who is Covered by Underinsured Motorist Protection?
Licensed owners and operators of motor vehicles, as well as members of their household, and unlisted drivers (eg. a friend borrowing your car) are covered by the vehicle owner’s ICBC plan. This includes UMP coverage up to $1 million under the basic plan.
UMP can also cover you and the members of your household should you be injured as a cyclist, pedestrian, or while travelling in a vehicle aside from your own. Contact our British Columbia underinsured motorist protection lawyers today to learn more.
What Does Uninsured Motorist Protection Cover?
Underinsured Motorist Protection can help to cover costs associated with an injury caused by a motor vehicle accident. It can help support an individual through their recovery by helping to cover lost wages as well as medical and rehabilitative care. This can include working with physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, massage therapists, psychological counselors, and more.
To learn how UMP coverage may help you in your specific case, contact our British Columbia underinsured motorist protection lawyers today and schedule your consultation.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help With Underinsured Motorist Protection Claims?
It can be challenging to navigate insurance claims, particularly while also embarking on the process of medical recovery. From pursuing damages from the at-fault party to making an UMP claim for the difference in costs, our underinsured motorist protection lawyers may be able to provide guidance throughout the process.
Disagreements may arise between the parties involved in an accident, as well as with ICBC, regarding the nature of the accident. If the at-fault driver is unknown, such as in the case of a hit and run, additional considerations may be required in the filing of an UMP claim. If the accident took place outside British Columbia, particularly in cases of a cross-border injury claim, it may likewise be advantageous to speak with a cross-border injury lawyer versed in underinsured motorist protection claims, and understand your legal rights.
At Border Solutions Law Group, we will be happy to listen to the particulars of your case, and address your questions concerning UMP claims and other aspects of personal injury law. We provide each client with dedicated service, focussing on your legal needs so you can prioritize your recovery.
Contact Border Solutions Law Group for a Free Initial Consultation
From understanding your insurance policy to the nuances of third-party liability as well as UMP coverage, there is no need to navigate your claims alone. Whatever your questions, contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation and see how the British Columbia underinsured motorist protection lawyers at Border Solutions Law Group may be able to help.