No, automobile owners in Kentucky are not required to have uninsured motorist coverage. Even so, most drivers in the Commonwealth do have insurance to protect against drivers without insurance.
Insurance companies writing policies in Kentucky are required to offer uninsured motorist protection to anyone who purchases an auto liability insurance. Unless you specifically rejected in writing uninsured motorist coverage, then you most likely have it.
It’s certainly a good idea to have uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist insurance provides coverage if you are seriously injured by an uninsured driver who does not have auto liability insurance. Unfortunately, thousands of people drive without auto liability insurance.
The best protection against uninsured drivers is to have an uninsured motorist policy as part of your automobile insurance.
How Much Uninsured Motorist Coverage Do I Need in Kentucky?
Kentucky law requires all motor vehicle owners in the state to maintain liability insurance for each vehicle with coverage of at least:
- $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage, and
- $10,000 per accident property damage coverage, or
- $60,000 combined liability coverage.
Kentucky’s auto insurance laws also require that owners of cars and trucks registered in the Commonwealth have personal injury protection (PIP) auto coverage, which is commonly known as no-fault insurance.
Unfortunately, many drivers in Kentucky violate the law regarding mandatory insurance. Approximately 14 percent of Kentucky drivers were driving uninsured in a recent year, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
What Happens When the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
If you are in an accident caused by another driver, you would file a claim with your no-fault insurance for your medical bills. If your injuries are serious, your medical bills may quickly exceed the $10,000 limit on medical expenses in the Personal Injury Protection policy.
Ordinarily, you would then file a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto liability insurance and seek compensation for your losses. But if the driver who hit you is uninsured, then you wouldn’t have the option of seeking insurance compensation from the other driver.
Most uninsured drivers have few assets. Therefore, suing the uninsured driver may not be a valid option to seek compensation. That is understandably frustrating.
You Will Need to File a Claim Against Your Own Uninsured Motorist Policy and Seek Compensation
Insurance companies often question uninsured motorist claims or try to settle the claims for less than full value. If your insurer disputes your uninsured motorist claim, don’t give up without consulting a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer.
Our attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, PLLC have the Kentucky Courage to stand up to big insurance companies and demand justice for injured Kentuckians. The attorneys you may have seen in our television ads are the same ones who will handle your case.
Our uninsured driver accident lawyers at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, PLLC can review the details of your uninsured motorist accident and explain your legal options and how we can help you. We are honored to fight for fair treatment and full compensation for Kentuckians who have been injured through no fault of their own. Call us today at (877) 809-5352.
