Uninsured Motorist Insurance: 6 Smart Moves for Safer Driving

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Uninsured Motorist Insurance is one of the smartest decisions a driver can make to stay protected on the road. In today’s unpredictable driving environment, not every driver carries the coverage they should. That puts you at risk. With thousands of accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists each year, it’s critical to prepare before the worst happens.

At Ruffcorn Insurance, we believe in proactive protection. That’s why we’re breaking down six smart moves drivers can take with Uninsured Motorist Insurance to drive with greater peace of mind.

1. Understand What Uninsured Motorist Insurance Covers

Your first smart move is understanding what this coverage really does. Uninsured Motorist Insurance (UM) protects you when the at-fault driver in an accident has no liability insurance. Its close cousin, Underinsured Motorist Insurance (UIM), steps in when the other driver’s policy limits are too low to cover your damages.

UM and UIM can cover:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Ongoing rehabilitation
  • Property damage in some policies

Without this coverage, you could end up paying out of pocket for costs caused by another driver’s mistake.

2. Know Your State’s Requirements

Not all states treat uninsured motorist coverage the same. Some require it, others offer it as optional. Regardless of legal requirements, choosing to add UM and UIM to your policy is a wise decision. Check with your insurance advisor to see what’s required and what’s recommended in your area.

3. Choose Coverage That Reflects Your Risk

Many drivers underestimate how much coverage they actually need. Consider your daily driving habits, the roads you travel, and your vehicle’s value. If you drive in areas with a high number of uninsured drivers or frequent accidents, it’s smart to increase your coverage limits. A low-cost policy may seem attractive, but it won’t help much if you end up facing $50,000 in medical bills.

4. Pair It with Medical Payments Coverage

Uninsured Motorist Insurance works even better when combined with Medical Payments Coverage. This optional addition covers medical bills regardless of who caused the accident. When used together, these policies create a stronger safety net for you and your passengers.

5. Keep an Eye on Policy Limits

Many policies have separate limits for bodily injury per person and per accident. For example, you might have $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident. Make sure you understand what those numbers mean and whether they align with your personal risk level and financial situation. If you’re not sure, ask your Ruffcorn Insurance advisor to walk you through it.

6. Review Your Coverage Annually

One of the smartest moves you can make is setting a yearly reminder to review your policy. As your life changes whether it’s buying a new car, adding a teen driver, or moving to a new area your coverage should evolve too. An annual review ensures you’re never under-protected.

How Ruffcorn Insurance Can Help

At Ruffcorn Insurance, we tailor auto coverage to fit your unique lifestyle and needs. Our team helps you understand every option, from Uninsured Motorist Insurance to Medical Payments and more, so you can drive with confidence knowing you’re protected from the unexpected. Ready to make smarter moves behind the wheel?

Connect with Ruffcorn Insurance today for a custom review of your auto policy and see how we can build the right protection for your journey.

About Ryan Ruffcorn

Ryan grew up in Keokuk, graduated from Keokuk Senior High, and started his agency in Keokuk from scratch in 2003 after having worked for one of the largest international accounting firms, KPMG, LLP.

Ryan is hardworking; his loyal and trustworthy character is exemplified by the way he does business. He thoroughly enjoys helping clients through the insurance buying process to secure coverage for their most valuable assets.

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