Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Illinois

At our Chicago car accident law firm, we’ve helped countless clients who were involved in an accident only to discover that the at fault driver’s insurance didn’t come close to covering the damage. This happens more often than people realize, and that’s where underinsured motorist coverage in Illinois becomes essential.

If you’re struggling with bills after a crash, we’re here to help you understand your car insurance coverage options and how your auto insurance may offer protection you didn’t even know you had.

What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Underinsured motorist coverage (often called UIM coverage) steps in when the at fault driver doesn’t have enough liability insurance to fully compensate you for your injuries and losses. If their policy has low limits and your damages are high, you may be left with thousands of dollars in medical bills or lost wages, even if the other driver was clearly responsible.

Underinsured motorist coverage is included in many auto insurance policies in Illinois, and it applies specifically when the at-fault driver is underinsured, not when they have no insurance at all. That’s a separate issue involving uninsured motorist coverage.

How Does UIM Coverage Work After a Car Accident in Illinois

Here’s a simple example. Let’s say you’re involved in an accident caused by an at fault driver who carries the Illinois state minimum: $25,000 in bodily injury liability. You suffer serious injuries, and your total losses come to $100,000. That means the insurance company for the fault driver may only offer $25,000.

If you have $100,000 in underinsured motorist coverage, your own insurance may pay the remaining $75,000—up to your policy limits—after crediting the amount already paid by the at-fault driver’s insurer.

We’ve worked with many people who didn’t realize this kind of coverage was available to them. Reviewing your policy with an attorney can help ensure you’re receiving all possible benefits under your insurance plan.

What Illinois Law Says About UIM Auto Insurance

Illinois law requires all auto policies to include UIM coverage in equal amounts to UM coverage, unless you sign a waiver. That means if you have $100,000 in UM coverage, your UIM coverage should match it, unless you’ve chosen otherwise in writing.

According to 215 ILCS 5/143a-2, Illinois requires drivers to carry liability insurance, and mandates that UIM coverage be offered and explained clearly in auto insurance policies.

This gives you a legal right to pursue your own insurance company for fair compensation if the at fault driver’s coverage limits aren’t enough. But these claims can get complicated, especially when filing involves delays, denials, or disputes over damages.

Does UIM Insurance Cover Everything the At-Fault Driver Cannot?

After a car crash, your UIM coverage may help cover:

• Emergency medical treatment and ongoing medical expenses
• Lost wages from time missed at work
• Pain, suffering, and other non-economic injuries
• Long-term impacts on your ability to work or care for yourself

These damages can quickly exceed what the at fault driver’s liability insurance can pay, even if they technically followed Illinois traffic law. That’s why we take the time to evaluate every possible source of coverage, including your own underinsured motorist coverage, when building your case.

Why You Shouldn’t Handle UIM Claims Alone

It might seem like your own insurance company would be easier to work with, but that’s not always the case. Even though your UIM coverage is part of your policy, your insurer may challenge the value of your claim or pressure you to settle for less than you’re owed.

We step in to review your car insurance documents, gather the right evidence, and push for the compensation you deserve under law. Our goal is to make sure you’re not left paying out-of-pocket for someone else’s mistake.

Let Us Help You Recover Compensation From Sources Beyond the Other Driver

If you were involved in an accident with an underinsured motorist, don’t assume the first settlement offer is the best you can do. Our Chicago team of traffic accident lawyers helps injured people across Illinois understand their UIM coverage, evaluate what their insurance should cover, and fight for the benefits they’re entitled to.

Every policy is different. Let us help you figure out what protection you already have, and how to use it after a serious accident. Contact us for a free consultation. You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’re here to guide you, protect your rights, and help you move forward.