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What is uninsured motorist coverage, and do I really need it? Many drivers in Meridian, Idaho, only think about this coverage after they’ve already been hit by someone without enough insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) protects you when another driver causes a crash but doesn’t carry enough insurance to fully cover your damages. It bridges the gap between their policy limits and your actual expenses—something that can make a huge difference when medical bills and lost income pile up.
At Andrew Injury Law, we help people understand their options after serious car accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers. It’s not just about knowing the law—it’s about protecting yourself and your family before you’re left with the consequences.
Not in every situation. In Idaho, a standard auto liability policy is designed to pay for other people’s injuries or property damage if you cause an accident—not to cover your losses if an uninsured or underinsured driver hits you. According to Idaho law, the minimum liability limits are $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people, and $15,000 for property damage.
If the driver at fault has no insurance or carries only the legal minimum, you’re left covering the gap unless you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
Yes, especially in Idaho. While it’s not mandatory in the state, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage offers real protection. According to the Idaho Department of Insurance, drivers must be offered UM/UIM coverage—but they can reject it by signing a specific form. Too often, people waive this protection without realizing how exposed it leaves them.
Some states do require it. States like Connecticut, Maryland, and Illinois mandate UM/UIM coverage, while Idaho only requires that insurers offer it. But whether needed or not, having this coverage gives you a financial safety net when others fall short.
Uninsured motorist insurance typically protects you in two key areas: bodily injury and property damage. If you’re in a car accident caused by someone who lacks insurance—or doesn’t have enough—your UM/UIM coverage steps in to cover the expenses they can’t.
Depending on your policy, this can include:
Yes, often it does. Most policies treat hit-and-run drivers the same as uninsured ones. That means your UM coverage may apply if you’re injured by a driver who flees the scene and can’t be identified.
They cover similar events but in different ways. Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) pays for car repairs if an uninsured driver hits you. Collision coverage also covers damage regardless of fault, but you typically pay a deductible. UMPD may be cheaper and doesn’t always require a deductible—but it’s not available in every policy.
Yes, and here’s why. Health insurance might cover your medical bills but won’t help with lost wages, pain and suffering, or deductibles. UMBI (uninsured motorist bodily injury) coverage fills those financial gaps—and can make a big difference if your injuries are severe or long-term.
It’s smart to match it to your liability limits. In Idaho, while the minimum may be $25,000/$50,000, we recommend choosing higher limits—at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident. In a moderate to severe crash, medical costs and lost income can easily exceed the minimum.
Idaho insurers must offer UM/UIM coverage in writing; rejection requires a signed waiver. That form must be retained and made available upon request. If your insurer can’t produce it, coverage may still be valid. Review your policy or request the form to confirm your protection.
At Andrew Injury Law, we’ve helped clients across Meridian and nearby areas recover the compensation they need—even when the at-fault driver didn’t carry enough coverage. If you’re asking what is underinsured motorist coverage and how it applies after a car accident, call our Car Accident Lawyers for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through your options without pressure so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Matt Andrew has been an attorney and member of the Idaho Bar since 2007 and has a varied and fascinating legal career. Since 2013, Matt has focused on representing seriously injured people in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. Matt has successfully tried multiple cases to verdict before the Idaho District Courts and the Idaho Industrial Commission.
Member of the Idaho Bar since 2007
Bar Number: #7698
Location: Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell, Idaho.
LinkedIn Profile: Matthew Andrew, JD, MBA
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4 months ago 
Matt was very helpful in explaining the law and setting realistic expectations about my mothers case. He listened to the facts and gave solid advice about what to do next. I know his time is valuable and limited so I appreciated his complementary consultation and advice. I will definitely turn to him in the future.
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If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 208-517-7670
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Matt Andrew was so helpful and encouraging regarding our small auto accident negotiation. We received clear and comprehensive suggestions and outline of action for us to take. We are grateful to have spoken with him directly and on the first phone call to his office. Great attitude and genuine interest in helping. Definitely recommend.
Matt is a “Tell it like it is”, Attorney. He will scour the data, and go to bat for you. He becomes your liaison, so you can really focus about just getting better, and though he wont loan you any money, he’ll tell you what you need you need to do to survive if you’re out of work for a bit. Attorneys aren’t cheap, you’ll end up with more if you use one. Heed his advise for the strongest case argument in your favor.
I called Matt he was driving he took my information and he immediately called me back, he answered my question and gave me advice on how to handle the situation, he very helpful for my situation, he was thorough
Andrew Injury Law is a personal injury law firm in Idaho. We focus on representing individuals who suffer injuries from someone else’s negligence. We use a compassionate and aggressive approach to help our clients after an injury. Our team knows that injuries can be life-altering. Our Boise injury lawyer fights for our clients every step, leading to trial if necessary. Get in touch with the Boise injury lawyers from Andrew Injury Law today.
Andrew Injury Law represents people who need help during the most challenging times. Injuries are life-changing in many ways. Even a minor injury can leave you out of work for weeks with mountains of medical bills. Permanent injuries require more medical attention and bring more bills. Our team is here to help you every step of the way. Call our personal injury lawyer in Caldwell for a free case review.
You must get legal representation immediately when you suffer an injury or lose a loved one. The insurance companies are vultures looking to diminish your claim. They don’t care about the pain you are suffering. They only care about their bottom line. When you file a personal injury claim, you will pursue justice and compensation for your injuries and losses. Andrew Injury Law helps injured individuals seek compensation from negligent parties. We offer free case reviews, so call our office today.
Our primary goal is to hold the at-fault party responsible by getting you financial reimbursement for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation today with our Meridian personal injury lawyer from Andrew Injury Law.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney Matthew Andrew, who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 208-517-7670
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