Uninsured motorist ("UM") coverage involves some of the more complex auto insurance issues.  States usually require that every policy have at least some UM coverage, and they often strictly regulates the terms.  If a policy does not comply with the terms, those terms required by state law apply instead.   Below,...

  Auto liability insurance -- the basics   Below you can find the core qualities of your auto liability coverage:  (1) who might be covered; (2) what triggers your coverage; (3) how your insurer must help you with covered claims; and (4) how much it might have to pay...

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Every person should understand the four basic types of coverage an auto policy might provide: (1) liability; (2) collision or comprehensive; (3) uninsured/underinsured motorist; and (4) medical payments.    Below are simple descriptions of each.  Your policy's declarations page should list what kind and how much of each coverage you...

Earlier this year, Judge Moon in the Western District of Virginia issued a summary judgment opinion helpful for insureds on a frequently-appearing coverage issue -- who is resident in a household.  Dawson v. Auto-Owners Insurance Company, U.S.D.C., W.D.Va., Case 6:07cv00037.   By law in Virginia, uninsured motorist coverage extends to...

Virginia's General Assembly passed a helpful law that just went in effect July 1, 2008. It requires liability insurers share the policy limits that may be available when their insureds are involved in an accident.  Moreover, it requires they do so even if no suit has been filed yet.  That provides...