At Nick Schnyder Law Firm, we’ve seen many clients face this exact situation without knowing that it could have been avoided with Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. Here’s why declining this optional coverage could cost you thousands after a car accident.
What is UM coverage and why does it matter?
UM coverage protects you if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, or doesn’t have enough, to cover your losses.
While it’s not mandatory in Georgia, it can be the difference between receiving fair compensation or facing medical bills on your own.
According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC), in 2023 about 15.4% of U.S. drivers were uninsured, and around 18.0% were underinsured.
Why do people decline this coverage?
- To lower their monthly insurance premium
- Because they don’t understand what it covers
- Because they believe “it won’t happen to me”
- Because the agent didn’t explain it properly
But saving a few bucks a month could turn into thousands in out-of-pocket expenses if the at-fault driver can’t pay.
What happens if you’re in a car accident without UM coverage?
If the other driver is uninsured and you have no UM:
- You pay for your own medical care
- You fix your car
- There’s no one to hold accountable
Even if you have health insurance, deductibles, copays, and long-term treatment can devastate your finances.
At our firm, we’ve seen how this mistake costs families their savings, stability, and peace of mind.
Georgia law and uninsured driver crashes
Georgia is an “at-fault” state: the driver who caused the accident must pay. But if they have no insurance or flee the scene, and you don’t have UM coverage, you’re left holding the bill.
UM coverage can also protect you in:
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Crashes with drivers carrying only minimal coverage
Bonus: Filing a UM claim typically won’t increase your premiums if you’re not at fault.
How to protect yourself
✅ Ask your insurer if you have UM coverage
✅ Don’t reject it without speaking to an attorney
✅ Understand the exact limits on your policy
And if you’ve already been in a car accident and don’t know if you’re covered, call us now at 404‑941‑1487. At Nick Schnyder Law Firm, we’ll review your policy and help you determine whether you have a claim.
UM coverage isn’t an expense, it’s a lifeline
UM coverage seems optional… until you need it. Don’t wait until after a crash to realize how unprotected you are.
If you’ve already been in an accident and the other driver was uninsured, you’re not alone. We fight for your rights, and we don’t take no for an answer.
📞 Call 404‑941‑1487 today to book your free consultation.
Injured in a crash? Nick Schnyder is your lawyer.
