Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Bicycle Accidents

Here's something many cyclists don't know: your auto insurance policy's uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage often protects you even when you're on a bicycle.

What is UM/UIM Coverage?

Uninsured Motorist (UM): Covers you when hit by a driver with no insurance.

Underinsured Motorist (UIM): Covers the gap when the driver's insurance isn't enough.

How It Applies to Cyclists

Most UM/UIM policies cover the named insured:

• While driving

• As a passenger

• As a pedestrian or cyclist

#

Check Your Policy Look for language like "occupying any motor vehicle" vs. "arising out of use of a motor vehicle."

When UM/UIM Coverage Helps

#

Hit and Run Driver never identified = uninsured driver.

#

Driver Has No Insurance About 13% of drivers nationally are uninsured.

#

Driver Has Minimum Limits $25,000 doesn't cover serious bicycle accident injuries.

#

Example You're hit by a driver with $25,000 coverage. Your injuries are worth $200,000. You collect $25,000 from driver's policy, then $175,000 from your UM/UIM (up to your limit).

How to Use UM/UIM Coverage

1. Report the accident to your insurer 2. File claim against at-fault driver 3. After settling/litigating that claim, file UM/UIM claim 4. Your insurer steps into driver's shoes

Tips

- Check your UM/UIM limits NOW

• Consider increasing coverage (it's cheap)

• If you don't own a car, you may still be covered under: - Household member's policy - Named non-owner policy