When it comes to car insurance, many people think primarily about liability coverage—insurance that covers others if you’re at fault in an accident. However, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is equally important, as it protects you if an accident leaves you injured by a driver with inadequate coverage.

Underinsured motorist coverage is designed to safeguard you and your family from the financial burden of an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have sufficient insurance to cover your damages. Here’s how it works:

Imagine you’re at a local Des Moines sports event. After parking, you’re walking across the lot when a vehicle accidentally hits you, causing injuries. If that driver has no insurance or only minimal coverage, their policy may fall far short of what you need to cover medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. Underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy steps in to fill the gap, helping you recover the full amount necessary to cover your damages.

This protection applies whether you’re in your vehicle or, as in this example, outside of it—what matters is that your injuries resulted from the actions of an underinsured driver.

The amount of underinsured motorist coverage you carry is a personal choice, but it’s worth considering a higher limit. In Iowa, insurance companies are allowed to sell this coverage with a minimum limit of $20,000 per person. However, relying on minimum coverage could leave you financially vulnerable in a serious accident.

Insurance agents often recommend high liability limits to protect others in case you cause an accident but may suggest lower UIM coverage to keep your costs down. Yet, underinsured coverage is specifically for your protection and the well-being of your loved ones. It doesn’t make much sense to carry more coverage for others’ injuries than for your own, yet this is common due to the way policies are structured.

Take a moment to review your policy or discuss it with your agent to ensure you’re not underinsured. Here are a few questions to consider:

• Does my underinsured coverage match my liability coverage? If not, you might want to ask why, especially if your liability limits are significantly higher.

• Would my current underinsured coverage be enough in a serious accident? Consider your financial situation, family needs, and potential medical costs to make sure your coverage is sufficient.

If you find that your uninsured/underinsured coverage is significantly lower than your liability coverage, it might be time to ask questions and re-evaluate your options. Prioritizing adequate underinsured motorist coverage is an investment in peace of mind, ensuring that you’re better protected, no matter who is at fault in an accident.