Car accidents are already stressful enough, but dealing with insurance afterward can make things that much more overwhelming.
One type of coverage that tends to get overlooked is Supplemental Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage, or SUM for short. Learn more about what this coverage is, how it works, and why having it can make a difference when it comes to protecting yourself financially after an accident.
What Is SUM Coverage?
Supplemental Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage is extra protection you can add to your auto insurance. It’s designed to safeguard you if you’re in an accident caused by someone who either doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for the damage.
Basically, if the other driver can’t fully cover your medical bills or repairs, SUM coverage can step in to fill that gap.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is part of SUM coverage that protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have any insurance at all. This type of coverage can also apply in hit-and-run situations, where the at-fault driver flees the scene and can’t be identified. In these cases, your UM coverage can help make sure you’re not left paying the price for someone else’s responsibility.
What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is part of SUM coverage and kicks in when the driver who caused the accident has insurance but not enough to cover all your expenses. It helps make sure you’re not left paying out of pocket for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
How Is SUM Coverage Different from Liability Insurance?
Liability insurance is required in most states, including New York. It covers the costs if you’re at fault in an accident and someone else gets hurt or their property is damaged. It’s meant to protect others from your mistakes. Unlike liability insurance, which only benefits the other driver, SUM coverage looks out for you and your passengers. Plus, instead of dealing with the other driver’s insurance, you file a claim with your own, which can make things a bit easier.
How Does SUM Coverage Work?
Once you file a SUM claim with your insurance company, you’ll need to provide documentation like police reports, medical records, and proof of the damage. Your insurance company will then review everything and decide how much you’re eligible to receive based on your coverage limits. If your claim is approved, you’ll get compensated up to the amount your policy allows.
For example, let’s say a driver who hit you only has $25,000 in coverage, but your total damages come to $100,000. Without SUM coverage, you’d be stuck with the remaining $75,000. But if you have SUM coverage with a $100,000 limit, your insurance can make up the difference.
What Is SUM Coverage?
Supplemental Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage is extra protection you can add to your auto insurance. It’s designed to safeguard you if you’re in an accident caused by someone who either doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for the damage.
Basically, if the other driver can’t fully cover your medical bills or repairs, SUM coverage can step in to fill that gap.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is part of SUM coverage that protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have any insurance at all. This type of coverage can also apply in hit-and-run situations, where the at-fault driver flees the scene and can’t be identified. In these cases, your UM coverage can help make sure you’re not left paying the price for someone else’s responsibility.
What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is part of SUM coverage and kicks in when the driver who caused the accident has insurance but not enough to cover all your expenses. It helps make sure you’re not left paying out of pocket for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
How Is SUM Coverage Different from Liability Insurance?
Liability insurance is required in most states, including New York. It covers the costs if you’re at fault in an accident and someone else gets hurt or their property is damaged. It’s meant to protect others from your mistakes. Unlike liability insurance, which only benefits the other driver, SUM coverage looks out for you and your passengers. Plus, instead of dealing with the other driver’s insurance, you file a claim with your own, which can make things a bit easier.
How Does SUM Coverage Work?
Once you file a SUM claim with your insurance company, you’ll need to provide documentation like police reports, medical records, and proof of the damage. Your insurance company will then review everything and decide how much you’re eligible to receive based on your coverage limits. If your claim is approved, you’ll get compensated up to the amount your policy allows.
For example, let’s say a driver who hit you only has $25,000 in coverage, but your total damages come to $100,000. Without SUM coverage, you’d be stuck with the remaining $75,000. But if you have SUM coverage with a $100,000 limit, your insurance can make up the difference.
Do I Need SUM Coverage If I Have No-Fault Insurance?
While in New York, most drivers have no-fault insurance, which helps cover medical bills and lost wages no matter who caused an accident, no-fault coverage has its limits. As mentioned above, SUM coverage gives you extra protection beyond what no-fault insurance offers.
If you’re seriously injured and your costs exceed no-fault limits, SUM coverage can cover those additional expenses. It also allows you to seek compensation for things no-fault doesn’t cover, like the emotional and physical impact of an accident.
How Much SUM Insurance Do I Need?
It depends on your personal finances and what you’d need to stay secure after a serious accident. If you have valuable assets, going for higher coverage limits makes sense to avoid high out-of-pocket costs. You should also consider your driving habits. If you drive often or in areas with a lot of uninsured drivers, more coverage is typically a smart move.
In New York, your SUM coverage has to match your bodily injury liability limits. So, if you carry $50,000 in liability coverage, your SUM coverage must be at least that amount. That said, many insurance professionals recommend going even higher, like $250,000 or $500,000, to give yourself more peace of mind.
Do I Need SUM Coverage If I Have No-Fault Insurance?
While in New York, most drivers have no-fault insurance, which helps cover medical bills and lost wages no matter who caused an accident, no-fault coverage has its limits. As mentioned above, SUM coverage gives you extra protection beyond what no-fault insurance offers.
If you’re seriously injured and your costs exceed no-fault limits, SUM coverage can cover those additional expenses. It also allows you to seek compensation for things no-fault doesn’t cover, like the emotional and physical impact of an accident.
How Much SUM Insurance Do I Need?
It depends on your personal finances and what you’d need to stay secure after a serious accident. If you have valuable assets, going for higher coverage limits makes sense to avoid high out-of-pocket costs. You should also consider your driving habits. If you drive often or in areas with a lot of uninsured drivers, more coverage is typically a smart move.
In New York, your SUM coverage has to match your bodily injury liability limits. So, if you carry $50,000 in liability coverage, your SUM coverage must be at least that amount. That said, many insurance professionals recommend going even higher, like $250,000 or $500,000, to give yourself more peace of mind.
How to File a SUM Claim
Filing a SUM claim involves a few steps. Here’s what you’ll need to do and some tips to make sure you get the full benefits of your coverage when you need it most:
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Let your insurer know about the accident as soon as possible. Waiting too long can hurt your chances of having the claim approved.
- Use Up the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance First: Before your SUM coverage kicks in, you’ll need to collect as much as you can from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance.
- Get Written Permission Before Settling: Don’t settle with the other driver without first getting written approval from your own insurance company. Doing so without permission could cancel out your SUM benefits.
- File Within the Deadline: There’s a time limit to file a SUM claim, often tied to your policy or state law. Make sure you know the deadline and act within it.
When filling out claim forms or speaking with your insurer, make sure you’re providing complete and accurate information to avoid delays or denials. Also, if the process becomes confusing or your insurer isn’t cooperating, get in touch with a personal injury attorney if you haven’t already. They can help protect your rights and ensure you’re treated fairly.
How to File a SUM Claim
Filing a SUM claim involves a few steps. Here’s what you’ll need to do and some tips to make sure you get the full benefits of your coverage when you need it most:
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Let your insurer know about the accident as soon as possible. Waiting too long can hurt your chances of having the claim approved.
- Use Up the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance First: Before your SUM coverage kicks in, you’ll need to collect as much as you can from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance.
- Get Written Permission Before Settling: Don’t settle with the other driver without first getting written approval from your own insurance company. Doing so without permission could cancel out your SUM benefits.
- File Within the Deadline: There’s a time limit to file a SUM claim, often tied to your policy or state law. Make sure you know the deadline and act within it.
When filling out claim forms or speaking with your insurer, make sure you’re providing complete and accurate information to avoid delays or denials. Also, if the process becomes confusing or your insurer isn’t cooperating, get in touch with a personal injury attorney if you haven’t already. They can help protect your rights and ensure you’re treated fairly.
Were You Seriously Injured in a New York Car Accident?
Don’t take chances with your future; if you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a car accident, it’s important to know your rights. Our New York personal injury firm is ready to stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us online or call us directly at 212-739-7278 to schedule your FREE consultation today!
About the Firm: With over a decade of experience, Field Law Group has been helping personal injury victims across New York since 2013. We’re dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims and fighting to get them the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can help with your case!
Were You Seriously Injured in a New York Car Accident?
Don’t take chances with your future; if you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a car accident, it’s important to know your rights. Our New York personal injury firm is ready to stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us online or call us directly at 212-739-7278 to schedule your FREE consultation today!
About the Firm: With over a decade of experience, Field Law Group has been helping personal injury victims across New York since 2013. We’re dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims and fighting to get them the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can help with your case!
Field Law Group, P.C.
17 State Street, 40th Floor
New York, New York 10004
This website contains attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, see Disclaimer.
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Field Law Group, P.C.
17 State Street, 40th Floor
New York, New York 10004
This website contains attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, see Disclaimer.
Designed by PostcardMania
Field Law Group, P.C.
17 State Street, 40th Floor
New York, New York 10004
This website contains attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, see Disclaimer.
Designed by PostcardMania