All drivers in Wisconsin are required to have minimum liability insurance.  Liability insurance provides a driver with coverage in the event that driver becomes liable for either property damage, personal injuries, or other damages to another.  For example, if you rear end another car, you will likely be liable for the damage to the other vehicle and injuries to that driver.  In Wisconsin, all drivers and owners of motor vehicles are required to have liability coverage of at least $10,000 for property damage, $25,000 for injury or death of one person, and $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person. 

All drivers must also carry a minimum of uninsured motorist (UM) coverage of at least $25,000 for injury of death of one person and $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person.  Uninsured motorist coverage protects you, the driver, if someone else causes an accident, causes personal injury to you or a passenger in your vehicle, and the other driver does not have insurance.

Beyond required insurance coverage, insurance companies offer a variety of insurance for drivers, including underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) and MedPay.  UIM coverage is similar to UM coverage, in that it covers your or your passengers’ injuries in the event another driver was at fault.  However, it is different than UM coverage because it can cover your injuries even if the other driver has insurance.  The purpose is to add additional coverage beyond the amount of coverage the other driver has.  For example, if the other driver caused the accident and only has $25,000 in liability coverage, and you have suffered $100,000 in medical bills, the other driver’s insurance will pay $25,000 and your insurance will pay the remaining $75,000. 

MedPay (or medical payments) coverage pays for medical or funeral expenses for you or your passengers, regardless of fault.  MedPay coverage provides an invaluable benefit to drivers who are involved in accidents and suffer injuries, because it pays for your injuries, up to the insured amount, regardless of fault.  So, if you are involved in an accident and suffer injuries, the coverage will pay regardless of who caused the accident. Other coverages, such as the other driver’s liability coverage, your UM or UIM coverage, all depend on who was at fault for the accident.  When there is a question of who was at fault, it may take years for the insurance company to pay for your injuries under liability coverage.  MedPay coverage can ease your financial stress when your car accident case takes longer than you expect.

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident or have any questions about motor vehicle insurance, please contact the La Rowe Gerlach Taggart LLP office at 608-524-8231 and ask to speak to Attorney Max Buckner. For assistance with any other legal matter, please check out our website www.lgtlawfirm.com or call the number listed above during regular business hours for assistance.