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Insurance and the Uninsured Motorist

All motor vehicle policies in New Jersey, including those for motorcycles, provide uninsured motorist (UM) coverage for injuries, in the event you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or “hit and run” driver. However, in order to prevent fraudulent claims, property damage from such accidents is not recoverable. The hit and run vehicle need not actually make contact with either you or your vehicle in order to collect UM benefits, nor does the existence of the hit and run vehicle have to be corroborated by independent evidence in order to make out a claim.

We are well aware of the numerous instances in which motorcyclists are forced to “dump” their bikes in order to avoid negligent actions of automobile drivers who, oblivious to the damage they have caused, leave the scene. The “no contact, no corroboration” rule allows you to still pursue a UM claim. However, in these instances, you are best advised to make reasonable efforts to identify the owner and operator of the hit and run vehicle and promptly report the accident to the police, as well as your motorcycle and automobile insurance carrier.

UM coverage is available to you under both your car and motorcycle policies. UM coverage is intended to protect you. As a result, the UM coverage of your automobile or truck policy protects you while on your motorcycle and vice versa. However, multiple policies cannot be “stacked” to increase the amount of coverage available. The maximum amount of coverage available to you is determined by the highest limit available in any one policy. You can increase your protection while riding by purchasing higher UM limits on your automobile or motorcycle policy.

Uninsured motorist coverage is a key component of your automobile and motorcycle insurance policy. Press your agent or broker for an explanation of what their company offers and at what price. Make sure that an adequate amount of UM coverage is included.