If an insured is injured in an accident where the other driver has minimal liability coverage, which coverage would apply for the uninsured damages?

In this scenario, when the insured is involved in an accident with another driver who has minimal liability coverage, the appropriate coverage that would apply for the uninsured damages is underinsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage is specifically designed to protect insured individuals when they are involved in accidents with drivers whose liability insurance limits are inadequate to fully cover the damages resulting from the accident.

Underinsured motorist coverage comes into play when the at-fault party carries a lower amount of liability coverage than what is necessary to compensate for the damages incurred by the injured party. In essence, this coverage fills the gap between what the at-fault driver can provide through their coverage and the actual costs of the injuries or damages suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

While collision coverage would address damage to the insured's vehicle regardless of who is at fault, it does not cover medical expenses or bodily injury claims. Personal Injury Protection (PIP), on the other hand, generally covers medical expenses regardless of fault but does not address the liability limits of the other driver. Uninsured Motorists coverage is for situations where the other driver has no insurance at all, rather than minimal coverage. Therefore, underinsured motorists coverage is the most fitting response for this situation,