When another driver causes a crash but can’t pay for the damage they’ve done, your own insurance steps in—at least, if you’ve got the right coverage.
In North Dakota, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage isn’t something you can opt out of. It’s required by law, and for practical public policy reasons. As our North Dakota car accident attorneys can attest, plenty of drivers on the road either don’t have insurance or don’t carry enough of it to cover the harm they might cause.
Let’s say you’re driving through Minot and someone runs a stop sign. You’re injured, your car is totaled, and then you find out they don’t have any insurance. That’s when your uninsured motorist coverage kicks in. It helps cover medical bills, lost income, and other expenses the other driver should have paid for.
Or let’s say, someone rear-ends you on icy roads in Grand Forks. They’re insured, but just barely. Their policy limit doesn’t come close to what you’ve lost in ER visits and weeks off work. That’s where underinsured coverage takes over. It fills in the gap so you’re not left holding the bill.
These coverages are easy to overlook until you need them. But in North Dakota, they’re a legal safety net, and one of the most essential parts of your auto insurance policy.
North Dakota Auto Insurance Requirements
In North Dakota, every driver must carry a few basic types of auto insurance, which includes:
- Bodily injury liability covers injuries to others if you’re at fault. The minimum required is $25,000 per person (p/p), up to $50,000 total per accident (p/a). These limits are based on North Dakota regulations.
- Property damage liability handles physical damage you cause. The state requires at least $25,000 p/a.
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage provides protection if a driver hits you and has no insurance. You’re required to carry at least $25,000 p/p and $50,000 p/a.
- Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage steps in when the other party’s insurance isn’t enough. Your UIM must match your UM limits, typically $25,000/$50,000.
These numbers are important, but in many cases, they don’t cover the full cost of a serious crash.
How UM/UIM Coverage Works After a Crash
Using your UM or UIM coverage after an accident can involve some administrative hoops, but it’s good to have it available when needed.
- A claim is filed with your own insurance carrier, even though you weren’t at fault.
- Your insurance company evaluates the damages and coverage available.
- If your losses exceed the at-fault driver’s policy (in the case of UIM), your insurer may cover the difference, up to your policy limits.
Damages that may be covered with UM/UIM benefits include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical care
- Funeral costs in fatal accidents
It’s important to act quickly. In North Dakota, the statute of limitations for filing UM/UIM claims is typically six years from the crash date. However, some insurer policies have shorter notification periods, so you should file a claim as soon as possible.
Common Scenarios Where UM/UIM Coverage Applies
Many North Dakota drivers think they’re safe because they have insurance, but others on the road may not. Uninsured and underinsured coverage also comes into play in situations you might not expect. In a hit-and-run, for example, if the other driver takes off and is never found, your uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for your injuries and other losses.
It’s also useful when you’re hit by an out-of-state driver. Some states have much lower insurance requirements than North Dakota, which means their policy might not come close to covering the damage they’ve caused. That’s when underinsured coverage fills the gap.
Even when the other driver is insured, their coverage might only meet the bare minimum. In a serious crash, those limits run out fast, leaving you to rely on your own UIM coverage to make up the difference.
And if you’re a pedestrian and get hit by a driver without enough insurance, your UM/UIM protection can still apply. Whether you’re behind the wheel or crossing the street, this coverage follows you.
Grand Forks and Minot both see accidents on icy roads, intersections near schools, and rural highways where out-of-state travelers, often from neighboring states like South Dakota or Montana, may not meet North Dakota’s insurance requirements.
Do You Really Need UM/UIM Coverage?
About 7.9% of drivers in North Dakota are uninsured. That’s lower than the national average. Combine that with rising medical costs and more people driving with just the legal minimum coverage, and you can understand why this protection matters.
In serious cases, especially in rural areas or oilfield zones in western North Dakota, UM/UIM can be the safety net families depend on after a devastating crash.
Need Help After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver?
At Pringle & Herigstad, we’re here to answer your questions, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Grand Forks or Minot offices to schedule a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your auto insurance options and what steps to take next.