What Is UM/UIM Coverage and Why Is It Critical After an Accident?

After a crash in Colorado, many people look to the at-fault driver’s insurance to cover their medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. But what happens when that driver doesn’t have insurance, or not enough of it? That’s when Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage, or UM/UIM, becomes essential.

You’re not alone if you don’t understand how UM/UIM works or why it’s a key part of your protection. At Genco Injury Attorneys in Denver, we help clients understand their insurance policies and fight for every dollar they deserve after a collision.

What Is UM/UIM Coverage?

UM (Uninsured Motorist) coverage helps when the at-fault driver has no insurance. UIM (Underinsured Motorist) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has some insurance, but it’s insufficient to cover your total damages.

In Colorado, insurance companies must offer UM/UIM coverage equal to your liability limits unless you reject it in writing.

If you have it—and we recommend you do—it kicks in when:

• An uninsured driver hits you.
• You’re injured in a hit-and-run, and the driver can’t be found.
• The at-fault driver has minimum coverage that doesn’t come close to covering your losses.

Why Is UM/UIM Coverage So Important in Denver?

While Colorado law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, not everyone follows the rules. Denver has its fair share of uninsured or underinsured drivers. According to national insurance statistics, Colorado consistently ranks among states with higher-than-average rates of uninsured motorists.

Without UM/UIM coverage, you could be left paying out-of-pocket for:

• Emergency medical treatment.
• Ongoing care like physical therapy or surgeries.
• Lost wages if you can’t work.
• Pain and suffering damages.

Even a relatively “minor” crash can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in losses. If the other driver can’t pay—and you don’t have UM/UIM—there may be no realistic way to recover compensation.

Common Misconceptions About UM/UIM Coverage

Many drivers wrongly assume:

• “If I have health insurance, I don’t need UM/UIM.”

Health insurance may help with medical bills but does not compensate for lost wages, pain and suffering, or long-term disabilities.

• “It’s too expensive to add to my policy.”

UM/UIM coverage is usually affordable, especially compared to the financial hit of an uninsured driver.

• “I can sue the uninsured driver instead.”

Yes, in theory, but most uninsured drivers have no assets to collect from, making lawsuits ineffective.

How Genco Injury Attorneys Can Help

At Genco Injury Attorneys, we understand how insurance companies work—and how they often delay, deny, or underpay valid UM/UIM claims.

We step in to:

• Review your policy and explain your coverage.
• File and negotiate your UM/UIM claim.
• Push back against lowball settlement offers.
• Pursue every available source of compensation.

If an uninsured or underinsured driver has hit you in Denver, don’t wait to get help. Call Genco Injury Attorneys today at (303) 500-1376 or reach out online for a free consultation. We’ll handle your claim with the attention and skill it deserves so you can focus on healing.