Why UM/UIM Coverage Matters When the Other Driver Can't Pay

By: W. Kelsea Eckert, Attorney at Law
Posted: Dec 4th 2025 9:18AM

When you're out on the road, and another driver causes a crash, you expect their insurance to pay for the damage. But what happens when they don't have enough coverage, or none at all? That's where Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage become some of the most important protections an expediter can have.

As an expediter, your truck isn't just a vehicle; it's your entire business. One accident can put you out of service fast, and the downtime can drain your income. If the at-fault driver can't cover the costs, UM/UIM can be the difference between getting back on the road and getting buried in losses.

UM vs. UIM - What's the Difference?

UM (Uninsured Motorist): The at-fault driver has no insurance
UIM (Underinsured Motorist): The at-fault driver has too little insurance to cover your losses

Many operators think UM/UIM only applies to medical bills, but that's not true. Many policies include UM/UIM Property Damage (PD) benefits that can cover business-related losses.

When another driver causes a crash, and their insurance can't pay, UM/UIM coverage can step in and protect your operation.

UM/UIM PD - A Critical Protection for Expedite Operators

If your policy includes UM/UIM Property Damage (PD) coverage, it can also help pay for the damage to your truck, and because your truck is your business, covering that property damage is often critical to minimizing downtime losses.

Expenses UM/UIM May Cover for Expediters

Depending on your policy, UM/UIM may help you recover:

Lost income during downtime
Repair costs not covered by the at-fault driver
Out-of-pocket expenses
Business losses tied directly to the accident

You shouldn't be financially punished because someone else failed to carry enough insurance.

Why UM/UIM Matters Even More in Expedited Trucking

Expediters haul time-sensitive freight, so downtime costs more than for typical carriers.

You miss:

Premium loads
Weekend or overnight freight
Bonus opportunities
High-paying emergency shipments

UM/UIM helps close the gap when the other driver's insurance can't or won't pay.

But policies vary widely. Some provide only bodily injury coverage. Some exclude commercial vehicles unless specifically endorsed.

That's why you should:

Review your policy before an accident.
Ask your agent about UM/UIM PD and loss-of-use coverage.
Document everything after an accident.
File early to avoid delays.

Relying solely on the at-fault driver's policy leaves you vulnerable, especially in the expedited industry.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Business Before You Need It

Downtime is expensive. Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers happen more often than you think. Your UM/UIM coverage may be the only thing standing between a quick recovery and major financial trouble.

Make sure your policy protects both your truck and the income it generates.

And if you've already been in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may still be able to recover damages you didn't know were available.

Need Help After an Accident?

If an uninsured or underinsured driver damaged your expedited vehicle and put your business on hold, you don't have to handle the claims process alone.

Call 1-800-DOWNTIME

or
Visit DowntimeClaims.com

Let our team help you recover what you've lost and get your business rolling again.