Is Stacking Uninsured Coverage An Option In Maryland?
After a car accident, a frustrating discovery can be learning that an at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance. In some situations, at-fault drivers don’t even have inadequate coverage, they don’t have any at all.
Fortunately, Maryland drivers have the option to protect themselves with stacking uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. A Baltimore personal injury lawyer can help you understand your insurance rights. Seasoned attorneys are familiar with the advantages of stacking coverage and will work to secure the full compensation you deserve post-accident.
Is Stacking Allowed in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland allows stacking of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but it must be elected at the time you purchase or renew your insurance policy. In 2018, Maryland introduced a new type of coverage called Enhanced Underinsured Motorist Coverage (EUIM), which makes stacking more straightforward and effective.
Stacking uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage means combining coverage limits across multiple vehicles or policies to increase the amount available to you if you’re injured by a driver with insufficient or no insurance.
For example, if you own two vehicles and each has $50,000 in UM/UIM coverage, stacking could allow you to access up to $100,000 in benefits, rather than being limited to just one policy’s limit. This can be especially valuable when injuries are severe and the at-fault driver’s policy doesn’t come close to covering medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
With EUIM, your own UM/UIM coverage is not reduced by the at-fault driver’s liability limits. Instead, it stacks on top, giving you the full benefit of your chosen coverage in addition to what you might receive from the other driver’s insurer. This is a significant advantage over traditional policies, where the at-fault driver’s insurance could offset what your own policy would pay.
When Does Stacking Matter?
Baltimore’s busy streets, high population density, and mix of highway and city traffic increase the risk of collisions. Stacking coverage is especially useful in accidents involving:
- Hit-and-run drivers
- Uninsured motorists
- Drivers with only the minimum liability limits
Having stackable UM/UIM coverage means you won’t be left footing the bill if the other party can’t cover your expenses.
Insurance companies don’t always make it easy to access the full value of a claim. A skilled Baltimore personal injury lawyer can review your policy to determine whether you have stacking options, EUIM benefits, or other avenues for additional compensation.
Your attorney can also negotiate with insurance providers, challenge denied claims, and ensure that every available coverage source is pursued, which is especially important when medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care costs are involved. If you’ve been injured in a crash and suspect the at-fault driver may not have enough coverage, don’t wait. Contact a legal professional without delay.
Where were you when you were hit by a driver who was not adequately insured? It’s important to be aware of all of your recovery options. To learn more, talk to the attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP. To book a confidential appointment, contact us.
