By David Peel
In Tennessee, most folks know that Liability insurance is required to drive legally.
But I have found that most folks are unaware that Uninsured Motorists Auto Insurance Coverage is also required.
T.C.A. §56-7-1201. a) Every automobile liability insurance policy delivered, issued for delivery or renewed in this state, covering liability arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of any motor vehicle designed for use primarily on public roads and registered or principally garaged in this state, shall include uninsured motorist coverage, subject to provisions filed with and approved by the commissioner, for the protection of persons insured under the policy who are legally entitled to recover compensatory damages from owners or operators of uninsured motor vehicles because of bodily injury, sickness or disease, including death, resulting from injury, sickness or disease.
(1) The limits of the uninsured motorist coverage shall be equal to the bodily injury liability limits stated in the policy.
(2) However, any named insured may reject in writing the uninsured motorist coverage completely or select lower limits of the coverage but not less than the minimum coverage limits in § 55-12-107. Any document signed by the named insured or legal representative that initially rejects the coverage or selects lower limits shall be binding upon every insured to whom the policy applies, and shall be conclusively presumed to become a part of the policy or contract when issued or delivered, regardless of whether physically attached to the policy or contract. Unless the named insured subsequently requests the coverage in writing, the rejected coverage need not be included in or supplemental to any continuation, renewal, reinstatement, or replacement of the policy….
So, this means that if you ever sign a rejection of UM, you are rejecting on behalf of all occupants ever in your car, and all members of your household (even babies.)
And, this rejection continues on in all subsequent renewals. Don’t reject UM!
Without UM, your family will get nothing if:
- Your little boy is riding with his coach who is uninsured; they hit a tree;
- Your Mother is riding with you and a drunk, uninsured driver, hits your car;
- The Granddaughter you are raising is struck by a “Hit and Run” driver;
- You are rear ended and rolled down a hillside by a man in stolen car.
Peel seeks justice for those injured in tractor trailer and car accidents, medical malpractice, and disability. He often addresses churches, clubs and groups without charge. Peel may be reached through PeelLawFirm.com wherein other articles may be accessed.
