A lot of people think that their UIM (Under Insured Motorist) coverage comes into play only after they’ve settled with the at-fault driver. Not the case.
You can and should open a UIM claim as soon as you find out that the at-fault driver may not have enough insurance to cover your injuries. And you can settle your UIM claim before you settle the underlying case. And you don’t need to tell the at-fault driver you’ve settled with your UIM carrier.
Caution however: you cannot settle with the at-fault carrier without giving your own insurance carrier a chance to buy your claim. This requirement springs from a Washington case called Hamilton.
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