UMPD (Uninsured Motorist Property Damage)
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage exists to minimize the exposure faced by owners of vehicles that are legally operated on the roadways but where collision insurance is not carried on the vehicle by its owner. UMPD is not required under Ohio motor vehicle laws. It is an optional coverage you must select to have included although it is my practice to include it for you to refuse in most instances.
UMPD coverage is generally very inexpensive costing adult drivers from $10-20 each term. It may only be added to cover autos that do not have collision insurance. The current minimum limit that is available covers up to a $7,500 value when the damage is done to the vehicle by another driver who is considered more than 50% the cause of the accident and is uninsured for property damage under an financial responsibility bond or insurance policy. A driver who hits, causes damage to your car, and leaves the scene is usually at fault. The minimum deductible that applies is $250. Some companies offer higher limits and the next coverage amount (when available) is usually $10,000 and subject to a $250 deductible.
Coverage applies for the damage to your vehicle up to the limit of the UMPD coverage purchased. You may not make a claim under UMPD if you maintain collision coverage on the vehicle. UMPD is meant to replace collision insurance in the few instances where you may suffer damages by the negligence of a driver who fails to maintain insurance or hits and leaves the scene after the accident and remains unidentified.
UMPD claims are unique in that collision claims are paid as first party benefits under your insurance. When you claim for UMPD coverage you are treated as a third party, or as if your insurance company is paying the loss out of the liability coverage under the policy to other claimants. In effect, in this narrow way you are a claimant under your own insurance coverage.
Other coverage that you may be entitled to under UM/UIM portions of your policy are treated in a similar way and are not influenced by this provision.
