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Claims/Case #7

Case study

UIM claim paid after at-fault limits exhausted

A driver with $100,000/$300,000 liability limits hit the reader at an intersection. Medical bills reached $78,000. The at-fault carrier tendered policy limits in month three, but the reader's UIM carrier initially reserved rights citing possible comparative negligence.

Key takeaway

File with your UM/UIM carrier at FNOL even when the other driver appears fully liable.

Real-world claim scenario and documented outcome

Denial pattern tags

Liability ReservationUm Uim

Scenario

A driver with $100,000/$300,000 liability limits hit the reader at an intersection. Medical bills reached $78,000. The at-fault carrier tendered policy limits in month three, but the reader's UIM carrier initially reserved rights citing possible comparative negligence.

Outcome

The reader's attorney submitted the police report assigning fault, exhausted-limit letter from the liability carrier, and itemized hospital liens. The UIM carrier paid $62,000 after deductible and prior payments, covering remaining medical specials and wage loss. Related playbook: /claims/guides/auto-um-uim-claim-documents-guide.

Document checklist

  • Police report assigning fault
  • At-fault carrier limits-tender letter
  • Itemized medical bills and hospital liens
  • UIM FNOL confirmation and claim number
  • Wage-loss documentation if claimed

What this case teaches

3 editorial takeaways

Apply these documentation lessons from this case before filing a similar claim.

  1. File with your UM/UIM carrier at FNOL even when the other driver appears fully liable.
  2. Collect the at-fault carrier's limits-tender letter before negotiating UIM settlement.
  3. Keep treating providers updated on which carrier is primary to avoid billing delays.

Cross-check against related claim playbooks before you accept a settlement.

Related playbook: auto um uim claim documents guide

Cite this research

Insurhi. (2026). UIM claim paid after at-fault limits exhausted. https://www.insurhi.com/claims/cases/7

Continue exploring

Use this case alongside step-by-step playbooks and buying guides.

Claims playbooksStep-by-step filing workflows and checklists.OpenBuying guidesUnderstand coverage before an incident happens.OpenAll case examplesReturn to the claims center case library.Open