Which type of coverage is designed to protect against underinsured motorists?

The type of coverage designed to protect against underinsured motorists is uninsured motorist coverage. This form of insurance specifically addresses situations where an insured driver is involved in an accident with a driver who does not have adequate insurance to cover the damages caused. If the at-fault party's liability insurance limits are insufficient to pay for the victim’s injury or damage expenses, the uninsured motorist coverage kicks in to help cover the difference, ensuring that victims are not left with financial burdens due to another driver's lack of insurance.

This coverage is important because it provides an additional layer of protection, ensuring that insured drivers can recover losses even when the other party’s coverage is inadequate, which is a common concern in many accidents. While bodily injury liability covers the costs of injuries to others caused by the insured driver, and medical payments coverage applies to medical expenses for injuries sustained by passengers and the driver themselves, these do not address the issue of being underinsured. Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, typically covers vehicle damage from non-collision incidents and does not relate to the liabilities of other drivers.

Thus, the focus of uninsured motorist coverage is specifically designed to address the shortcomings of drivers who are underinsured, providing critical financial protection.