If you've been injured in a car accident in Alabama and the other driver doesn't have insurance—or doesn't have enough insurance—you might wonder: Will USAA cover my injuries? The answer often depends on whether you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) or medical payments coverage (MedPay) through your USAA auto insurance policy.
Many Alabama drivers carry only the minimum required liability insurance; some have none. That leaves responsible drivers like you—USAA policyholders—depending on your policy to pay for your medical bills and other damages.
Here's what you need to know.
What If the At-Fault Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
In Alabama, you can turn to your insurance policy if:
- The other driver has no insurance (uninsured)
- The other driver's policy isn't enough to cover your injuries (underinsured)
- The driver fled the scene and can't be identified (hit and run)
These are the situations where UM/UIM coverage steps in. Most USAA policies include this coverage unless someone rejects it in writing.
What Is UM/UIM Coverage with USAA?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) helps pay for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other out-of-pocket losses
It's essential in Alabama, where the state's minimum liability coverage is often too low to cover serious injuries fully. UM/UIM coverage applies to you when the at-fault driver does not have adequate coverage.
What Is Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage?
MedPay is an optional benefit on your USAA policy designed to pay for your medical bills, regardless of who caused the crash. It can help cover:
- Emergency room treatment
- Ambulance fees
- Follow-up care and rehab
- Your passengers' medical costs
- Your injuries as a pedestrian or cyclist
Because it's no-fault, you don't have to prove who caused the accident to access MedPay benefits. However, sometimes the insurance company may try to deny payments.
How to File a UM/UIM or MedPay Claim with USAA in Alabama
1. Check Your Policy for Coverage
Your declarations page will show whether you carry the following:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage
- Medical Payments Coverage
If unsure, call USAA at 1-800-531-8722 and ask a representative to explain your coverage.
2. Gather Information About the Crash
Helpful items include:
- Police report
- Medical bills and records
- Photos of your injuries or the vehicles
- Names and insurance info for all parties
3. Contact USAA and Report the Claim
You can file the claim by phone, online at www.usaa.com, or through the mobile app. Be clear that:
- You're filing a UM/UIM or MedPay claim
- The other driver had no or didn't have enough insurance
- You were injured and need help covering your medical costs
4. Communicate with the Claims Adjuster
USAA will assign an adjuster to review your claim. Even though this is your own insurance company, it may still:
- Request a recorded statement
- Ask for extensive documentation
- Offer a settlement that doesn't fully reflect your losses
Before providing a recorded statement or accepting an offer or any benefits, it is wise to consider having a legal professional review your claim. In fact, I strongly encourage it for many reasons.
What Damages May Be Covered Under Your USAA Policy?
Depending on your coverage, you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or permanent impairment
- Funeral expenses (in fatal cases)
Don't assume USAA will automatically pay what you're owed—especially for long-term injuries or pain and suffering. These are often undervalued in early settlement offers, and your insurance company may try to blame you for causing the accident.
Should You Speak to a Lawyer Before Accepting a Settlement?
Yes. Even though this is your insurance, USAA has every reason to minimize payouts. An experienced attorney can:
- Evaluate whether your settlement is fair
- Help you understand stacking policies (multiple UM/UIM coverages)
- Make sure all damages are accounted for
- Deal with the adjuster on your behalf
At Hobbs Law, I help Alabama drivers understand their rights under their own policies, including when filing first-party claims with USAA. If you're unsure whether you're being treated fairly, I'm available to review your situation. There's no fee for an initial consultation, and there's no pressure to move forward unless it makes sense for you.
Call Hobbs Law at (205) 683-2892 if you're a USAA policyholder injured in an accident in Alabama and need help with a UM/UIM or MedPay claim. Let's talk through your options.
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