What is Stacking?
The practice of combining coverage limits from multiple insurance policies to increase the total amount of coverage available for a single claim.
Understanding Stacking
Stacking most commonly applies to uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. If a policyholder has multiple vehicles on their policy, they may be able to stack the UM/UIM limits for each vehicle. Whether stacking is permitted depends on state law and the specific policy language. Some states allow stacking by default while others prohibit it.
Examples
- 1Combining UM coverage from two vehicles for $50,000 per vehicle totaling $100,000
- 2Stacking underinsured motorist limits from auto and umbrella policies
- 3Policyholder with three insured vehicles stacking UIM benefits
Related Terms
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Insurance coverage that protects you when the at-fault driver's liability insurance is insufficient to cover the full extent of your damages.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Insurance coverage that protects you if you're injured by a driver who has no liability insurance or insufficient coverage to pay for your damages.
Umbrella Policy
An excess liability insurance policy that provides additional coverage above and beyond the limits of the policyholder's standard auto, homeowner's, or other liability insurance.
Policy Limits
The maximum amount an insurance company will pay for a covered claim under an insurance policy.
Reservation of Rights
A formal notice from an insurance company informing the policyholder that while they will investigate or defend a claim, they reserve the right to deny coverage or limit their obligations later.
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