A 2009 ruling by the PA Supreme Court denied the ability of a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident victim to receive additional underinsured motorist benefits. A young man was riding his motorcycle when he was invovled in a collision with an automobile. The Defendant’s car insurance company paid its policy limit.

The Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyer made underinsured motorist (UIM) claims against his motorcycle insurer (Universal) and his car insurance company (Erie). Universal paid its policy limit. Erie refused to make a settlement offer by relying on the household exclusion portion of its policy. The Allegheny County Trial Judge ruled in favor of Erie Insurance Company. His Decision was affirmed by the Pennsylvania Superior Court and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

Both Appeals Courts ruled that the insurance policy language clearly excluded underinsured motorist coverage if the motorcycle rider was occupying a vehicle owned by him or a relative but not insured under that Erie policy.

Both Appeals Courts ruled that the insurance policy language clearly excluded underinsured motorist coverage if the motorcycle rider was occupying a vehicle owned by him or a relative but not insured under that Erie policy. Erie Ins. Exchange v. Baher, 972 A.2d 507 (Pa. 2009)