Burgess v. Nationwide Mutual Insurance

We granted certiorari to consider this Court of Appeals decision finding invalid an automobile insurance policy purporting to limit the portability of underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. Burgess v. Nationwide Mut. Ins. Co., 361 S.C. 196, 603 S.E.2d 861 (Ct.App.2004). We reverse.

FACTS

Burgess was injured in a motor vehicle accident while operating his motorcycle, which was insured by Alpha Property and Casualty Insurance Company. Burgess’s damages exceeded the at-fault driver’s coverage, and Burgess had no UIM coverage on the motorcycle. He did, however, own three other vehicles insured by…