Opinion ID: 1862787
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Limitations period runs from the date of the accident.

Text: A number of other jurisdictions have adopted the view that the limitations period for bringing a claim against the insurer for UIM benefits begins to run on the date of the accident. [7] The reasoning behind this theory is that the insured's claim for UIM benefits derives from the tort claim against the underinsured tortfeasor and that the insurer essentially stands in the shoes of the tortfeasor. See Shelton v. Country Mut. Ins. Co., 161 Ill.App.3d 652, 113 Ill.Dec. 426, 515 N.E.2d 235, 240 (1987); accord State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Kilbreath, 419 So.2d 632, 634 (Fla. 1982) (cause of action for UM/UIM claim arises on date of accident because right of action stems from insured's right of action against tortfeasor). As a result, it would be inequitable to require an insurer to be exposed to liability for a longer period than that applicable to the tortfeasor and thus, the limitations period begins to run on the date of the accident. Shelton, 113 Ill.Dec. 426, 515 N.E.2d at 240. This theory is considered a minority view. See Wille, 2 P.3d at 890.