- Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) protects you if a driver lacking sufficient insurance hits you.
- UM covers costs related to you and your passenger's bodily injuries and property damages.
- Some states have minimum requirements for UM and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage.
- Compare car insurance rates with Coverage.com.
According to the Insurance Research Council, more than one in seven U.S. drivers had insufficient insurance coverage in 2022. If an uninsured driver hits you, you can't get a settlement for your car repairs or medical bill from their insurance company — not unless you have uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM). This coverage pays for your medical expenses and vehicle repairs if someone without or not enough insurance is at fault in a car accident.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Protection against uninsured drivers
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) provides protection if you get into an accident with an at-fault driver who doesn't have coverage. Underinsured motorist (UIM) also covers you when a driver with insufficient coverage hits you.
Two types of uninsured motorist coverage
Uninsured motorist insurance comes in two types of coverage:
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI): This covers medical expenses, lost wages, and sometimes pain and suffering for you and your passengers.
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): This covers damage to your vehicle caused by an uninsured driver.
Covers hit-and-run accidents
Uninsured motorist coverage kicks in if the other driver flees the accident scene. This way, you don't lose out on financial protection just because you couldn't obtain the other party's insurance information.
Why You Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage
The Insurance Research Council found that one in seven drivers in the U.S. drove without liability insurance in 2022. This puts you at a higher risk of paying out-of-pocket for medical expenses or vehicle repairs since the at-fault driver doesn't have liability coverage.
Financial protection
A car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver could leave you paying tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills and car repairs out-of-pocket. Uninsured motorist coverage ensures you don't have to undergo financial hardship if you weren't at fault in a car accident.
Peace of mind
With UM and UIM coverage, you can rest easy knowing you're covered even if other drivers don't have insurance. While you have the right to sue an uninsured driver for damages, even a successful lawsuit could take years to resolve. This coverage ensures that you aren't left bearing the financial burden of damages caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers.
How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work?
Filing a claim
After an accident, notify your insurance company by filing a claim. You can do so through your insurer's mobile app or by calling a representative. You'll need to provide a police report detailing that the other driver lacks insurance. This documentation helps your insurer process your claim effectively, especially if you need to use your UM or UIM coverage.
Your insurer steps in
Under UM insurance, your insurance company will handle the claim as if they were the at fault driver's insurer. Depending on the situation, they will cover all costs associated with the accident or a portion of it (if the other driver has insurance, but their coverages are low).
Coverage limits
Some states require drivers to carry a minimum amount of coverage, but you can choose higher limits for increased protection. Below is a list of states that require uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).
Coverage minimums are listed with numbers and slashes. For example, a 50/100/50 policy would cover up to $50,000 of injury protection for each person involved in an accident, up to $100,000 worth of injuries per incident, and up to $50,000 of property damages per incident.
State | Coverage | Minimum Coverage |
Connecticut | Uninsured/Underinsured | 25/50/20 |
Washington DC | Uninsured | 25/50/10 |
Illinois | Uninsured/Underinsured | 25/50/20 |
Kansas | Uninsured/Underinsured | 25/50/25 |
Maine | Uninsured/Underinsured | 50/100/25 |
Maryland | Uninsured/Underinsured | 30/60/15 |
Minnesota | Uninsured/Underinsured | 30/60/10 |
Missouri | Uninsured | 25/50/25 |
Nebraska | Uninsured/Underinsured | 25/50/25 |
New Hampshire ** | Uninsured/Underinsured | 25/50/25 |
New Jersey | Uninsured/Underinsured | 15/30/5 |
New York | Uninsured/Underinsured | 25/50/10 |
North Carolina | Uninsured/Underinsured | 30/60/25 |
North Dakota | Uninsured/Underinsured | 25/50/25 |
Oregon | Uninsured/Underinsured | 25/50/20 |
Rhode Island** | Uninsured/Underinsured | 25/50/25 |
South Carolina | Uninsured/Underinsured | 25/50/25 |
South Dakota | Uninsured/Underinsured | 25/50/25 |
Vermont | Uninsured/Underinsured | 25/50/10 |
Virginia** | Uninsured/Underinsured | 25/50/20 |
West Virginia | Uninsured/Underinsured | 25/50/25 |
Wisconsin | Uninsured | 25/50/10 |
Uninsured Motorist Coverage FAQs
Uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory in some states and optional in others. Even if this coverage isn't required, it can be a financial lifeline if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver.
Uninsured motorist coverage covers your medical expenses and vehicle repairs if you get into a car accident with a driver without insurance. This can be particularly helpful during hit-and-run situations. Underinsured motorist coverage provides coverage if you get into an accident with a driver with insufficient liability coverage.
The cost of uninsured motorist coverage depends on your location, driving history, age, gender, and a host of other factors. Find the best car insurance company for your needs by comparing quotes from multiple insurers.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards.
Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.
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