Uninsured Motorist Insurance
Uninsured motorist insurance (UM) protects you if you’re in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or insufficient coverage. It can cover medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs when the at-fault driver can’t or won’t pay.
What Does It Cover?
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI): Medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by an uninsured driver.
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): Damage to your vehicle caused by an uninsured driver (coverage limits vary by state).
Why You Need It
Many drivers lack sufficient insurance. UM coverage protects you from paying costly expenses out of pocket if hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
State Requirements
Some states require UM coverage, while others make it optional. Even if it’s not mandatory, it’s highly recommended for financial protection.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)
UIM coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver’s insurance limits aren’t enough to cover your full expenses.
What’s Not Covered
- Damages if you are at fault
- Theft or vandalism (covered by comprehensive insurance)
- Hit-and-run damages in some states (check your policy)
Filing a Claim
Report the accident to your insurer, submit police reports, medical bills, and repair estimates. Your insurance company will process the claim based on your policy limits.
Recommended Coverage Limits
- $100,000 per person
- $300,000 per accident
Quick Coverage Tips
- Match your UM limits to your liability limits for full protection.
- Check if your state requires UM or UIM coverage.
- Document all accident-related expenses carefully when filing a claim.
- Consider UM coverage even if your state doesn’t require it—it can save thousands.
Related Coverage Types:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is uninsured motorist insurance?
It’s coverage that protects you if the driver at fault has no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay your damages.
Do all states require it?
No. Some states mandate it, others make it optional, but it is generally recommended for financial protection.
What is underinsured motorist coverage?
UIM covers costs when the at-fault driver’s insurance limits are too low to fully cover your expenses.
What does uninsured motorist insurance not cover?
It doesn’t cover damages if you are at fault, theft or vandalism, or hit-and-run damages in some states.
How much coverage should I get?
It’s recommended to match your liability coverage, typically $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident.