Question 1

Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage required?

Accepted Answer

Twenty-two states plus Washington D.C. require Uninsured Motorist Coverage, though you can typically reject it in writing. Illinois, Kansas, and New York have some of the strictest mandates, requiring both bodily injury and property damage components. Even in states without mandates, approximately 40% to 60% of drivers voluntarily purchase this coverage.

Question 2

Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage pay for hit-and-run accidents?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most states UMBI covers hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver flees and cannot be identified. You typically must file a police report within 24 to 72 hours for the claim to be valid. UMPD coverage for hit-and-run vehicle damage varies by state — some exclude it entirely, requiring collision coverage instead.

Question 3

What's the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?

Accepted Answer

Uninsured Motorist Coverage pays when the at-fault driver has zero insurance. Underinsured Motorist Coverage activates when the at-fault driver carries insurance, but their liability limits are too low to cover your full damages. Many states bundle both into a single UM/UIM policy, though some require you to purchase underinsured protection separately or as an add-on.

Question 4

Can I stack Uninsured Motorist Coverage across multiple vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Stacking allows you to multiply your UM limits by the number of vehicles on your policy. If you have two cars with $50,000 UMBI each, stacked coverage provides $100,000 in total protection. Approximately 20 states permit stacking, though it increases premiums by 15% to 40%. Non-stacked coverage limits you to the per-vehicle limit regardless of how many cars you insure.

Question 5

Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage increase my rates after a claim?

Accepted Answer

No, filing a UM claim typically does not increase your premium since you were not at fault. Insurers treat UM claims like comprehensive claims — you're a victim, not a risk. Some insurers may attempt to subrogate (recover costs) by pursuing the uninsured driver, but this rarely affects your rates or coverage status.

Question 6

How much Uninsured Motorist Coverage should I buy?

Accepted Answer

Match your UM limits to your liability limits as a baseline — if you carry $100,000/$300,000 liability, carry the same in UMBI. Many insurers require this anyway. If your state has uninsured driver rates above 15%, consider higher limits like $250,000/$500,000, especially if your health insurance has high deductibles or you lack disability coverage.

Question 7

Does my health insurance replace the need for Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury?

Accepted Answer

Health insurance covers medical bills, but UMBI also pays for lost wages, pain and suffering, and expenses health insurance excludes like rehabilitation or long-term care gaps. Additionally, UMBI often has no deductible, while health insurance deductibles can reach $5,000 to $8,000. Most experts recommend carrying UMBI even with strong health coverage.

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