What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist Coverage pays for your injuries and vehicle damage when you're hit by a driver who has no insurance or flees the scene.
Free to compare
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance?
Uninsured Motorist Coverage has two components: bodily injury (UMBI) and property damage (UMPD). UMBI pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when an uninsured or underinsured driver causes an accident that injures you or your passengers. UMPD covers damage to your vehicle when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Some states bundle underinsured motorist protection automatically, which kicks in when the other driver's liability limits are too low to cover your full losses.
Who Needs Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance?
Underinsured Motorist Coverage becomes essential if you carry liability limits above your state's minimum, since you're signaling you value adequate protection — the same logic applies to protecting yourself.
Calculate your financial exposure: Add your health insurance deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and 3–6 months of income you couldn't replace through savings or disability insurance. Compare your UMPD deductible against your collision deductible — if collision is equal or lower, skip UMPD unless your state requires it.
How Much Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance Cost?
- State uninsured motorist rate: High-uninsured states like Mississippi or Michigan see higher premiums due to elevated claim frequency.
- Your liability limits: Insurers often tie UM limits to your liability coverage, so higher liability limits may require higher UM limits.
- Urban vs. rural location: Urban drivers typically pay more due to higher accident rates and uninsured driver concentrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage pay for hit-and-run accidents?
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.
What's the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?
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.
Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage increase my rates after a claim?
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.
Related Coverage Types
