Call a licensed agent: 833-964-9663

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Driving with passenger

Although all but two states require drivers to carry some type and amount of car insurance, many people still drive without it. In fact, according to the IRC, 1 in 8 drivers are uninsured in the U.S., meaning there’s a good chance a few of them are driving near you.  

Uninsured motorist coverage helps protect you financially in the event that you get into a car accident with an uninsured driver. Learn everything you need to know about uninsured motorist coverage, including when and how to add this coverage type to your auto insurance policy. 

What is uninsured motorist coverage?

When you’re out on the open road, anything can happen. You never know when you might get into a car accident with another driver who doesn’t have insurance. If that happens, uninsured motorist protection can help cover some of your costs associated with the accident.  

Some states require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, and it’s often grouped with underinsured motorist protection. Underinsured motorist coverage kicks in when a driver has insurance but not enough to pay for damages that are a result of an auto accident they caused.  

What does uninsured motorist coverage cover?

Uninsured motorist coverage helps protect you financially from drivers who operate a motor vehicle without auto insurance. This type of coverage kicks in when you get into a car accident with another driver who doesn’t have insurance but is at fault for the collision.  

Uninsured motorist coverage also helps pay for expenses when you get into a hit-and-run accident, and the at-fault driver flees the scene before you can gather their information. Although it varies by state and specific policy, uninsured motorist coverage typically helps pay for accident-related expenses, such as: 

  • Medical bills for you and your passengers  
  • Lost wages as a result of the accident 
  • Compensation for pain and suffering 
  • Funeral expenses, if needed 
  • Damage to your vehicle 

Similarly, underinsured motorist coverage pays for accident-related expenses when the other driver’s insurance cannot cover the costs of damages or bodily injury. 

Find cheap car insurance near you

Types of uninsured motorist coverage

There are two types of uninsured motorist coverage: uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage and uninsured motorist property damage coverage.  

  • Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage helps pay your medical expenses and the medical expenses of anyone in your car during an accident with an uninsured driver. It also typically covers lost wages and pain and suffering for all involved on your end. 
  • Uninsured motorist property damage coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle due to an accident with an uninsured driver. In some cases, it can also help cover the costs of your collision deductible, rental car, or other related expenses.  

Some states require drivers to carry both types of uninsured motorist coverage, while others make it optional.  

Do I need uninsured motorist coverage?

You need uninsured motorist coverage if it is required by law in your state to have it. However, even if it isn’t, you may choose to add it to your policy for additional financial protection.  

If you spend a lot of time on the road or live in a state with a high number of uninsured or underinsured drivers, uninsured motorist coverage can be beneficial. Mississippi, Michigan, Tennessee, New Mexico, and Washington are the top five states with the highest percentage of uninsured drivers.  

Find affordable uninsured motorist coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage is an important part of your car insurance policy. Although most states require drivers to carry some type of auto insurance, millions drive without it. If you are in an accident and the other driver does not have insurance, uninsured motorist coverage may help you pay for medical expenses and car damage.  

Don’t wait until you need it – be proactive and get insured today! You can find affordable uninsured motorist coverage by comparing quotes from top insurance companies.  

Get started today using our free comparison tool, and be sure to protect yourself and your loved ones on the road. 

About Rate Retriever

At Rate Retriever, our mission is to make the way you shop for insurance transparent and fair through user-friendly tools that respect your privacy and deliver reliable, comprehensive results 

So we took everything we hated about comparing insurance quotes online – the spam, the long questionnaires, the limited choices, the inaccuracy of quote prices – and threw it out the window, favoring a short form that more accurately estimates what you’ll pay at each of the top insurance providers near you. 

Rate Retriever is an independent company that is not owned by an insurance provider, nor do we provide insurance ourselves. This independence allows us to be your free and impartial insurance research tool, helping you make the best decisions for your insurance needs.  

We may earn a commission when you click one of the links or call one of the providers listed on our site; however, we do not allow our partnerships to influence which information we provide. 

Car insurance coverage questions

What is uninsured motorist coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage is protection that helps pay for medical bills or car repairs if you’re in a car accident caused by someone who doesn’t have insurance. It can also help cover costs if the other driver is underinsured and their insurance doesn’t fully pay for all the expenses. This type of coverage is important because it provides financial security if you’re involved in a crash with a driver who can’t pay for your damages.

Is uninsured motorist coverage required by law?

Some states do require uninsured motorist coverage. Even if uninsured motorist coverage is not required by law in your state, it is highly recommended to have it to protect yourself in case you are in an accident with someone who does not have insurance.

What does uninsured motorist coverage typically cover?

Uninsured motorist coverage helps protect you if you’re in a car accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance. It can help cover costs for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. It can also provide financial support if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance to fully cover your expenses. This coverage is important to have in case you’re in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance, doesn’t have enough insurance to pay for your damages, or a hit-and-run situation.

How does uninsured motorist coverage differ from underinsured motorist coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage helps if the other driver in a car accident doesn’t have insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage helps if the driver doesn’t have enough insurance to pay for all the damages. So uninsured covers when there’s no insurance, while underinsured covers when there’s not enough insurance. They both protect you in case the other driver can’t pay for all the costs of the accident.

Do I need uninsured motorist coverage if I already have health insurance?

Yes, you may want to consider having uninsured motorist coverage even if you have health insurance. In addition to providing coverage for vehicle damage, uninsured motorist coverage can help cover any medical expenses or injuries caused by a driver without insurance or inadequate insurance. While health insurance can help cover medical costs, uninsured motorist coverage can provide additional protection specifically for injuries caused by uninsured drivers. This coverage can help ensure you are financially protected in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. It is worth considering to help safeguard yourself in case of unexpected circumstances.

Does uninsured motorist coverage cover damage to my car?

Yes, uninsured motorist coverage typically covers damage to your car if you are in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have insurance. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to make sure you have the appropriate coverage for your needs.

Does uninsured motorist coverage cover hit-and-run accidents?

Yes, uninsured motorist coverage can cover hit-and-run accidents. This type of insurance helps protect you if you are in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or who flees the scene. If the other driver can’t be identified or doesn’t have insurance, uninsured motorist coverage can help cover your medical expenses and vehicle repairs. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to see if hit-and-run accidents are covered under your uninsured motorist policy.

What happens if I’m in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have insurance?

If you get into an accident caused by a driver without insurance, you may have to rely on your own insurance to cover the damages. This could mean using your own policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. You may also have the option to take legal action against the at-fault driver to try to get compensation for the damages. It’s important to have the right insurance coverage to protect yourself in case of an accident with an uninsured driver.

Does uninsured motorist coverage extend to passengers in my car?

Yes, uninsured motorist coverage typically extends to passengers in your car. This means if you are in an accident caused by a driver who does not have insurance, the uninsured motorist coverage on your policy can help cover the medical expenses of both you and any passengers in your vehicle. It can also help with repairs to your car. It’s important to check the specifics of your policy to make sure you have this coverage and understand any limits or exclusions that may apply.

Can I stack uninsured motorist coverage if I have multiple vehicles insured under the same policy?

Some states allow you to stack uninsured motorist coverage if you have multiple vehicles insured under the same policy. Each vehicle on the policy will have its own uninsured motorist coverage limit, which you may be able to combine. It is important to understand the coverage limits and options on your policy to make sure you are adequately protected in case of an accident with an uninsured driver.

How do I choose the right uninsured motorist coverage limits for my needs?

When choosing the right uninsured motorist coverage limits, it’s important to consider your financial situation and your risk tolerance. It’s a good idea to speak with an insurance agent to discuss your specific needs and find the right balance for your situation.

Will my uninsured motorist coverage rates increase if I file a claim?

Filing a claim with your uninsured motorist coverage may cause your rates to increase. This coverage is meant to protect you if you are in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. It is different from regular insurance claims, so it is not likely to impact your rates. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance company to confirm how filing a claim may affect your coverage or rates.

Does uninsured motorist coverage apply if I’m injured as a pedestrian or cyclist?

Yes, uninsured motorist coverage can apply if you are injured as a pedestrian or cyclist by an uninsured driver. This type of coverage helps protect you if the at-fault driver does not have insurance or if they flee the scene. Uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident. It is important to check with your insurance provider to see if you have this coverage on your policy and to understand your rights in these situations.

Are there any limitations to uninsured motorist coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for damages if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance. However, there are limitations to this coverage. For example, there may be a maximum limit on how much the insurance will pay out. Additionally, some policies may not cover certain types of accidents or injuries. It’s important to carefully read and understand your policy to know exactly what is and isn’t covered.

Can uninsured motorist coverage be used for pain and suffering compensation?

No, uninsured motorist coverage does not typically cover pain and suffering compensation. It is designed to cover medical expenses and property damage caused by an uninsured driver. Pain and suffering compensation is typically sought through a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance or in a lawsuit. It is important to consult with an attorney to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation for pain and suffering after a car accident.

Does uninsured motorist coverage provide coverage for property damage caused by an uninsured driver?

Yes, uninsured motorist coverage can provide coverage for property damage caused by an uninsured driver. This type of insurance helps protect you if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or enough coverage to pay for damages. Uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for repairs to your vehicle or other property that was damaged in the accident. It’s important to have this coverage to make sure you’re financially protected in case you’re involved in a crash with an uninsured driver.

Will uninsured motorist coverage cover me if I’m driving someone else’s car?

Uninsured motorist coverage may cover you if you’re driving someone else’s car, but it depends on the policy. Some uninsured motorist coverage extends to the driver, regardless of whose car they’re driving. However, it’s important to check with your insurance provider to make sure you have the right coverage in place.

Does uninsured motorist coverage apply if the at-fault driver has insurance, but it’s not enough to cover my damages?

Yes, uninsured motorist coverage can apply if the at-fault driver has insurance, but it’s not enough to cover your damages. This type of coverage helps protect you if the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to fully compensate for your losses. Uninsured motorist coverage can help make up the difference so you are not left with out-of-pocket expenses.

Can I waive uninsured motorist coverage to lower my insurance premiums?

In states where it is not required, uninsured motorist coverage can be waived to lower insurance premiums, but it may not be a good idea. If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, you could be stuck paying for damages out of pocket. Additionally, it might not impact the cost of your insurance as much as you think. It’s important to weigh the risk of being in an accident with an uninsured driver against the savings in premiums. Consider discussing your options with your insurance agent before making a decision.

Share this article