Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Last updated March 21, 2022

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.

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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.

Sources

IRC – One in Eight Drivers Uninsured

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