Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is an auto‑insurance component that helps pay for your injuries—and in some cases vehicle damage—if you’re hit by a driver who has no liability insurance or by a hit‑and‑run driver. UM can reduce your out‑of‑pocket medical bills, lost wages and repair costs when the at‑fault party can’t pay because they lack adequate insurance.
Key takeaways
– UM covers bodily injury (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering in some policies) and, in many states, property damage (repair or replacement of your vehicle).
– UM is different from underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage: UIM applies when the at‑fault driver has some insurance but not enough to fully cover your damages.
– Approximately one in seven U.S. drivers is uninsured (IRC estimate ~14% in 2022), which is why UM can be important even where it’s optional.
– About half the states plus Washington, D.C., require insurers to offer or include UM; specific requirements and availability vary by state. (Sources: Insurance Research Council; state insurance departments.)
How uninsured motorist coverage works
– Two basic types:
1. UM bodily injury (UMBI): Pays for medical expenses, rehabilitation, sometimes lost wages and pain and suffering for you and your passengers when the other driver is uninsured (or a hit‑and‑run).
2. UM property damage (UMPD): Pays to repair or replace your vehicle and other property damaged in a crash caused by an uninsured or hit‑and‑run driver. Note: Some states do not offer UMPD or limit it.
– Limits: UM coverage has limits (for example, $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident). If damages exceed the UM limit, you may need to rely on your own collision coverage or pursue the at‑fault driver personally.
– Stacking: In some states/with some insurers you can “stack” UM/UIM limits across multiple vehicles on the same policy (e.g., two $30,000 limits stacked = $60,000 available). Stacking rules vary by state and insurer; some policies are “unstacked” by default. (Allstate, Progressive, state guidance.)
Uninsured vs. underinsured motorist coverage
– UM (uninsured motorist): Kicks in when the at‑fault driver has no insurance or for hit‑and‑run.
– UIM (underinsured motorist): Applies when the at‑fault driver has insurance, but their liability limits are too low to cover your full damages.
– Many insurers offer these coverages together; some states require one or both. If you want full protection, consider buying both UM and UIM up to levels that match your assets and health‑care exposure.
Where UM is required (summary)
States with laws that require UM (or require insurers to offer it) include: Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island (in some cases when you choose higher liability limits), South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. New Jersey requires UM on standard policies but not on a limited basic policy. New Hampshire does not require motorists to carry insurance; Virginia allows drivers to opt out of coverage by paying a fee—but requirements can change, and rules differ depending on whether you purchase a policy. Always verify current state rules with your state Department of Insurance or DMV. (Sources: state insurance departments; Progressive; state guidance cited below.)
What UM typically covers
– Medical expenses for you and passengers (ambulance, hospital, surgery, rehabilitation).
– Lost wages and some policies cover loss of earning capacity.
– Pain and suffering (where allowed by law and policy terms).
– Property damage (where UMPD is available and selected) for repairs or replacement of your vehicle, subject to deductibles and policy limits.
– Hit‑and‑run incidents (treated as uninsured driver claims once you meet the insurer’s proof requirements). Coverage specifics depend on state law and your policy.
What you need to file a UM claim (practical checklist)
1. Immediate actions at the scene:
• Check injuries and call 911 for medical help.
• Call the police so an official report is created. If police do not come, document that fact.
• If it’s a hit‑and‑run, try to record the other vehicle’s make/model/color and license plate if possible. Take photos of damage, the scene, skid marks, traffic signals and any visible injuries.
• Get names and contact information for witnesses.
2. Information for your insurer:
• Your policy number and contact info.
• Police report number and officer contact (if available).
• Photos and videos of the scene, damage and injuries.
• Medical records and bills for all treatment related to the crash.
• Repair estimates or invoices for vehicle damage.
• Witness statements or contact information.
3. Timing and documentation:
• Notify your insurer as soon as possible—policies often have time limits for reporting UM claims.
• Keep organized records (treatment dates, missed work, receipts) to support damage and loss claims.
• Be prepared to provide proof that the other driver was uninsured (police report, inability to locate driver for hit‑and‑run).
Practical steps after an accident involving an uninsured or hit‑and‑run driver
1. Prioritize health and safety: call 911 if needed; get medical attention.
2. Secure the scene: document everything with photos, videos and witness info.
3. File a police report—even for hit‑and‑run or when the other driver refuses to share info. A police report strengthens UM claims.
4. Contact your insurer promptly and ask specifically to report a UM claim; follow their claim instructions.
5. Submit medical records, bills, wage‑loss documentation and repair estimates. Keep copies of every document you send.
6. Ask your adjuster about whether your collision coverage or UM property damage will pay first, and whether you’ll owe a deductible.
7. If the UM insurer denies or delays a fair settlement, consider consulting a lawyer experienced in UM/UIM claims—especially for serious injury cases.
How to decide what UM/UIM limits to buy (practical guidance)
– Match or exceed: Consider matching UM/UIM limits to your liability limits so you’re protected if another driver is underinsured.
– Consider exposure: If you have significant assets, children, or a high likelihood of medical costs, choose higher limits. Medical costs and lawsuits can grow quickly.
– Evaluate stacking: If your state allows stacking and you have multiple vehicles, stacking could substantially increase available coverage—but often costs more in premium. Ask your agent how stacking would work and whether you can decline it.
– Compare UM vs. collision: UMPD may be cheaper than collision but often has lower limits and may not be available in all states—compare costs and coverage.
– Check deductibles: UMPD and collision may have different deductibles; understand which deductible applies.
Common pitfalls and important notes
– UM is not automatic everywhere: In some states UM is optional or must be offered and rejected in writing. Check your policy and state law. (State Departments of Insurance.)
– Policy language matters: Coverage definitions, exclusions (e.g., when you’re using your vehicle for hired‑driver activities) and limits vary by insurer and state. Read the policy or ask your agent for plain‑English explanations.
– Proof requirements: For hit‑and‑run claims, insurers may require proof you weren’t at fault (video, witness statements, police report) and timely reporting.
– Coordination with health insurance: Your health insurance may pay medical bills initially; your UM claim may reimburse those expenses, but subrogation rules can apply. Keep health insurer informed and preserve records.
– Time limits and statutes of limitations: File promptly; each state has time limits for making UM claims and for lawsuits. If unsure, consult an attorney.
The bottom line
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you from another driver’s lack of insurance and from hit‑and‑run losses. Because a meaningful share of drivers are uninsured or underinsured, UM/UIM coverage is a valuable layer of financial protection. Whether it’s required where you live or optional, consider your medical‑expense exposure, asset level and state rules when choosing limits; keep careful records and report accidents quickly to maximize the chance of a full UM claim recovery.
Sources and further reading
– Insurance Research Council. “14 Percent of U.S. Drivers Were Uninsured in 2022, IRC Estimates.”
– Allstate. “Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Underinsured Motorist Coverage.”
– Progressive. “Car Insurance Requirements by State.”
– Progressive. “What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?”
– Liberty Mutual. “Uninsured Motorist Coverage.”
– Nationwide. “Uninsured Motorist Coverage.”
– New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. “New Jersey Auto Insurance Buyer’s Guide.”
– New Hampshire Insurance Department. “2022 Automobile Insurance Consumer Frequently Asked Questions.”
– Commonwealth of Virginia, State Corporation Commission, Bureau of Insurance. “Auto Insurance: Consumer’s Guide.”
– Rhode Island Department of State. “Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance (230-RICR-20-05-1).”
– South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Division of Insurance. “Automobile Insurance.”
(These sources were used to compile the summary—refer to your state’s Department of Insurance or your insurer for the most current, locally specific rules.)
Editor’s note: The following topics are reserved for upcoming updates and will be expanded with detailed examples and datasets.
• Check whether UM/UIM is required in your state and summarize the current rules, or
– Help you decide how high your UM/UIM limits should be based on your situation (age, assets, health insurance, driving habits).