When you’re involved in an accident caused by someone who doesn’t have adequate insurance, “uninsured motorist” (UM) or “underinsured motorist” (UIM) coverage can be your safety net. But exactly what is covered, when it kicks in, and how much you’ll receive depends on your policy and state.
🟩 Quick Definition
Uninsured motorist insurance helps cover your medical expenses, lost income and sometimes vehicle damage when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to pay your losses.
What Does UM/UIM Typically Cover?
Bodily Injury
If an uninsured or underinsured driver causes the accident and you’re injured, UM/UIM bodily injury coverage may pay for:
Your medical bills and hospital stays
Lost wages due to time off work
Pain and suffering or funeral costs (depending on state and policy)
Property Damage
Some policies include uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage that helps repair or replace your vehicle if hit by a driver with no insurance or a hit-and-run.
Pedestrians & Passengers
Depending on your policy and state laws, UM coverage can extend to you if you’re a pedestrian struck by an uninsured driver, or a passenger in a covered vehicle.
Key Conditions & Limitations
The at-fault driver must have no insurance or not enough (for UIM) for your damages.
A hit-and-run driver is often treated as an uninsured driver.
If you settle with the at-fault driver’s insurer or accept a payment independently without notifying your insurer, you may void your UM/UIM claim.
Coverage limits: Your UM/UIM benefit is typically capped at the policy limit you selected.
Not always automatic: Property damage coverage (UMPD) is not available in all states or may be optional/limited.
Commercial use exclusions: If your vehicle was being used for commercial purposes (taxi, delivery, rideshare) at the time, your UM/UIM may not apply.
FAQs
Q1. Will UM coverage pay for my car repairs?
Maybe. Only if you have uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage. Bodily-injury-only UM won’t cover vehicle damage.
Q2. If the other driver has some insurance but not enough, will UIM cover the difference?
Yes. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may fill the gap between the at-fault driver’s liability limit and your actual costs—up to your policy limit.
Q3. Does my health insurance cover everything instead of UM?
Health insurance will cover your medical bills, but UM pays additional costs like lost wages, pain & suffering, or amounts beyond your health insurance.
Q4. Can I file a UM claim if the at-fault driver fled the scene?
Yes—hit-and-run drivers are in many states treated like uninsured motorists. You’ll need to meet your policy’s conditions (police report, identifying information etc.).
Q5. Should I carry UM/UIM coverage even if it’s optional in my state?
Strongly yes. With many drivers uninsured or underinsured, having your own UM/UIM protects you from significant financial loss.
Final Thoughts
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can make a big difference—when you’re hit by someone with no or inadequate insurance, it steps in to help you cover medical costs, lost income and sometimes damage to your vehicle. Understand the details of your policy- limits, whether you have UMPD, and what your state mandates.
Want help checking your UM/UIM coverage limits, understanding how your policy works or getting better protection in place? Fill out the form below for personalized guidance and a quote-review from our expert team.
