Uninsured Motorist Coverage Explained
Uninsured Motorist Coverage pays for your injuries and vehicle damage when you're hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay your claim.
Find Coverage with Points on Your LicenseWhat Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance?
Uninsured Motorist Coverage has two components: bodily injury (UMBI) covers your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when an uninsured or underinsured driver causes an accident that injures you or your passengers. Property damage (UMPD) covers repairs to your vehicle in the same scenario, though not all states offer this component. The coverage also applies in hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver is never identified. It steps in when the other driver's liability coverage is either nonexistent or too low to cover your full damages.
Who Needs Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance?
If you live in a state with a high uninsured driver rate, carry low liability limits yourself, or cannot afford to cover major medical bills out of pocket, this coverage is essential. Many states require it by law, and declining it in writing is often the only way to opt out.
If the answer is no or you'd face financial hardship, carry Uninsured Motorist Coverage at limits equal to or exceeding your liability limits. If your health insurance has high deductibles or doesn't cover lost wages, the bodily injury component becomes even more important.
How Much Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance Cost?
- Uninsured driver rate in your state — states with higher percentages of uninsured motorists often have higher premiums for this coverage because the risk of a claim is greater.
- Your driving record and points — carriers may increase this coverage cost if you have recent violations or accidents, though the surcharge is typically smaller than the impact on liability premiums.
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