Uninsured Motorist Protection
Uninsured Motorist Protection (UM) is an auto insurance policy that covers you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or flees the scene (hit-and-run). It also includes Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage, which applies when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your losses.
Types of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
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Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI)
Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain & suffering for you and passengers. Applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance or in hit-and-run cases.
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Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) (Varies by State)
Pays for repairs to your vehicle if an uninsured driver damages it. Some states require a deductible before coverage applies.Not available in all states—some require collision coverage instead.
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Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UIMBI)
Protects you when the at-fault driver has insurance but with low coverage limits.Pays the remaining medical expenses, lost wages, and damages.
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Underinsured Motorist Property Damage (UIMPD) (Limited Availability)
Covers car repairs if the at-fault driver’s insurance does not fully cover damages.
Why is UM/UIM Important?
- 1 in 8 drivers in the U.S. is uninsured (Insurance Research Council).
- Some drivers carry only minimum liability coverage, which may not fully pay for damages.
- In hit-and-run cases, UMBI ensures you’re covered if the driver is never found.
Is UM/UIM Coverage Mandatory?
- Required in some states (e.g., New York, Illinois, North Carolina).
- Optional in others, but highly recommended.
