What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Do I Really Need It?
In a Nutshell: Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage pays for your injuries and vehicle damage when you're hit by a driver who has no insurance. With roughly 1 in 8 US drivers uninsured, UM coverage is a critical safety net. It also covers hit-and-run accidents. It's required in some states and relatively inexpensive — often $50–$150 per year.
What Uninsured Motorist Coverage Pays For
UM coverage has two components that work similarly to your liability coverage but for your own protection:
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI): Pays medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering for you and your passengers when an uninsured driver is at fault.
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): Pays to repair or replace your vehicle damaged by an uninsured driver.
| Coverage Component | What It Pays | Typical Limits |
|---|---|---|
| UM Bodily Injury (per person) | Medical bills, lost wages, pain & suffering | $25,000–$100,000 |
| UM Bodily Injury (per accident) | Total cap for all injured parties | $50,000–$300,000 |
| UM Property Damage | Vehicle repair/replacement | $10,000–$50,000 |
How Many Drivers Are Uninsured?
The number of uninsured drivers varies significantly by state:
| State | Estimated Uninsured Rate |
|---|---|
| Mississippi | 29.4% (highest) |
| Michigan | 25.5% |
| New Mexico | 20.8% |
| Florida | 20.4% |
| National Average | 12.6% |
| Massachusetts | 3.5% (lowest) |
| New York | 4.8% |
Even in states with low uninsured rates, the national average of 12.6% means roughly 1 in 8 drivers has no insurance at all.
States That Require Uninsured Motorist Coverage
| State | UM Requirement |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | Required |
| Illinois | Required |
| Kansas | Required |
| Maine | Required |
| Maryland | Required |
| Massachusetts | Required |
| Minnesota | Required |
| Missouri | Required |
| Nebraska | Required |
| New Hampshire | Required |
| New Jersey | Required |
| New York | Required |
| North Carolina | Required |
| North Dakota | Required |
| Oregon | Required |
| Rhode Island | Required |
| South Carolina | Required |
| South Dakota | Required |
| Vermont | Required |
| Virginia | Required |
| West Virginia | Required |
| Wisconsin | Required |
UM Coverage for Hit-and-Run Accidents
If you're hit by a driver who flees the scene, UM coverage typically applies:
- UMBI covers injuries from a hit-and-run if there's physical contact or a police report
- UMPD covers vehicle damage in some states; in others, collision coverage is needed
- You must file a police report promptly (usually within 24–72 hours)
State Variations
Some states (like California and Illinois) allow UMPD to handle hit-and-run property damage with a lower deductible than collision. Other states require collision coverage for hit-and-run vehicle damage.
How Much UM Coverage Should You Carry?
| Driving Profile | Recommended UM Limit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal commute, city driving | Match your liability limits | Uninsured rates are higher in cities |
| Highway commuter | 100/300 minimum | Higher speeds = more severe injuries |
| Multiple passengers often | 100/300+ | Protects you and your passengers |
| High net worth | 250/500+ | Asset protection from uninsured lawsuits |
Expert recommendation: Carry UM limits that match your liability limits. Since UM only pays if an uninsured driver causes the accident, it's cheap insurance against a gap in the other driver's coverage. The average UM premium is only about $50–$150 per year.
UM vs. UIM: What's the Difference?
| Uninsured Motorist (UM) | Underinsured Motorist (UIM) | |
|---|---|---|
| Applies when... | Other driver has NO insurance | Other driver has too little insurance |
| Coverage gap | Full damages up to your limit | Other driver's limit + your UIM up to your limit |
| Usually bundled? | Yes (UM/UIM in one coverage) | Yes (UM/UIM in one coverage) |
| Recommended | ✅ Always | ✅ Always |
How to File an Uninsured Motorist Claim
- Call the police — Get a police report; this is critical for UM claims
- Exchange information — Get the other driver's license plate and description
- Contact your insurer — File a UM claim (different from a regular claim)
- Document everything — Photos, witness statements, medical records
- Cooperate with the investigation — Your insurer will attempt to verify the other driver's insurance status
What Happens If the Uninsured Driver Has No Assets?
Your UM coverage pays up to your policy limits. Your insurer may attempt subrogation against the uninsured driver, but if they have no assets, your UM coverage is your primary recovery source.
Key Takeaways
- UM coverage pays your medical bills and vehicle damage when an uninsured driver hits you
- About 12.6% of US drivers (roughly 1 in 8) are uninsured
- UM covers hit-and-run accidents with proper police reporting
- 20+ states require UM coverage by law
- UM is inexpensive ($50–$150/year) and one of the most important coverages you can carry
- Match your UM limits to your liability limits for optimal protection
Last updated: July 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about uninsured motorist coverage. Coverage availability, requirements, and policy terms vary by state and insurer. Always review your policy documents and consult with a licensed insurance agent for advice specific to your situation.