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

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.

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.

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.

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.

📄 Affiliate Disclosure & Terms