Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance Coverage: A Complete Guide (2024)
Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance coverage can cost as low as $12/mo. UM/UIM protects you from uninsured drivers and during a hit-and-run. UM/UIM provides coverage for both bodily injury and property damage. Your state may require you to carry uninsured motorist insurance with minimum limits.
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Dani Best
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
Licensed Insurance Producer
UPDATED: Sep 18, 2024
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Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 18, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance covers damages and injuries if you’re hit by a driver with little to no coverage
- Some states require UM/UIM coverage, but most don’t
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance rates are typically inexpensive
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage pays for your property damage and bodily injuries if an at-fault driver doesn’t have any or enough insurance to cover damages. While some states require drivers to carry UM/UIM coverage, it’s optional in most states.
Since UM/UIM insurance rates are typically inexpensive, consider adding coverage if your state doesn’t require it. Otherwise, you may be left with significant out-of-pocket expenses if you’re hit by a driver without enough insurance.
Keep reading to learn more about uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage and bodily injury coverage.
What Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance Covers
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage offers protection if a driver who hits you doesn’t have enough insurance to cover damages and injuries. Only 17 states require UM/UIM coverage.
Uninsured motorist coverage kicks in if the at-fault driver has no insurance. For example, if another driver hits you and doesn’t have insurance, your uninsured motorist insurance pays for damages and injuries.
Underinsured motorist coverage pays for damages and injuries if the at-fault driver’s coverage limits aren’t high enough. For example, if a driver hits you and only has the state-mandated liability coverage of $10,000 and your vehicle damage is $15,000, your insurance pays the remaining $5,000.
However, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage has limits, so make sure you have enough coverage to pay for property damage and bodily injury if a driver without enough coverage hits you.
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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance vs. Other Coverage
There are many types of car insurance, so knowing your needs is essential. This table shows car insurance coverages available and whether or not they are required.
Car Insurance Coverage Type Comparison
| Coverage Type | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (BI) | Covers injuries to others caused by the policyholder while operating an automobile | Often $25,000/$50,000 or higher |
| Collision | Covers damages to your vehicle from a collision with another car or object | Optional but may be required by lenders |
| Comprehensive | Covers non-collision-related damages to your car from events like natural disasters, theft, vandalism, fire, or animal collisions | Optional but may be required by lenders |
| Emergency Road Service | Provides services like fuel delivery, lock-outs, jump-starts, flat tire changes, and towing | Optional |
| Gap Insurance | Pays the difference between the vehicle's actual cash value and the outstanding balance on your loan or lease when a car is totaled | Optional |
| Medical Payments (MedPay) | Covers medical or funeral expenses for you and passengers after an accident, regardless of fault | Optional in many states |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages for you and your passengers, regardless of fault | Required in no-fault states |
| Property Damage (PD) | Covers damages to someone else's property caused by the policyholder, including vehicles, buildings, or other properties | Often $10,000 or higher |
| Rental Reimbursement | Covers the cost of a rental car during repairs due to a covered accident | Optional |
| Underinsured Motorist (UIM) | Pays for damages when the other driver's liability limits aren't sufficient to cover your medical expenses | Varies; some states require this coverage |
| Uninsured Motorist (UM) | Covers injuries to the policyholder or passengers caused by uninsured drivers | Varies; some states require this coverage |
Each state decides which coverages are mandatory. While most states require liability coverage, UM/UIM state laws vary. Even if your state doesn’t require UM/UIM coverage, it’s still smart to add it to your policy.
Although full coverage car insurance isn’t required, many drivers choose a policy that includes liability, collision, comprehensive, and other mandated coverages, such as UM/UIM.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance Benefits
The benefit of adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is that you won’t have to pay for damages and injuries yourself. If the at-fault driver has minimum or no insurance, your vehicle damage and bodily injuries won’t be covered.
Without UM/UIM coverage, you would have to pay for those repairs and expenses yourself. UM/UIM coverage ensures that your insurance company pays for your damages if the other driver can’t.
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Keep in mind that you set the UM/UIM limits on your policy, so be sure to carry enough coverage to pay for vehicle damage and medical expenses in case another driver doesn’t have enough coverage.
Comparing Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance Rates
While the best car insurance for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage varies, rates tend to be low across the board.
This table shows the average monthly uninsured/underinsured motorist rates from top insurers.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance Average Rates by Provider
| Insurance Company | Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $37 |
| American Family | $33 |
| Farmers | $34 |
| Geico | $30 |
| Liberty Mutual | $38 |
| Nationwide | $35 |
| Progressive | $32 |
| State Farm | $35 |
| Travelers | $33 |
| USAA | $28 |
USAA has the lowest UM/UIM rates at $28 a month, and Liberty Mutual has the highest rates at $38 a month. Although adding the coverage does raise your rates, you could have high out-of-pocket costs without it.
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Determine if You Need Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance Coverage
Since each state determines its auto insurance coverage requirements, UM/UIM isn’t required everywhere.
Check out this table to see the uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance requirements in your state.
Liability Car Insurance Minimum Requirements by State
| State | Limits | Coverages |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Alaska | 50/100/25 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Arizona | 15/30/10 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Arkansas | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection |
| California | 15/30/5 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Colorado | 25/50/15 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Connecticut | 25/50/20 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Delaware | 25/50/10 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection |
| District of Columbia | 25/50/10 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Florida | 10/20/10 | Property Damage Liability & Personal Injury Protection |
| Georgia | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Hawaii | 20/40/10 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection |
| Idaho | 25/50/15 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Illinois | 25/50/20 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Indiana | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Iowa | 20/40/15 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Kansas | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection |
| Kentucky | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Louisiana | 15/30/25 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Maine | 50/100/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, & MedPay |
| Maryland | 30/60/15 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Massachusetts | 20/40/5 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection |
| Michigan | 20/40/10 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection |
| Minnesota | 30/60/10 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Mississippi | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Missouri | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Montana | 25/50/20 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Nebraska | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Nevada | 25/50/20 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| New Hampshire | 25/50/25 | Financial Responsibility (None Required) |
| New Jersey | 15/30/5 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, & Uninsured Motorist |
| New Mexico | 25/50/10 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| New York | 25/50/10 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, & Uninsured Motorist |
| North Carolina | 30/60/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| North Dakota | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Ohio | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Oklahoma | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Oregon | 25/50/20 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Pennsylvania | 15/30/5 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection |
| Rhode Island | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| South Carolina | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| South Dakota | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Tennessee | 25/50/15 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Texas | 30/60/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection |
| Utah | 25/65/15 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection |
| Vermont | 25/50/10 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Virginia | 25/50/20 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Washington | 25/50/10 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| West Virginia | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist/ |
| Wisconsin | 25/50/10 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, & MedPay |
| Wyoming | 25/50/20 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
If you live in a state requiring UM/UIM coverage, it will be included in your basic auto insurance. However, if you choose to add coverage, experts recommend matching UM/UIM coverage levels with your liability limits.
How to File an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance Claim
The car insurance claims process differs for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. While some parts are the same, such as documenting damages, filing a police report, and contacting your insurer, other aspects are different.
For example, if you’re hit by an uninsured driver, only your insurance company is involved in settling the claim. Claims would be covered under your uninsured motorist coverage.
The uninsured motorist bodily injury portion of your coverage pays for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other injury-related costs. The uninsured motorist property damage coverage pays for damage to your car or other property. However, your insurance only pays up to your policy limits.
In an underinsured motorist example, the at-fault driver’s insurance pays up to their policy limits. Then, your underinsured motorist coverage kicks in.
How to Buy Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance pays for your damages and injuries if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough coverage. Although some states require UM/UIM coverage, most states don’t. Consider adding UM/UIM insurance to be better protected.
Find affordable UM/UIM insurance by comparing quotes from multiple companies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage kicks in if the at-fault driver doesn’t have any auto insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage comes in when the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for damages and injuries. In both cases, your insurance would pay for anything the other driver’s insurance didn’t cover.
What states require uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance coverage?
States that require UM/UIM include Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
How much uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance coverage do I need?
Typically, you’ll want to at least match your property damage and bodily injury liability coverage. Some states set UM/UIM coverage requirements.
Do I need uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance coverage if I have health insurance?
Yes, you need UM/UIM coverage even if you have health insurance. This coverage pays for lost wages and pain and suffering, and health insurance does not. In addition, if you lose your job, your health insurance may be lost as well.
Does uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance cover hit-and-runs?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may pay for hit-and-run damages and injuries. Your insurance pays for claims even if the at-fault driver can’t be found.
What happens when an uninsured driver hits your car?
If an uninsured driver hits your car, follow the usual procedures for filing a claim. Your insurance company pays for damages and medical bills up to your coverage limit.
Do uninsured motorist claims raise car insurance rates?
Filing an uninsured motorist claim may raise your insurance rates even though you aren’t at fault. Carefully consider whether it’s cheaper to pay for repairs yourself rather than a higher insurance rate.
How much can I get from an uninsured motorist claim?
The amount you receive from an uninsured motorist claim depends on your policy limit. Since your insurance company is the one that pays, it only pays out up to the policy limit. Damages above the limit would be paid by you out of pocket.
What is the difference between stacked and unstacked uninsured motorist coverage?
Stacked uninsured motorist coverage combines limits from several policies or vehicles to increase the maximum payout. Unstacked uninsured motorist coverage can’t be combined with other policies or vehicles.
Why is uninsured motorist coverage so expensive in Florida?
Florida has a very large percentage of uninsured motorists, so you’re more likely to be in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance. Since the insurance company is more likely to pay out an uninsured motorist claim, they charge higher coverage rates.
What UM/UIM coverage is required in Texas?
Texas does not require UM/UIM coverage. Drivers can add it to their policies if they wish.
What does uninsured motorist coverage cover in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma doesn’t require uninsured motorist coverage, but it can be added to your policy. Oklahoma uninsured motorist coverage pays for bodily injuries, loss of wages, and pain and suffering. It does not cover property damage.
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Dani Best
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
Licensed Insurance Producer
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.