Uninsured motorist coverage

What is uninsured motorist coverage?

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage helps protect you if you're hit by a driver who doesn't have car insurance. It covers your medical bills, lost wages and other expenses if the at-fault driver can't pay. In short, it's a safety net for when someone else breaks the rules and you're left with the cost.

Why is uninsured motorist coverage important?

Even though most states require drivers to carry insurance, millions still go without it, or don't carry enough to cover a serious accident.

If you're hit by an uninsured driver, UM coverage helps make sure you're not left paying for someone else's mistake. It fills the gap when the other driver can't. That kind of protection matters, especially when the unexpected happens.

Types of uninsured motorist coverage

There are two main coverage types within uninsured motorist coverages: bodily injury and property damage. These coverages are designed to protect you from different risks:

• Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) – Helps pay for medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering if you're injured by a driver who doesn't have insurance.
• Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) – Pays to repair or replace your vehicle or other property if an uninsured driver causes damage. (Note: Not available in all states.)

What does uninsured motorist coverage cover?

Depending on your policy, UM coverage may help pay for:

• Medical expenses – This covers medical bills for you and your passengers after a crash caused by an uninsured driver who doesn't have coverage to pay for your injuries.
• Lost wages – If you can't work due to accident-related injuries, this coverage helps replace the income you're missing while you recover.
• Pain and suffering – Beyond just medical bills, this offers financial support for the physical and emotional distress that comes with serious injuries.
• Funeral expenses – In the tragic event of a fatal accident, this coverage helps your family with final costs and burial expenses.
• Vehicle repairs – If your policy includes uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD), you're covered for repairs when an uninsured driver damages your car.

Uninsured motorist coverage helps you receive the money needed to cover these expenses when the at-fault driver cannot pay.

What does uninsured motorist coverage not cover?

UM coverage won't pay for:

• Damage to your vehicle – Uninsured motorist coverage typically doesn't pay for repairs to your car unless UMPD is specifically included in your policy.
• Damage you cause to others – If you're at fault in an accident, your liability coverage handles the costs rather than your uninsured motorist protection.
• Routine maintenance or wear and tear – Oil changes, tire rotations and general aging of your vehicle aren't covered under any part of your auto policy.
• Non-collision incidents – Falling trees, hail damage or weather-related problems are handled by comprehensive coverage, not uninsured motorist protection.

Does uninsured motorist insurance cover hit-and-run accidents?

Yes, uninsured motorist insurance covers hit-and-run accidents. In many states, if you're hit by a driver who leaves the scene, UM coverage treats them like they were uninsured. This means your policy can help with your costs, even if the other driver is never found.

If your car is hit and the other driver speeds off, it can be incredibly frustrating and scary. Uninsured motorist coverage helps cover your costs when there's no one else to hold accountable. Most insurance companies just need a police report and a timely claim filing to get started. Uninsured motorist coverage applies only if you are legally entitled to recover from the at-fault driver.

What's the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?

Both protect you, but in different scenarios.

• Uninsured motorist (UM) – Kicks in when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all.
• Underinsured motorist (UIM) – Applies when the other driver has some insurance, but not enough to cover your total losses.

How does underinsured motorist coverage work?

Let's say you're in an accident and your injuries cost $75,000. If the other driver has just $25,000 in liability coverage, UIM may pay the remaining $50,000 up to your own policy limit.

Choosing higher UIM limits gives you more protection if the other driver doesn't have enough insurance to cover your medical bills or property damage.

UM property damage vs. collision coverage

Both cover your car, but in different ways:

If you already have collision coverage, you may not need UMPD.

• UMPD – Pays for vehicle damage caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver (in some states).
• Collision coverage – Pays for damage to your vehicle no matter who is at fault, including when you cause the accident yourself.

Should I get UM bodily injury coverage if I have health insurance?

Yes, because health insurance won't cover everything. UM coverage can help with:

• Deductibles and copays – Your health insurance requires out-of-pocket costs, but uninsured motorist coverage helps cover what your medical plan doesn't pay.
• Lost wages – Health insurance covers your medical bills but won't replace the income you lose while recovering from injuries.
• Pain and suffering – These non-economic damages represent real hardship but aren't covered by medical plans, which is where uninsured motorist bodily injury protection becomes essential.

It fills financial gaps and gives you broader protection.

How much uninsured motorist coverage do I need?

A common recommendation: match your UM/UIM limits to your liability coverage. So, if you have $100,000 in bodily injury liability, consider at least $100,000 in UM/UIM. Your VIU by HUB Advisor can help you customize based on your driving habits, location and budget.

Does UM/UIM coverage have a deductible?

• UMBI – Usually has no deductible.
• UMPD – Often comes with a deductible between $250 and $500, depending on your state and insurance company.

Check your policy or ask your advisor for specifics.

How do uninsured motorist claims work?

If you're hit by an uninsured driver:

1. Report the accident – Contact the police and your insurance provider right away.
2. File a UM or UIM claim – Let your insurance company know you want to use your coverage.
3. Gather supporting documents – Provide the police report, medical records and repair estimates.
4. Wait for the investigation – Your insurance company will review your claim and pay out up to your coverage limits.

Your claims adjuster will guide you through the next steps and any paperwork.

For assistance with filing a claim or understanding your uninsured motorist coverage, contact your insurance agent or company.

Can I reject uninsured motorist coverage?

In some states, yes, but you may have to sign a waiver. Even if its optional, dropping UM coverage is risky. Without it, you could face big bills from an accident that wasn't your fault.

In which states are UM/UIM coverage required?

A handful of states (like New York, Illinois and Maryland) require UM or UIM coverage as part of your auto insurance. Others may offer it as optional. Requirements vary, so check with your advisor or local DMV.

Real-world examples of when UM coverage applies

• You're hit by a driver with no insurance – You break your leg and need surgery.
• Your parked car is totaled in a hit-and-run – No driver is found, but UMPD may apply.
• You're a pedestrian hit in a crosswalk – The driver flees the scene and your UM coverage applies.

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of uninsured motorist coverage?

While uninsured motorist coverage provides valuable protection, it can increase your insurance premiums and may have coverage limits or exclusions depending on your policy and state regulations.

Will uninsured motorist coverage raise my premium?

Adding uninsured motorist coverage might slightly increase your premium, but it's usually one of the more affordable add-ons. Rates vary by state and insurance company, but many drivers find it's worth the extra cost to avoid major out-of-pocket expenses after an accident.

Think of it like a safety net: you're paying a little more upfront to avoid paying a lot more later. If you're unsure how it would affect your rate, your VIU by HUB Advisor can help break it down.

Does uninsured motorist coverage protect passengers in my car?

Yes, it typically does. If you're in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your UM/UIM bodily injury coverage can also help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for your passengers, not just you.

That means the people riding with you get the same kind of financial protection you do, even if they don't have their own auto insurance. It's one more way UM coverage helps you look out for others, not just yourself.