Question 1

Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage required in my state?

Accepted Answer

Over 20 states require Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage, including Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Most other states require insurers to offer it, but you can reject it in writing. Requirements for Uninsured Motorist Property Damage vary more widely — check your state's Department of Insurance website for specific mandates.

Question 2

What's the difference between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Accepted Answer

Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) pays when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all or flees the scene. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) pays when the at-fault driver has insurance but their liability limits are too low to cover your full damages — for example, they carry $25,000 in coverage but you have $60,000 in medical bills. UIM covers the gap between their policy limit and your actual damages, up to your UIM limit.

Question 3

Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage pay if I don't know who hit me?

Accepted Answer

For bodily injury (UMBI), yes — if you're injured in a hit-and-run, your UMBI coverage typically applies even if the driver is never identified. For property damage (UMPD), it depends on your state: some states like Virginia and North Carolina cover hit-and-run vehicle damage under UMPD, while others like California and Texas require the at-fault driver to be identified or require you to have collision coverage for unidentified hit-and-runs.

Question 4

Can I add Uninsured Motorist Coverage to a liability-only policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and this is one of the most cost-effective ways to add protection without paying for full coverage. You can carry liability insurance plus Uninsured Motorist Coverage (both UMBI and UMPD where available) without adding collision or comprehensive, typically for $60–$300 per year. This protects you from uninsured drivers while keeping your premium far lower than a full-coverage policy.

Question 5

How much Uninsured Motorist Coverage should I buy?

Accepted Answer

Industry guidance suggests matching your UM limits to your liability limits — if you carry $50,000/$100,000 in liability coverage, buy the same in UM coverage. For cost-conscious drivers, a practical minimum is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for UMBI, which covers most moderate injury scenarios and typically costs $5–$15 per month. If you can afford $10–$25/month, consider $50,000/$100,000 limits to cover serious injuries and multi-vehicle accidents.

Question 6

Will Uninsured Motorist Coverage pay for my car if I only have liability insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only if your state offers Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) and you purchased it. Many states like Florida, Georgia, and Illinois don't offer UMPD at all, only UMBI for injuries. States that do offer UMPD (Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, California) typically cap it at $3,500–$25,000 and may require a deductible or proof of the at-fault driver's identity.

Question 7

Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage increase if the other driver is underinsured?

Accepted Answer

No, Uninsured Motorist Coverage has fixed limits you choose when buying the policy. If the at-fault driver is underinsured (has some insurance but not enough), you need separate Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) to cover the gap. Most insurers sell UM and UIM together as a combined endorsement, adding approximately $8–$30 per month depending on limits — but they're technically separate coverages with separate limits.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage: What It Is & What It Costs

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance?

How Much Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance Cost?

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Who Needs Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance?

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