Uninsured Motorist Insurance Definition: Protect Yourself on the Road

Driving can be dangerous, especially when other motorists are uninsured or underinsured. In fact, in the United States, approximately 1 in 8 drivers do not have any insurance coverage. That’s why it’s essential to have uninsured motorist insurance in place. This type of insurance provides coverage for you and your passengers in the event of an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

What is Uninsured Motorist Insurance?

Uninsured motorist insurance is a type of coverage that protects you if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages they caused. This coverage may also extend to hit and run accidents, where the at-fault driver flees the scene without providing any contact information. 

It is important to note that uninsured motorist insurance is separate from liability insurance, which is required in most states. Liability insurance only covers damages and injuries that you cause to others, not to yourself or your own property.

Types of Uninsured Motorist Insurance Coverage

There are two types of uninsured motorist coverage: bodily injury and property damage. Bodily injury coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for you and your passengers if you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. Property damage coverage pays for repairs or replacement of your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Some states also offer uninsured motorist coverage as part of their no-fault insurance laws, which require that each driver’s insurance company pays for their own medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. In these states, uninsured motorist coverage may also include coverage for lost wages and other expenses that are not covered by no-fault insurance.

How Does Uninsured Motorist Insurance Work?

If you’re in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, your uninsured motorist insurance will cover the damages up to the limits of your policy. The amount of coverage you need will depend on several factors, including the amount of assets you have to protect, the cost to replace your vehicle, and your medical insurance coverage.

Most insurance companies offer uninsured motorist coverage with limits that are equal to your liability coverage. For example, if your liability coverage is $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, your uninsured motorist coverage would also be $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident.

What is Covered by Uninsured Motorist Insurance?

Uninsured motorist insurance typically covers the following expenses:

FAQ: Uninsured Motorist Insurance

Is Uninsured Motorist Insurance Required?

Uninsured motorist insurance is not required by law in all states, but it is highly recommended. In some states, uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory, while in others it is optional.

How Much Uninsured Motorist Coverage Should I Purchase?

The amount of uninsured motorist coverage you need will depend on your assets, the cost to replace your vehicle, and your medical insurance coverage. Most insurance companies offer uninsured motorist coverage with limits that are equal to your liability coverage.

Does Uninsured Motorist Insurance Cover Hit and Run Accidents?

Yes, uninsured motorist insurance typically covers hit and run accidents where the at-fault driver flees the scene without providing any contact information.

What is the Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance?

Uninsured motorist insurance provides coverage when you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have any insurance. Underinsured motorist insurance provides coverage when you’re in an accident with a driver who has insurance, but their coverage limits are not sufficient to cover the damages they caused. Many insurance policies include both uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

Can I Use Uninsured Motorist Coverage for a Hit and Run Accident When There is No Proof of Insurance from Another Driver?

Yes, uninsured motorist coverage generally applies to hit and run accidents, even if there is no proof of insurance from the at-fault driver.

Conclusion

Uninsured motorist insurance is an essential coverage that protects you and your passengers in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. It provides peace of mind and financial security, ensuring that you have the coverage you need when you need it most.

When shopping for car insurance, be sure to ask your insurance agent about uninsured motorist coverage and how it can benefit you. With the right coverage in place, you can enjoy the freedom of the open road without worrying about the risks.