Question 1

Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage required?

Accepted Answer

More than 20 states require insurers to offer Uninsured Motorist Coverage, and you must reject it in writing if you choose not to buy it. States like Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, and North Carolina mandate you carry it—you cannot purchase liability-only insurance without UM in those states. In optional states like California, Arizona, and Texas, you can skip it entirely, though most agents strongly recommend it given that approximately 1 in 7 drivers nationwide lacks insurance.

Question 2

Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage cover hit-and-runs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Uninsured Motorist Coverage typically covers hit-and-run accidents in most states, treating the phantom driver as uninsured. You'll need to file a police report documenting the incident and provide any available evidence like witness statements or dashcam footage. Some states require you to exhaust efforts to identify the driver before your UM coverage pays, while others pay immediately as long as you have a police report on file.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Uninsured Motorist Coverage pays when the at-fault driver has zero insurance, while Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage pays when their liability limits are too low to cover your damages. For example, if a driver with $25,000 in liability causes $75,000 in injuries to you, their policy pays the first $25,000 and your UIM pays the remaining $50,000 if you carry at least $75,000 in UIM limits. Many insurers bundle UM and UIM into a single coverage with combined limits.

Question 4

Can I use Uninsured Motorist Coverage if I have health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage even if you have health insurance, and in many cases you should. UM covers expenses health insurance won't—like lost wages, pain and suffering, and out-of-pocket costs beyond your health plan's deductibles and co-pays. Your health insurer may have a right to reimbursement (subrogation) from your UM settlement, but UMBI often provides broader compensation than medical coverage alone.

Question 5

Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage increase if I have a DUI?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you have a DUI or SR-22 requirement, insurers typically charge 15% to 30% more for Uninsured Motorist Coverage than they'd charge a driver with a clean record. The base cost of UM is still low—around $5 to $15 monthly—so even with the high-risk surcharge, you're looking at roughly $7 to $20 per month. Given that you're already facing elevated liability premiums from the DUI, the marginal cost of UM is usually worth the protection.

Question 6

What are typical Uninsured Motorist Coverage limits?

Accepted Answer

Typical Uninsured Motorist limits mirror your liability coverage, often written as $25,000/$50,000 (up to $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident) or $100,000/$300,000 for higher protection. Many states require UM limits to match your liability limits unless you request lower coverage in writing. If you carry an SR-22 and already bought $50,000/$100,000 liability, most insurers will default your UM to the same limits unless you opt down.

Question 7

Does Uninsured Motorist Property Damage have a deductible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Uninsured Motorist Property Damage typically carries a deductible ranging from $250 to $1,000, depending on your state and insurer. Some states waive the UMPD deductible if you can identify the uninsured driver and provide their information, while hit-and-run claims usually require you to pay it. If your state bundles UMPD with collision or doesn't offer it separately, your collision deductible applies instead.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage Explained

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