What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)?

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is a component of an auto insurance policy that provides coverage when you're in an accident with another driver who does not have insurance. If you have UM coverage, it pays for injuries to you and your passengers and, in some instances, for damage to your vehicle. Some states require that 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:auto insurance policies include uninsured motorist coverage, while in other states, UM is an optional 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:endorsement you can add to your policy.

How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works

Most state laws mandate that motorists carry some level of 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:automobile liability insurance coverage, and these requirements vary from state to state. New Hampshire is the only U.S. state that does not require a minimum amount of 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:auto insurance coverage, and Virginia lets drivers opt out for a fee.

Despite these laws, about one in every seven U.S. drivers on the road does not have auto insurance, according to the Insurance Research Council. The organization's most recent report on this subject, released in 20213 found that Washington, D.C. had the highest proportion of uninsured drivers, at 25.2%, followed by New Mexico and Mississippi. The state with the lowest percentage of uninsured motorists was Wyoming, with 5.9%.

Because of the risk posed by a potential collision with an uninsured driver, about half of states, plus Washington, D.C., require that 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:auto insurance policies include uninsured motorist coverage. Several other states require it in certain situations, such as if you choose a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:liability limit higher than the state minimum.

If you're involved in an accident and the other driver is at fault but doesn't have 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage🅠 can cover the resulting vehicle repairs or medical bills. A hit-and-run driver would also be considered an un𒐪insured motorist, so UM coverage can also help pay for repairs after this type of accident. However, if you don't have uninsured motorist coverage, you may not receive any payments, even if the other person is at fault or it was a hit-and-run.

Uni🔯nsured Motoris🧸t vs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Some drivers have auto insurance, but their policy limits may not be enough to cover the full cost of a claim if there's an accident. While most states require drivers to have minimum levels of at least liability coverage, a driver hoping to 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:save on their car insurance might opt for the lowest mandatory amounts, which could lead to financial consequ🎐ences for other drivers if they're involved in an accident.

It's important to be aware of this distinction since uninsured motorist coverage is not the same as 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:underinsured motorist coverage (UIM), which would cover a situation where the at-fault driver has some insurance but not enough to fully cover your damages. Some states that require UM coverage also require UIM coverage, but✱ not all of them. Check with your s𓂃tate's Department of Motor Vehicles if you're unsure.

The Bottom Line

Uninsured 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:motorist insurance covers medical expenses for you and your passengers and damage to your car after an accident with a driver who doesn't have in🐼surance. It's required in some states and avail𝄹able as optional coverage in others. Uninsured motorist coverage also protects you after hit-and-run accidents.