The short answer
Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and sometimes vehicle damage when a driver who has no insurance — or not enough insurance — causes an accident that injures you or damages your property. It falls under personal auto insurance and is one of the most underrated protections on a standard policy. The main thing to watch: limits, not just price. A low limit can leave you exposed even if you have the coverage.
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What uninsured motorist coverage is
Uninsured motorist coverage, often abbreviated UM or UM/UIM, is actually two related protections sold together or separately depending on your state:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM): Pays when the at-fault driver carries zero liability insurance.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM): Pays when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their limits are too low to cover your full losses.
Both coverages step in where the other driver’s policy falls short. Think of them as a safety net you carry on your own policy — one that protects you from other people’s bad decisions.
This coverage belongs to the personal insurance pillar. It is purchased as part of your auto policy, not as a standalone product. Some states bundle UM and UIM together; others let you carry them at different limits or require you to waive UIM in writing if you decline it.
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What uninsured motorist coverage actually covers
Understanding exactly what is — and is not — covered prevents surprises after an accident.
What it typically covers
| Protection | UM | UIM |
|---|---|---|
| Your medical bills and hospitalization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passengers’ medical bills | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lost wages from injury | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pain and suffering (in most states) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Funeral expenses | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vehicle damage (UMPD, where available) | ✓ (varies by state) | Rarely |
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) is a separate sub-coverage that pays for damage to your car from an uninsured driver. Not every state offers it; in states that do, it sometimes carries its own deductible (often $200–$300). Where UMPD is not available, your collision coverage handles vehicle damage regardless of fault — but collision comes with its own deductible.
Key exclusions to know
- Hit-and-run rules vary. Most states require physical contact between vehicles to trigger UM coverage on a hit-and-run. A phantom driver who forces you off the road without touching your car may not qualify in some states.
- Your own liability policy doesn’t protect you here. Liability covers people you injure; UM/UIM protects you when someone else injures you.
- Commercial use gaps. If you are driving for a rideshare or delivery service when the accident happens, your personal UM/UIM may not apply — check your policy and your employer’s coverage carefully. See commercial auto insurance if you drive for business.
- Property inside the vehicle (laptops, equipment) is generally not covered by auto policies; that falls under renters insurance or home insurance personal property coverage.
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Is uninsured motorist coverage required?
Requirements vary significantly by state — there is no single national rule.
- UM is mandatory in roughly half of US states. States such as New York, Maryland, Illinois, and Virginia require it at certain minimum limits. Your state’s Department of Insurance is the definitive source.
- UIM is sometimes separate from UM requirements. Some states mandate both; others make UIM optional or require you to reject it in writing.
- Neither UM nor UIM is required in several states, though carrying them is still strongly recommended in most situations.
- Your lender or lienholder does not typically require UM/UIM the way they require collision and comprehensive coverage. But if you financed your car, you already have a full policy in place — adding UM/UIM on top is usually inexpensive.
Because requirements depend entirely on where you live and register your vehicle, always confirm your state’s current minimums with a licensed agent or your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Rules can change, and the stakes of non-compliance include fines, license suspension, or personal liability for an accident.
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What uninsured motorist coverage costs
UM/UIM is one of the more affordable add-ons to an auto policy. As a standalone line item, illustrative monthly costs for UM/UIM coverage typically run $10–$30 per month, depending on your state, limits, and driving record — making it one of the least expensive protections relative to the financial risk it addresses.
For context, a full personal auto policy for a single driver with a clean record runs roughly $90–$180 per month in illustrative ranges. UM/UIM adds a modest increment to that base.
Illustrative UM/UIM cost ranges by limit
| Coverage type | Illustrative limit | Approx. monthly add-on |
|---|---|---|
| UM Bodily Injury (per person / per accident) | $25,000 / $50,000 | $5–$12 |
| UM Bodily Injury (per person / per accident) | $100,000 / $300,000 | $10–$25 |
| UIM Bodily Injury (per person / per accident) | $100,000 / $300,000 | $8–$20 |
| UMPD (vehicle damage, where available) | $25,000 | $3–$8 |
These figures are illustrative only and are not a quote. Your actual premium depends on your state, driving history, vehicle, existing coverage, and the carrier’s pricing model.
Comparing multiple quotes is the most reliable way to find a competitive rate for the limits you actually need.
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How to compare uninsured motorist coverage quotes
Price matters, but it is only one dimension. Here is what experienced shoppers examine before choosing.
1. Match limits to your real exposure
State minimums are often far too low to cover serious injuries. A $25,000 per-person limit can disappear quickly against an emergency room visit, surgery, and lost wages. Many agents recommend matching your UM/UIM bodily injury limits to your liability limits — if you carry $100,000 / $300,000 in liability, mirror that in UM/UIM.
2. Understand how UIM stacks (or doesn’t)
Some states and policies allow stacking — combining UM/UIM limits across multiple vehicles on your policy. If you have two cars, stacked coverage might double your available limit. Other policies are non-stacked, which keeps limits fixed per accident. Stacked policies cost a bit more but can provide substantially higher protection per incident.
3. Check the deductible on UMPD
If your state offers Uninsured Motorist Property Damage, confirm the deductible. A $200 UMPD deductible versus a $500 collision deductible could determine which coverage you use after an accident with an uninsured driver.
4. Read the hit-and-run clause carefully
Ask your agent specifically how the policy handles a hit-and-run where the other vehicle never made contact. The answer varies by carrier and by state law.
5. Compare the whole package, not just UM/UIM in isolation
UM/UIM is priced as part of your full auto policy. When you compare quotes, look at total premium and total protection together. A carrier with a slightly higher UM/UIM rate may offer meaningfully better limits or a lower deductible overall.
Dean Insurance is an independent comparison marketplace — not a carrier — that lets you request quotes from licensed agents and top-rated carriers in one short, free inquiry. Comparing does not affect your credit score and carries no obligation.
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Mistakes and things to watch
Carrying state-minimum limits and stopping there. Minimum UM coverage is designed to satisfy a legal requirement, not to fully protect you. If you are seriously injured, minimum limits may leave tens of thousands of dollars uncovered.
Confusing UM/UIM with MedPay or PIP. Medical Payments (MedPay) and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) also pay your medical bills after an accident regardless of fault — but they have their own limits and do not cover lost wages or pain and suffering the way UM/UIM bodily injury does. These coverages can work together, not as substitutes.
Assuming your health insurance fills the gap. Health insurance covers medical treatment, but it won’t compensate for lost wages, pain and suffering, or out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays that mount after a serious accident.
Forgetting passengers. Your UM/UIM bodily injury coverage extends to passengers in your vehicle. If you frequently drive others — family, carpools, ride-shares — higher limits matter more.
Declining UIM in writing without understanding the consequences. In states where written rejection is required, some drivers sign the waiver without realizing they’ve given up meaningful protection. Read before you sign.
Not reviewing coverage after a life change. A new vehicle, a teenage driver added to the policy, or moving to a different state can all change what you need and what is required. Review your auto policy annually.
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FAQ
What is the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. Underinsured motorist (UIM) applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their limits aren’t high enough to cover your losses. Many policies bundle them together under UM/UIM, but some states let you purchase them separately.
Does uninsured motorist coverage pay for my car repairs?
Only if your policy includes Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD), and only in states where it is offered. If UMPD is not available — or if you don’t carry it — your collision coverage would pay for vehicle repairs, subject to your collision deductible, regardless of who caused the accident.
Does filing a UM/UIM claim raise my rates?
It can, but not always. Policies and state laws differ. Many carriers treat a UM/UIM claim differently from an at-fault claim, and some states restrict rate increases for not-at-fault incidents. Ask your agent before filing so you understand the potential impact.
Will comparing quotes affect my credit score?
No. Comparing auto insurance quotes on Dean Insurance does not affect your credit score. Where a carrier uses a credit-based insurance score, that involves a soft inquiry only — not a hard pull.
How much UM/UIM coverage should I carry?
A widely recommended starting point is matching your UM/UIM bodily injury limits to your liability limits — for example, $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident. Higher limits provide more protection and typically add only a modest amount to your monthly premium. Speak with a licensed agent to find the right balance for your situation.
Is UM/UIM coverage relevant if I have good health insurance and disability coverage?
Health insurance covers medical bills; disability insurance replaces a portion of lost income. But neither compensates for pain and suffering, nor do they offset your out-of-pocket health costs (deductibles, copays). UM/UIM fills a distinct gap, which is why many advisors recommend carrying it even if other coverage is in place.
What happens if an uninsured driver hits me in a state where UM is not required?
If you don’t have UM coverage, you would typically need to sue the at-fault driver personally — which is time-consuming and often produces little recovery if the driver has no assets. UM coverage protects you from exactly this outcome, which is why most agents recommend it even where it isn’t legally mandated.
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Conclusion
Uninsured motorist coverage is one of the highest-value, lowest-cost additions to any personal auto policy. In a country where a significant share of drivers on the road carry no insurance or inadequate limits, UM/UIM is the protection that keeps someone else’s bad decision from becoming your financial crisis. The smart move is not just to have it, but to have it at limits that actually match your exposure — and to compare what different carriers charge for those limits before committing.
If you’re ready to see what UM/UIM coverage would add to your auto policy, Dean Insurance makes it straightforward. As an independent marketplace — not a carrier — Dean Insurance connects you with licensed agents and top-rated carriers so you can compare real quotes in one short, free request. There’s no obligation, no impact on your credit score, and coverage that can get started quickly. Get your free quote today and find out exactly what protection you’re getting and what it actually costs.
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Dean Insurance is an independent marketplace, not an insurance carrier, and does not issue policies or make coverage decisions. Quotes and policies come from licensed agents and carriers; coverage, availability and pricing vary by carrier, state and your individual circumstances. Examples are illustrative only.