Uninsured Motorist Coverage: What It Is & Cost
Uninsured Motorist Coverage pays for your injuries and vehicle damage when you're hit by a driver who has no insurance or flees the scene.
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What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance?
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) has two components: bodily injury (UMBI) and property damage (UMPD). UMBI covers your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when an uninsured or hit-and-run driver causes an accident. UMPD covers damage to your vehicle in the same scenario, though not all states offer or require this component. The coverage also typically extends to underinsured motorists — drivers who carry liability insurance but not enough to cover your full damages.
Who Needs Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance?
Drivers with points on their record should strongly consider UM coverage because they're already paying elevated premiums and can't afford a second financial hit from an uninsured driver. If you're carrying liability-only coverage to save money after a violation, UM is often the most cost-effective way to protect yourself without adding expensive collision or comprehensive policies. It's also essential if you live in a state with high uninsured motorist rates, commute in heavy traffic, or have significant income you'd lose during injury recovery.
For drivers with points, ask whether your current insurance search revealed high uninsured motorist rates in your state; if so, UM becomes even more justified. If your points are temporary and your rates will drop in 12–36 months, maintaining UM now prevents a gap in protection during your highest-risk period for both violations and financial stress.
How Much Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance Cost?
- State uninsured motorist rate — states with higher percentages of uninsured drivers (like Florida, New Mexico, or Michigan) typically charge more for UM coverage due to greater claim frequency.
- Your ZIP code claim history — areas with high hit-and-run rates or accident frequency see modestly higher UM premiums even within the same state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Uninsured Motorist Coverage increase my rates if I use it?
UM claims typically do not raise your rates because you were not at fault — the uninsured driver caused the accident. However, filing multiple UM claims in a short period or in combination with at-fault accidents may signal higher risk to some insurers. Drivers with existing points should confirm their insurer's claims policy before filing, as non-standard carriers sometimes treat all claims as rating factors.
Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage apply to hit-and-run accidents?
Yes, UM coverage treats hit-and-run accidents where the driver can't be identified as uninsured motorist claims. You'll need to report the accident to police and your insurer within a specific timeframe (often 24–72 hours) and provide evidence like photos, witness statements, or dashcam footage. This makes UM especially valuable for urban drivers with points who commute in high-traffic areas with elevated hit-and-run rates.
Will UM cover my medical bills if I already have health insurance?
Yes, and UM often covers expenses your health insurance doesn't, like deductibles, copays, lost wages, and pain and suffering. For drivers with points who've already seen premium increases, UM provides a financial cushion that prevents medical debt or income loss from compounding your insurance cost crisis. Even strong health coverage usually caps lost wage reimbursement, which UMBI covers up to your policy limit.
Can I add Uninsured Motorist Coverage after an accident?
No, you cannot add UM coverage retroactively after an accident has occurred — it must be on your policy at the time of the collision. Drivers shopping for new coverage after a ticket or violation should add UM during the quote process, as switching insurers is the ideal time to adjust coverage without waiting for a renewal period. Many non-standard carriers offer UM as an optional add-on that you must actively select.
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