What is Uninsured Motorist Car Insurance Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have car insurance.

Kimberly Olson
March 29, 2022

What is uninsured motorist car insurance coverage?

If you get into an accident with a driver who doesn’t have car insurance, you may have to pay for any damage to your vehicle, even if you weren’t at fault. This is where uninsured motorist coverage comes into play.

What is uninsured motorist coverage?

You shouldn’t have to suffer financially just because someone else isn’t covered. With uninsured motorist coverage, you’re protected. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver—or if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run—your uninsured motorist coverage can kick in to help pay your damages. This type of policy covers damage to your car and medical bills if you or any of your passengers get injured.

What types of coverage are available?

There are two main types of uninsured motorist coverage:

  • Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage (or UMBI) provides a settlement amount to help pay medical bills if you or any of your passengers are injured by a driver without insurance.
  • Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) helps pay for repairs to your damaged vehicle by a driver without coverage.

What does uninsured motorist insurance cover?

Your uninsured motorist insurance policy may cover the following damage caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver:

  • Repairs to your damaged car.
  • Hospital and medical care expenses.
  • Lost wages if you’re injured and unable to work.
  • Services for tasks that you are unable to perform because of your injuries, such as house cleaning and child care.

How does uninsured motorist coverage work?

When your vehicle is damaged by a driver who doesn’t have insurance, you can file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage to get reimbursed for repairs under your policy. If you or any of your passengers were hurt in the accident, uninsured motorist coverage can help pay medical bills related to the incident.

Some coverages, called underinsured motorist coverage, can be used if the other driver has coverage, but not enough. For example, if the other driver’s coverage is not equal to or greater than yours, you may be able to use your underinsured motorist coverage to make up the shortfall.

Keep in mind that since you’re appealing to another driver’s insurance company, you’ll have to make the case that you’re entitled to their coverage.

Which states require uninsured motorist insurance?

As of March 2019, drivers are required by law to carry uninsured motorist insurance in Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

AAA offers a range of auto insurance options, including uninsured motorist coverage. An agent can help you find a policy that’s right for you. With AAA, you get coverage backed by more than a century of auto insurance experience, renowned claims service, and perks like world-class roadside assistance.

More Car Insurance Definitions

*The availability, qualifications, and amounts of coverages, costs and discounts may vary from state to state and there may be coverages and discounts not listed here. In addition, other terms, conditions, and exclusions not described above may apply, and total savings may vary depending on the coverages purchased. For more information regarding your eligibility for certain coverages and savings opportunities, please contact your AAA agent.

Insurance products in California offered by AAA Northern California Insurance Agency, License #0175868, in Nevada by AAA Nevada and in Utah by AAA Utah. Insurance provided by CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA insurer.