Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Understand Your Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Options

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can help protect you after an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have liability insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may help when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits aren’t enough to cover eligible losses.

Depending on your state and policy, these coverages may help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and certain vehicle damage. As an independent insurance agency, Freeway can help you compare available coverage options from multiple insurance companies, understand your state’s requirements, and find protection that fits your needs and budget.

Key Takeaways: Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage applies when the other driver lacks insurance. It may help pay for eligible losses after an accident caused by an uninsured driver.
Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the other driver’s limits aren’t enough. It may help cover remaining eligible losses, subject to your policy and state law.
Coverage may include injuries and property damage. Bodily injury and property damage protections vary by state and policy.
Requirements differ by state. Some states require UM or UIM coverage, while others allow drivers to decline it.
UM/UIM coverage does not replace other auto insurance coverage. Collision, comprehensive, and other protections cover different types of losses.

What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance provides additional financial protection when another driver is responsible for an accident but has no applicable liability insurance or insufficient coverage.

The difference is the other driver’s insurance status. Uninsured motorist coverage applies when the responsible driver has no applicable liability insurance. In contrast, underinsured motorist coverage may apply when the responsible driver’s liability limits are insufficient to cover eligible losses.

These coverages can include bodily injury protection and, where available, property damage protection. Specific benefits, limits, and eligibility depend on your state and insurance policy.

What Does Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Cover?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may help pay for qualifying injuries and, in certain states, property damage after an accident caused by a driver with little or no applicable liability insurance.

There are two main types of protection: bodily injury and property damage. The benefits available depend on your state, insurance company, and policy.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage

Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) and underinsured motorist bodily injury (UIMBI) coverage may help pay for eligible injury-related expenses, including:

Medical and hospital bills
Rehabilitation costs
Lost wages
Pain and suffering (where applicable)
Injuries sustained by covered passengers
Other qualifying injury-related expenses, depending on your policy and state regulations

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage

Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage may help pay for damage to your vehicle or other covered property after a qualifying accident with an uninsured driver.

Repairs to your insured vehicle
Replacement costs when applicable
Other covered property damage
Potential loss-of-use or related expenses depending on your policy and state law

UMPD is not available in every state. Underinsured motorist property damage (UIMPD) coverage is even more limited, and availability, deductibles, and claims requirements vary by state and policy.

What Does Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Not Cover?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage does not apply to every loss. Depending on your state and policy, it may not cover:

Losses above your UM/UIM policy limits
Damage or injuries unrelated to an uninsured or underinsured driver
Losses that fall under comprehensive coverage instead
Certain hit-and-run property damage claims
Property damage when UMPD or UIMPD is unavailable or was not purchased
Claims that do not meet the policy or state definition of an uninsured or underinsured motorist

Coverage varies by state and policy, so review the specific terms, limits, and exclusions that apply to you.

Who Does Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Protect?

UMBI and UIMBI may provide benefits to the named insured and covered passengers. Coverage may extend to resident family members or the insured when riding in another vehicle or as a pedestrian in certain circumstances, depending on state law and policy terms. Bodily injury coverage protects people, while UMPD and UIMPD protect vehicles and property.

How Does Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance Work?

When you’re involved in an accident caused by another driver, their liability insurance generally helps cover damages if they’re legally responsible. But what happens if that driver has no insurance or not enough coverage?

That’s where uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may help.

Report the accident. Notify your insurance company and provide available information about the accident, the other driver, and any injuries or property damage.
Determine the other driver’s insurance status. Your insurer reviews the circumstances and whether the responsible driver has applicable liability coverage.
Review your UM/UIM coverage. Your insurance company determines whether your policy provides coverage for the loss and which limits, deductibles, or other conditions apply.
Evaluate eligible damages. Depending on your coverage, qualifying medical expenses, lost wages, or property damage may be considered.
Resolve the claim. Any payment depends on your policy terms, applicable state law, coverage limits, and coordination with other available insurance.

Underinsured motorist claims may involve additional requirements, including coordination with the at-fault driver’s insurer before benefits become available.

How Do UM/UIM Coverage Limits Work?

UMBI and UIMBI coverage limits are typically expressed as per-person and per-accident amounts, such as $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. UIM benefits cover eligible losses remaining after the at-fault driver’s liability insurance is exhausted, subject to state-specific rules. Some states allow or regulate stacking, which can combine UM/UIM limits across multiple insured vehicles.

Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Have a Deductible?

UMBI and UIMBI typically do not have a deductible. Property damage coverage may have a deductible depending on the state and policy.

Example of How Underinsured Motorist Coverage Works

If an at-fault driver has $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage but the eligible injury-related losses total $50,000, the at-fault driver’s insurance pays up to its $25,000 limit. UIM may then help cover the remaining eligible losses, subject to your UIM limits, policy provisions, and state law.

What Are State-Required Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Limits?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage requirements vary by state. Some states require UM coverage, UIM coverage, or both, while others require insurance companies to offer these protections but allow drivers to decline them.

Requirements may also differ for bodily injury and property damage coverage. In some states, available UM/UIM limits are tied to the liability limits selected on your auto insurance policy.

The table below provides an overview of state UM/UIM coverage requirements, including minimum limits, where applicable, and key coverage conditions.

State	Minimum Limits or Available Coverage	Coverage Type	Coverage Requirements & Conditions
Alabama	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	Coverage is generally included in auto liability insurance unless it is rejected. Minimum bodily injury limits are 25/50.
Alaska	50/100	UMBI, UIMBI	UM/UIM coverage must generally be offered. Drivers may decline coverage, subject to state requirements.
Arizona	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	Optional. Insurance companies must offer UM/UIM coverage. If selected, the minimum available limit is 25/50.
Arkansas	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	UM coverage is offered with liability insurance and is included unless rejected in writing. UMPD is available when UMBI is purchased.
California	30/60	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	Insurance companies must offer UM/UIM coverage. It may be declined with a signed waiver. UMBI limits generally correspond to bodily injury liability limits.
Colorado	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	UM/UIM coverage must generally be offered with bodily injury liability coverage and may be rejected in writing.
Connecticut	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	Mandatory. UM/UIM coverage of at least 25/50 is required.
Delaware	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	Optional, but insurance companies must offer the coverage. It may be rejected.
Florida	No separate fixed minimum; tied to selected BI limits	UMBI, UIMBI	UM coverage must generally be offered when bodily injury liability coverage is purchased. Drivers may reject it or select lower limits as permitted.
Georgia	25/50/25	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	UM coverage is generally included unless rejected in writing. Available limits and reduced-limit options depend on the policy.
Hawaii	20/40	UMBI, UIMBI	Optional. Insurance companies or agents must advise drivers in writing about UM/UIM options and the right to decline coverage.
Idaho	Generally 25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	Insurance companies must provide UM/UIM bodily injury coverage unless the named insured rejects it in writing. Limits generally match selected bodily injury liability limits.
Illinois	25/50 UM	UMBI, UIMBI	UMBI is mandatory at 25/50. UIMBI is required when UM limits exceed the statutory minimum.
Indiana	UMBI 25/50; UMPD 25; UIMBI 50	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	UM/UIM coverage must be provided unless rejected in writing. UMPD must also be offered.
Iowa	20/40	UMBI, UIMBI	UM/UIM coverage is generally included unless rejected in writing.
Kansas	25/50 UM	UMBI, UIMBI	Mandatory at the statutory minimum. Higher UM/UIM limits may be rejected in writing.
Kentucky	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	UMBI is generally included unless rejected in writing. UIM coverage is available separately and may be optional.
Louisiana	15/30	UMBI, UIMBI	UM/UIM coverage is generally included at bodily injury liability limits unless rejected or lower limits are selected in writing.
Maine	50/100	UMBI, UIMBI	Mandatory at 50/100. Higher UM/UIM limits may be rejected in writing.
Maryland	30/60/15	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	Mandatory. Minimum coverage is 30/60 for bodily injury and 15 for property damage.
Massachusetts	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	UMBI is mandatory. UIMBI is optional.
Michigan	No state-mandated UM/UIM minimum	UMBI, UIMBI	Optional coverage. Michigan’s required no-fault coverage does not include UM/UIM.
Minnesota	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	Mandatory. Both UM and UIM bodily injury coverage are required.
Mississippi	25/50/25	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	UM coverage is generally provided unless rejected in writing. UM/UIM protection is available for qualifying injuries and damages.
Missouri	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	UMBI is mandatory. UIMBI is optional.
Montana	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	UMBI must be offered, but may be rejected. UIMBI is optional.
Nebraska	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	Mandatory. Both UM and UIM bodily injury coverage are required.
Nevada	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	Optional. Insurance companies must offer UM/UIM coverage of at least 25/50, and drivers may reject it.
New Hampshire	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	Conditional. When a qualifying auto liability policy is issued, UM coverage is required and generally follows the selected liability limits.
New Jersey	35/70/25	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	Standard Policy: a minimum amount of UM/UIM coverage is required, with higher limits available up to the selected liability limits. Basic Policy: UM/UIM coverage is not included.
New Mexico	25/50/10	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	UM/UIM coverage is generally included unless rejected in writing.
New York	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	UMBI is mandatory. Additional SUM/UIM coverage may be reduced or declined by a signed waiver.
North Carolina	50/100/50	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	Mandatory. UM and UIM coverage requirements apply.
North Dakota	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	Mandatory. UM and UIM bodily injury coverage are required.
Ohio	No state-mandated minimum	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	Optional. Insurance companies may offer UM/UIM and UMPD coverage, but drivers are not required to purchase it.
Oklahoma	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	Optional, but insurance companies must offer it. A written rejection is required to decline coverage. Standard UM/UIM primarily covers bodily injury.
Oregon	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	Mandatory. UM/UIM bodily injury coverage is required.
Pennsylvania	15/30	UMBI, UIMBI	UM and UIM coverage must be offered but may be rejected in writing. Stacking rules may also apply unless waived.
Rhode Island	Generally 25/50 minimum	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	Coverage is generally provided at bodily injury liability limits. Drivers may select lower limits, and certain minimum-policy purchasers may reduce coverage to zero after the required notice. Property damage coverage may be rejected in writing.
South Carolina	25/50/25	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	UMBI and UMPD are mandatory. UIMBI is optional and must be offered.
South Dakota	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	Mandatory. UM and UIM bodily injury coverage are required.
Tennessee	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	UM coverage is included at bodily injury liability limits unless rejected or reduced in writing. UMPD must be offered to drivers who purchase UMBI.
Texas	Generally tied to selected liability limits	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	Insurance companies must offer UM/UIM coverage. Drivers who do not want it must reject it in writing. Property-damage claims generally have a $250 deductible.
Utah	Generally tied to selected BI limits	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	UM and UIM coverage are subject to state selection and rejection rules. UMPD is available in certain policies without collision coverage, with a statutory basic limit of up to $3,500.
Vermont	50/100/10	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	Mandatory. UM/UIM bodily injury and property damage coverage is required.
Virginia	50/100/25	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	Mandatory minimum UM/UIM coverage applies. Coverage above the statutory minimum may be rejected where permitted.
Washington	Generally matches liability limits unless reduced or rejected	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	UM/UIM coverage must be offered with auto liability policies. A named insured or spouse may reject bodily injury or property damage coverage in writing.
West Virginia	25/50/25	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	UMBI and UMPD are mandatory. UIM coverage is optional but must be offered.
Wisconsin	25/50	UMBI, UIMBI	UMBI is mandatory. UIMBI is optional; if purchased, separate minimum limits apply.
Wyoming	25/50	UMBI	Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage is included unless rejected by the named insured.
Washington, D.C.	25/50/5	UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD	UM is mandatory. UIM is optional and must be offered.

Requirements may change. Coverage availability, limits, rejection rules, and exceptions vary by state. Confirm current requirements with your state insurance department or insurance provider.

Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Required?

Requirements for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage vary widely by state. Some states require UM coverage, some require UIM, and others require both. Many states require only bodily injury coverage portions, while others require insurers to offer the coverage but allow customers to reject it in writing. Property damage coverage requirements and availability also vary by state.

How Much Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Do I Need?

The amount of UM/UIM coverage you need depends on your state requirements, existing coverage, and the amount of financial protection you want. Consider:

State requirements. Some states require UM, UIM, or both, while others allow you to reject certain coverage.
Your liability limits. Some states tie available or required UM/UIM limits to your bodily injury liability coverage.
Potential medical expenses. Consider what you and your household could reasonably absorb after a serious injury.
Lost income. A significant injury may affect your ability to work.
Regular passengers. Consider how often other people ride in your vehicle.
Vehicle protection. If you are considering UMPD, look at your vehicle’s value and whether you already carry collision coverage.
Other insurance. Health insurance, MedPay, PIP, and collision coverage may affect how different losses are handled.

Compare available limits and policy terms rather than assuming the minimum required amount is automatically the right fit.

How Much Does Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Cost?

The cost of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage depends on your state, insurance company, selected limits, driving history, and other factors used to calculate your auto insurance premium.

UM/UIM coverage is generally added to an auto insurance policy rather than purchased as a separate policy. Choosing higher limits may increase your premium, but it can also provide additional financial protection if you’re injured by a driver with little or no insurance.

Because insurance companies price coverage differently, comparing quotes can help you understand the cost of available options. A Freeway agent can help you review coverage limits and find an option that fits your budget.

What Happens If Your UM/UIM Coverage Limits Are Not Enough?

UM/UIM coverage only pays eligible claims up to your policy limits. If your losses exceed your available coverage, you may have remaining expenses to cover out of pocket. Other applicable coverages, such as health insurance, medical payments coverage (MedPay), personal injury protection (PIP), or collision coverage, may help with some costs. Still, coordination of these coverages varies by state and policy.

Uninsured vs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage

State	Uninsured Motorist (UM)	Underinsured Motorist (UIM)
Other driver	Has no applicable liability insurance	Has insurance, but limits are insufficient
Bodily injury coverage	May cover injuries to you and passengers	May cover remaining eligible injury expenses
Property damage	May be available	May be available in some states
Hit-and-run	May apply depending on the state and claim	Generally, not the primary distinction
State requirements	Vary	Vary

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage vs. Collision Coverage

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) and collision coverage may both pay for damage to your vehicle, but they operate differently. Collision coverage pays for damage caused by a collision, regardless of the other driver’s insurance status, subject to your policy terms and deductible. UMPD specifically applies to qualifying accidents involving uninsured motorists. UMPD availability, deductibles, and treatment of hit-and-run incidents vary by state. In some states, UMPD availability may depend on whether you carry collision coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Cover a Hit-and-Run Accident?

UM bodily injury coverage may apply to injuries sustained in a hit-and-run accident, providing you with financial protection for medical bills and related expenses. However, coverage for property damage from a hit-and-run depends on your state law and policy terms.

Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage If I Have Collision Insurance?

Collision coverage can help pay for covered damage to your vehicle regardless of the other driver’s insurance status, subject to your deductible and policy terms. Uninsured motorist property damage applies specifically to qualifying accidents involving uninsured drivers, where available. Whether you need both depends on your state, policy, available UMPD coverage, and existing collision coverage.

Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Protect Me If I’m a Pedestrian?

Yes, in some cases. UM/UIM bodily injury coverage may apply if you are injured as a pedestrian by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Coverage depends on your state law and policy terms.

Can I Add Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage to My Existing Car Insurance Policy?

Often, yes. Depending on your state, policy, and insurance company, you may be able to add uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to an existing auto policy. Availability, limits, and requirements vary, so check which options apply to your policy.

What Is the Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage may help when an at-fault driver has no applicable liability insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage may help when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their limits are not enough to cover eligible losses.

Does the Law Require Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

It depends on the state. Some states require uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, while others require insurance companies to offer it but allow you to reject it. Requirements for bodily injury and property damage coverage also vary.

How Much Uninsured Motorist Coverage Do I Need?

The right amount depends on your state requirements, liability limits, other insurance, and the amount of financial protection you want. Compare available limits and policy terms rather than assuming the minimum required amount is automatically the right fit.

Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Pay If the Other Driver Has No Insurance?

Yes, uninsured motorist coverage may help pay eligible losses if an uninsured driver is legally responsible for an accident. Bodily injury coverage may help with qualifying medical expenses and lost wages, while property damage coverage may help repair your vehicle, where available. Benefits depend on your state, policy, and coverage limits.

Can I Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage Without Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

It depends on your state and insurance company. Some states require uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage together, while others allow different coverage selections or rejections. Review your policy to understand which protections you carry and whether additional options are available.

Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Pay for Damage to My Car?

It can, depending on your state and policy. Uninsured motorist property damage coverage may help pay for eligible vehicle damage resulting from a qualifying accident involving an uninsured driver. Availability, deductibles, and hit-and-run rules vary by state.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage