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Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage protect you when the other driver is at fault but has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your losses. According to the Insurance Information Institute, nearly 13% of drivers nationwide are uninsured—and in some states, that number exceeds 20%.
Without UM/UIM, you could be stuck paying your own medical bills and vehicle repairs out of pocket after an accident that wasn't your fault.
What Does UM/UIM Cover?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) – When the other driver has no insurance:
- UMBI (bodily injury) – Your medical bills and your passengers' medical bills
- UMPD (property damage) – Damage to your vehicle (in states that offer it)
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) – When the other driver has insurance but not enough:
- UIMBI – Covers the gap between their limits and your actual costs
- UIMPD – Covers the gap for vehicle damage (where available)
Not all states offer UMPD. In some states, you'd use collision for vehicle damage in a hit-and-run or uninsured driver scenario.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
In most states, you can file a UM claim for a hit-and-run—when the other driver flees and can't be identified. In some states, UMPD does not cover hit-and-runs; you'd need collision coverage for vehicle damage in that case. Check your state's rules.
State Requirements
Many states require UM/UIM—often UMBI at minimum. Some require both UM and UIM. Even where it's optional, UM/UIM is strongly recommended given how many uninsured drivers are on the road.
| State | UMBI Required? | UMPD Available? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | No | Yes | Must offer; can reject in writing |
| Illinois | Yes | Yes | $25,000/$50,000 UMBI min |
| Maryland | Yes | Yes | $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 min |
| Ohio | Yes | Yes | $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 min |
| Texas | Yes | Yes | Must offer; can reject in writing |
| Virginia | Yes | Yes | $25,000/$50,000/$20,000 min |
Check state minimums for your state's exact requirements.
Expert Insight: When UM/UIM pays out
Brianna was hit by a driver who had no insurance. She had a broken wrist and her car was totaled. Her uninsured motorist coverage paid for her medical bills and the value of her car—minus her deductible for the property damage portion.
—Brianna Baiocco
How Much UM/UIM Do I Need?
Experts often recommend matching your bodily injury liability limits. If you carry $100,000/$300,000 BI, consider the same for UMBI/UIMBI. That way, you're protected to the same level whether you cause an accident or someone else does—and doesn't have enough coverage.
What UM/UIM Does Not Cover
UM/UIM covers you when the other driver is at fault but uninsured or underinsured. It does not cover:
- Accidents where you're at fault – Your bodily injury and property damage cover others; PIP or Med Pay may cover you
- Damage to the other driver's car – That's their problem (or their insurance) when they're at fault
- Intentional acts or criminal activity
How Much Does UM/UIM Cost?
UM/UIM is often affordable—sometimes $50–$150 per year or a modest add-on. The cost depends on your limits, state, and driving record. In states where it's required, it's bundled into your premium.
Roughly one in eight drivers on the road has no insurance—and in some states, the number is closer to one in four. Confirming your UM/UIM limits match your bodily injury limits is one of the fastest coverage gaps to close, and most people never check until they need it.
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About Brad Cummins
Brad Cummins is the founder of Insurance Geek and primary author of its educational content. Licensed since 2004, he brings over 21 years of experience structuring life insurance and IUL strategies for clients nationwide.
Fact checked by Brianna Baiocco
Brianna Baiocco runs P&C operations at Insurance Geek and fact-checks property and casualty content. Licensed since 2009, she brings over 16 years of experience in auto, home, renters, and commercial insurance.
