Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of auto insurance that protects you and your vehicle in the event of a collision with an uninsured driver. It applies if the uninsured driver is found at fault for the accident.
When you have uninsured motorist coverage on your car insurance, it will cover car repairs and medical expenses you incurred due to the collision. There are two kinds of uninsured motorist coverage: uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) and uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI).
UMBI covers any injuries a person experiences due to the collision. UMPD pays for any damage done to your car. It’s imperative to have uninsured motorist coverage since it assists in paying the costs associated with repairing the car and any medical bills. Uninsured motorist coverage is often included as standard coverage in auto insurance policies, and it greatly assists the injured parties after a collision with an uninsured driver.
What is "stacking" uninsured motorist coverage?
This is a common question when shopping for an auto policy. Stacking uninsured motorist coverage means that you can use the combined limits of your uninsured motorist coverage on every vehicle on your policy, instead of just the limits for the damaged vehicle. You may also be able to stack coverages across policies if you’re an insured driver under a policy held by another member of your household, as well as on your own policy.
For example, if you have two vehicles on one policy, and each has uninsured motorist coverage of $50,000, you can stack those coverages to have $100,000 in coverage if you’re involved in a collision with an uninsured driver.
Some states automatically stack uninsured motorist coverage, while others don’t.[1].
You can purchase stacked coverage as an additional add-on to your policy if you live in a jurisdiction where uninsured motorist coverage is not stacked automatically. Stacking uninsured motorist coverage provides additional safeguards in a collision with an uninsured driver because it enables you to access the absolute limits of the insurance policy on each vehicle, rather than just the policy limit on one vehicle. However, as a consequence, your monthly payments for automobile insurance coverage increase.
Table of contents
- How does uninsured motorist coverage work?
- How to get uninsured motorist coverage quotes
- Do you need uninsured motorist coverage if you have health insurance?
- Which states require uninsured motorist coverage?
- How to calculate uninsured motorist coverage
- What types of vehicles need uninsured motorist coverage?
How does uninsured motorist coverage work?
Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of insurance coverage that covers the insured driver if they’re involved in a collision with a driver who doesn’t have car insurance. This insurance also applies if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run: a collision where a driver flees the accident scene without providing their insurance information.
The coverage pays for your medical bills and resulting damages if you have uninsured motorist coverage, up to the limitations of your policy. To file a claim under an uninsured motorist policy, you must first submit a claim with your insurance provider and provide proof of the collision, such as a police report or witness testimony.
Not all states require drivers to have uninsured motorist coverage.[2] But even if you live in a state that doesn’t mandate it, having uninsured motorist coverage is still a good idea. A collision with an uninsured driver can happen at any time.
What does uninsured motorist coverage cover?
Uninsured motorist coverage typically covers the following expenses:
Medical expenses: Your uninsured motorist policy will cover medical treatment for injuries incurred due to a collision with an uninsured motorist, including ambulance and hospital expenditures.
Property damage: Up to the policy’s limits, uninsured motorist coverage will cover the cost of repairs for your vehicle after an accident involving an uninsured driver.
Lost wages: This type of insurance even reimburses you for lost wages if you’re unable to work for a time after a wreck with an uninsured driver.
Pain and suffering: Scars aren’t the only trauma a driver may be left with after an accident involving an uninsured driver. Some policies will even cover pain and suffering that result from the injuries sustained from the accident.
It’s essential to be aware of the particular protections available to you through your uninsured motorist policy. Be sure to read the policy thoroughly so you know what it does and does not cover.
Does uninsured motorist insurance cover hit-and-run accidents?
Yes, uninsured motorist coverage typically covers hit-and-run accidents. Drivers with uninsured motorist coverage don’t need to worry if they have an accident with someone who is uninsured; their policy will pay for their medical treatment and car repairs.
The insured driver must submit the police report to their insurance carrier as soon as possible. These reports can include clues about the other driver, such as the vehicle make and model and witness statements. Most policies require this information to make a claim under an uninsured motorist policy after a hit-and-run accident.
How to get uninsured motorist coverage quotes
Here are a few different ways to get uninsured motorist coverage quotes:
Get in touch with an auto insurance company. If you have an existing policy, you can contact your insurance agent to add uninsured motorist coverage. Shopping around can be beneficial, too — sometimes competitors offer better deals. Once you find what looks like a good match, give them a call or visit their website to request a quote.
Use a website that provides insurance comparisons online. Many websites allow you to simultaneously compare uninsured motorist insurance quotes from different companies. Just enter your information, and the website will produce quotes from several insurers.
Employ the services of an insurance broker. An insurance broker is a trained specialist who assists drivers in locating the appropriate coverage at an affordable cost. Brokers can take into consideration your driving history to find the best match. They can even find discounted rates that aren’t publicly available.
It's smart to compare quotes from different insurers to choose the one that offers your required coverage at the best possible price. Pay close attention to the terms and restrictions of each policy. Every driver’s situation is unique, and not all uninsured motorist policies offer the same coverage.
What are the best insurance companies for uninsured motorist coverage?
The table below shows the best insurance companies for uninsured motorist coverage.
Insurance Company | Uninsured Motorist Coverage | Average Annual Cost | Average Monthly Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Progressive | Yes | $2,862 | $239 |
State Farm | Yes | $2,102 | $175 |
Geico | Yes | $2,138 | $178 |
Allstate | Yes | $2,545 | $212 |
USAA | Yes | $1,821 | $152 |
Liberty Mutual | Yes | $3,402 | $284 |
Farmers | Yes | $3,799 | $317 |
Nationwide | Yes | $2,184 | $182 |
Travelers | Yes | $2,064 | $172 |
When it comes to uninsured motorist coverage, USAA offers the lowest average cost overall. On an annual basis, its rates average around $1,821, or $152 per month. Keep in mind, though, USAA only serves active-duty military and their families, or veterans and their families. Just behind USAA are car insurance companies Travelers, State Farm, GEICO, and Nationwide. These four companies are all priced below $2,200 annually on average in uninsured motorist coverage rates. Other options include Liberty Mutual and Farmers, both of which are well over $3,000 in average annual costs.
Why do you need uninsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is the sort of policy that safeguards you if you’re involved in a collision with a driver who has no coverage or if you’ve been hit by a driver who flees the scene of the accident without providing insurance information. Without uninsured motorist coverage, you would be responsible for your own medical expenses and car repairs if you’re hit by an uninsured driver.
Uninsured motorist coverage is important for other reasons, too. First, it serves as a form of financial security. By covering your medical expenses, uninsured motorist coverage protects you from falling into financial difficulties after an accident with an uninsured driver. Second, some states require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage. Depending on where you live, you may need uninsured motorist coverage to legally drive in your state. The last benefit is that it assists in covering hit-and-run accidents, which is very helpful for people who reside in regions with a high rate of hit-and-run collisions. Uninsured motorist coverage, in general, is a good idea since it offers crucial protection in the event of a crash with an uninsured driver.
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Do you need uninsured motorist coverage if you have health insurance?
Yes, you still need to have uninsured motorist coverage on your policy even if you have health insurance. While your health insurance may pay for some or all your medical bills, it won’t cover other expenses — like pain and suffering, lost earnings, and damage to your vehicle — that can stem from being in a crash with an uninsured driver.
Which states require uninsured motorist coverage?
The table below shows which states require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, as well as the average annual and monthly cost of coverage in the state.
State | Average Annual Cost | Average Monthly Cost |
---|---|---|
Connecticut | $3,698 | $308 |
Illinois | $2,327 | $194 |
Kansas | $2,703 | $225 |
Maine | $2,124 | $177 |
Maryland | $4,353 | $363 |
Massachusetts | $2,240 | $187 |
Minnesota | $2,470 | $206 |
Missouri | $3,349 | $279 |
Nebraska | $2,746 | $229 |
New Hampshire | $1,274 | $106 |
New York | $5,609 | $467 |
North Carolina | $1,513 | $126 |
North Dakota | $2,180 | $182 |
Oregon | $2,972 | $248 |
South Carolina | $3,629 | $302 |
Vermont | $2,201 | $183 |
Virginia | $2,761 | $230 |
Washington, D.C. | $3,619 | $302 |
West Virginia | $2,795 | $233 |
Wisconsin | $2,525 | $210 |
New York, Maryland, and Connecticut have the highest monthly premiums. The higher insurance prices in these states aren’t necessarily because more uninsured drivers live there. Here’s a brief explanation of the reasons for the higher costs of uninsured motorist coverage in these states.
New York has the most costly monthly rate for this type of coverage.