How to Add Uninsured Motorist Coverage to an Existing Policy
Adding uninsured motorist coverage to an existing auto insurance policy can help protect you and your passengers if an at-fault driver has no insurance, leaves the scene, or does not have enough insurance in certain situations, depending on your state and policy terms.
NAIC reports that 15.4% of U.S. motorists were uninsured in 2023, or about one in seven drivers [1]. IRC also reported that 18.0% of drivers were underinsured in 2023, meaning they had insurance but not enough coverage to fully pay for losses they caused [2].
Before changing your policy, compare uninsured vs. underinsured motorist coverage, review uninsured motorist coverage costs, and get help with uninsured motorist coverage quote options.
What Uninsured Motorist Coverage Adds to Your Policy
Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to help when another driver causes a covered accident but has no liability insurance. Depending on state rules and your policy, it may also apply to certain hit-and-run accidents. Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their limits are too low to cover your losses.
NAIC explains that uninsured motorist coverage reimburses you if an uninsured or hit-and-run driver hits you, while underinsured motorist coverage pays when the at-fault driver’s coverage is not enough to pay your total loss [4].
UMBI
Uninsured motorist bodily injury may help with covered medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and related injury damages for you and passengers.
UIMBI
Underinsured motorist bodily injury may help when the at-fault driver has liability insurance, but not enough to pay the full covered injury claim.
UMPD
Uninsured motorist property damage may help repair your vehicle in some states, though availability and deductibles vary.
How to Check Whether You Already Have UM Coverage
Before adding anything, review your declarations page. Look for labels such as “Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury,” “Underinsured Motorist,” “UM/UIM,” “UMPD,” or “Uninsured Motorist Property Damage.” Some policies list UM and UIM separately, while others combine them.
If you do not see the coverage, ask your insurer whether you previously rejected it, whether your state requires a signed rejection form, and whether you can add it mid-policy. You should also ask whether adding the coverage changes only the premium or also requires a new policy endorsement.
Where to look
Check your declarations page, policy endorsements, online account coverage summary, renewal offer, or quote documents.
What to confirm
Confirm bodily injury limits, property damage limits, deductibles, stacking rules, hit-and-run rules, and whether UIM is included.
Step-by-Step: How to Add UM Coverage to an Existing Policy
Adding uninsured motorist coverage is usually straightforward, but the details matter. You want the correct coverage type, appropriate limits, clear effective date, and written proof that the change was added.
Review your policy
Check your current limits, deductibles, state-required coverage, and whether UM/UIM already appears on your declarations page.
Request options
Ask your insurer for UM, UIM, and UMPD options with several limit choices and the premium difference for each.
Choose limits
Compare UM/UIM limits with your liability limits, savings, income, passengers, vehicle value, and health insurance situation.
Confirm in writing
Ask for the effective date, updated declarations page, endorsement, total premium change, and payment impact.
How Much Does It Cost to Add Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
The cost depends on your state, insurer, selected limits, vehicle, driver profile, claims history, and whether you add bodily injury, property damage, or underinsured motorist protection. Forbes Advisor lists average annual costs of $136 for uninsured motorist bodily injury, $90 for underinsured motorist bodily injury, and $36 for uninsured motorist property damage [3].
Your actual quote may be higher or lower. The important comparison is the premium increase versus the possible cost of medical bills, lost wages, repairs, deductibles, and legal recovery efforts after a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
| Coverage added | Typical purpose | Cost factor to review |
|---|---|---|
| UMBI | Helps with covered injuries when an uninsured driver causes the accident. | Limit per person and per accident. |
| UIMBI | Helps when the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough liability coverage. | Whether UIM is separate, combined, or automatically included. |
| UMPD | May help repair your vehicle after a covered uninsured-driver accident. | Availability, deductible, and whether collision coverage overlaps. |
| Higher UM/UIM limits | Provides more protection after serious injuries or larger losses. | Premium difference between minimum limits and stronger limits. |
Choosing the Right UM/UIM Limits
Many drivers compare UM/UIM bodily injury limits with their bodily injury liability limits. For example, if you carry higher liability limits to protect others when you cause an accident, you may also want stronger UM/UIM limits to protect yourself and your passengers when another driver has no insurance or too little insurance.
Limit factors to consider
- Your state’s minimum UM/UIM requirements.
- Your bodily injury liability limits.
- How many passengers you regularly carry.
- Your health insurance deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.
- Your savings cushion after a serious accident.
- Your income and risk of wage loss after an injury.
- Whether you live in an area with higher uninsured-driver risk.
Do not compare only the monthly price
A low-cost add-on with very low limits may not provide enough protection after a serious crash. Ask for several limit options and compare the annual cost difference before deciding.
State Rules Can Change Your Options
Uninsured motorist rules vary widely. Some states require UM/UIM coverage, some require insurers to offer it, and some allow drivers to reject it in writing. NAIC notes that UM/UIM requirements, coverage options, and auto insurance rules are state-specific [5].
This is why two drivers in different states may see very different options. One driver may have UM automatically included unless rejected, while another may need to ask for it as an optional add-on.
Required states
Your policy may need UM/UIM limits that meet state rules before the policy can be issued.
Offer-required states
The insurer may need to offer UM/UIM, but you may be allowed to reject or choose different limits.
Optional states
You may need to request the coverage and compare available limits, deductibles, and premium changes.
UM Coverage vs. Collision, Health Insurance, MedPay, and PIP
Uninsured motorist coverage does not replace every other coverage. It works differently from collision, comprehensive, medical payments, personal injury protection, and health insurance. Understanding the difference helps you avoid gaps and duplicate assumptions.
| Coverage | What it may help with | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| UMBI | Covered injuries, lost wages, and related damages after a covered uninsured-driver accident. | Usually does not repair your car unless property damage coverage is included separately. |
| UMPD | Vehicle damage caused by an uninsured driver in states where it is available. | May have a deductible and may not be available in every state. |
| Collision | Damage to your vehicle after a crash, regardless of whether the other driver is insured. | Usually requires a deductible and does not cover bodily injury. |
| Health insurance | Some medical treatment costs after an injury. | May not cover lost wages, pain and suffering, passengers, or vehicle damage. |
| MedPay or PIP | Medical expenses and sometimes related costs, depending on state and policy. | Coordination with UM/UIM varies by state and insurer. |
For more background, review the financial impact of driving uninsured and the real costs of driving uninsured.
When Adding UM Coverage Is Especially Worth Considering
Every driver’s needs are different, but uninsured motorist coverage can be especially valuable when you drive often, commute daily, carry passengers, live in a state with higher uninsured-driver rates, have limited emergency savings, or depend on your car for work or school.
Strong reasons to add it
- You regularly carry family members or passengers.
- You drive in high-traffic areas.
- Your state has a high uninsured-driver rate.
- You could not easily absorb medical bills or lost wages.
- You want protection beyond another driver’s liability coverage.
Questions before declining
- Would health insurance cover all accident-related costs?
- Could you afford lost income after an injury?
- Would collision coverage repair your car?
- Does your state require a written rejection?
- Would low limits be enough after a serious crash?
How to Confirm the Policy Change Was Added Correctly
After you request uninsured motorist coverage, do not rely only on a phone conversation. Ask for written confirmation. Your updated declarations page should show the added coverage, selected limits, effective date, premium change, and any deductible that applies.
| Document or detail | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Updated declarations page | Shows the official coverage listed on your policy. | UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD, limits, vehicles, and drivers. |
| Effective date | Confirms when the added coverage begins. | No gap between request and active coverage. |
| Premium change | Shows how much the add-on changes your bill. | Monthly, six-month, and annual total cost. |
| Endorsement | Explains the policy change and any special terms. | Exclusions, deductibles, stacking rules, and claim conditions. |
| Rejection form | Important if you previously rejected UM/UIM coverage. | Whether a new selection or signed form is required. |
How a UM Claim Usually Works
If you are hit by an uninsured driver, the claim usually starts with reporting the accident to your insurer. You may need to provide police information, photos, medical records, repair estimates, witness details, and any proof that the other driver had no insurance or left the scene.
Report quickly
Notify your insurer as soon as possible and ask what documents are needed for a UM or UIM claim.
Document the loss
Save photos, medical bills, repair estimates, police reports, claim numbers, and letters from insurers.
Follow deadlines
Policy deadlines, state claim rules, and proof requirements can affect whether a claim is accepted.
FAQ: Adding Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Can I add uninsured motorist coverage to my existing policy?
Usually yes, but availability depends on your insurer, state rules, current policy, and whether UM/UIM was previously rejected. Contact your insurer and ask for a quote to add the coverage.
Does uninsured motorist coverage pay for car repairs?
Only if your policy includes uninsured motorist property damage and your state allows it. Otherwise, collision coverage may be the coverage that helps repair your vehicle after a crash.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required?
It depends on your state. Some states require it, some require insurers to offer it, and others allow drivers to reject it or choose optional limits.
How much does it cost to add uninsured motorist coverage?
The cost varies by insurer, state, driver profile, and selected limits. Forbes Advisor lists average annual costs of $136 for UMBI, $90 for UIMBI, and $36 for UMPD, but your quote may differ.
Should my UM limits match my liability limits?
Many drivers compare UM/UIM limits with bodily injury liability limits. Matching them can be a practical starting point, but your budget, state rules, passengers, income, and savings also matter.
Will adding UM coverage change my whole policy?
It usually adds an endorsement or updates your declarations page. Ask for written confirmation showing the new limits, effective date, premium change, and any deductible.
Final Thoughts
Adding uninsured motorist coverage to an existing policy can be a smart way to strengthen your protection against drivers who have no insurance, too little insurance, or leave the scene in covered situations. The coverage may add to your premium, but it can also reduce the financial shock of medical bills, lost wages, and other losses after a serious accident.
The best move is to check your current declarations page, ask your insurer for UM, UIM, and UMPD options, compare limits, and confirm the change in writing. Review the total cost, not just the monthly increase, and make sure the coverage fits your state rules and personal risk.
References
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Insurance Topics: Uninsured Motorists, including 2023 uninsured motorist estimates and state variation. Source↩
- Insurance Research Council, Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists: 2017–2023, including 2023 uninsured and underinsured motorist trends. Source↩
- Forbes Advisor, What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?, including average annual cost estimates for UMBI, UIMBI, and UMPD. Source↩
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, What You Should Know About Auto Insurance Coverage, including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage definitions. Source↩
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Auto Insurance consumer information, including auto coverage areas, underwriting, rating, and coverage shopping considerations. Source↩