Compare Uninsured Motorist Coverage Plans
Comparing uninsured motorist coverage plans helps you choose protection for accidents caused by drivers with no insurance, hit-and-run drivers in covered situations, or drivers whose liability limits are too low to pay for your losses.
According to NAIC and Insurance Research Council data, 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, which means they had liability insurance but not enough coverage to fully pay for injury losses they caused [2].
Before choosing limits, compare uninsured vs. underinsured motorist coverage, review uninsured motorist coverage costs, and learn how to add uninsured motorist coverage to an existing policy.
What Uninsured Motorist Coverage Does
Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to help when an at-fault driver has no insurance. Depending on your state and policy, it may also apply to certain hit-and-run accidents. The coverage can help with covered injury-related losses, and in some states a separate property damage version may help repair your vehicle.
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 [3].
UMBI
Uninsured motorist bodily injury may help pay covered medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and related injury damages.
UIMBI
Underinsured motorist bodily injury may help when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their limits are too low.
UMPD
Uninsured motorist property damage may help repair your car in some states, subject to policy terms and possible deductibles.
UM vs. UIM: Why Both Matter
Many drivers focus only on uninsured drivers, but underinsured drivers can also create a major financial problem. A driver may legally carry state minimum liability coverage, yet still not have enough insurance to cover serious injuries, long-term treatment, or lost income after a crash.
IRC explains that underinsured motorists are drivers who purchased auto liability insurance but cause an accident where injury costs exceed their chosen liability limits [2]. That is why comparing UM and UIM together can be smarter than looking at uninsured coverage alone.
Uninsured motorist coverage
Protects against drivers with no insurance, and sometimes hit-and-run drivers, depending on state and policy terms.
Underinsured motorist coverage
Protects when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are not enough for your covered losses.
How to Compare Uninsured Motorist Coverage Plans
To compare plans properly, use the same driver, vehicle, ZIP code, liability limits, and deductible assumptions across quotes. Then compare UM/UIM line items separately so you know what each insurer is actually offering.
| Comparison point | Why it matters | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| UMBI limits | Limits determine the maximum bodily injury protection available after a covered uninsured-driver crash. | Can I match my bodily injury liability limits? |
| UIMBI limits | Protects against drivers who have insurance but not enough insurance. | Is UIM included, separate, or unavailable? |
| UMPD | May help with vehicle repairs after a crash with an uninsured driver. | Is property damage included, optional, or unavailable in my state? |
| Deductible | Some property damage claims may include a deductible. | Does UMPD have a deductible, and how does it compare with collision? |
| Hit-and-run rules | Some policies require police reports or physical contact for hit-and-run claims. | What proof is required for a hit-and-run UM claim? |
| Stacking rules | Some states and policies allow or prohibit stacking limits across vehicles. | Are limits stackable, and does stacking cost extra? |
How Much Does UM/UIM Coverage Cost?
The cost of uninsured motorist coverage depends on your state, insurer, selected limits, driving history, vehicle, 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 [4].
Your actual premium can be higher or lower. The better comparison is the added annual cost versus the potential cost of medical bills, lost wages, repair bills, and legal recovery after a crash with a driver who has no insurance or too little insurance.
Low-limit plan
May be cheaper, but it may not provide enough protection after a serious injury claim.
Matched-limit plan
Often compares UM/UIM limits with your bodily injury liability limits for more balanced protection.
Enhanced plan
May include higher limits, UIM, UMPD, stacking where allowed, or broader claim features.
State Requirements and Rejection Rules
UM/UIM coverage is handled differently across the United States. Some states require it, some require insurers to offer it, and some allow drivers to reject it in writing. Some states also treat uninsured motorist property damage separately from uninsured motorist bodily injury.
NAIC’s auto insurance consumer guidance explains that most states require some insurance coverage to drive legally and that auto insurance can be divided into liability and property damage areas [5]. UM/UIM requirements should always be verified with your state and insurer.
| State rule type | What it can mean | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Required UM/UIM | Your policy may need the coverage before it can be issued. | Minimum required limits and whether UIM is included. |
| Must be offered | The insurer must offer coverage, but you may be able to reject or select lower limits. | Whether rejection must be written or signed. |
| Optional coverage | You may need to request the coverage yourself. | Available limits, cost, and claim conditions. |
| UMPD-specific rules | Property damage coverage may be separate, unavailable, or subject to a deductible. | How UMPD works with collision coverage. |
Common Myths About Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Misunderstanding UM/UIM coverage can lead drivers to reject protection they may later wish they had. These myths are common when comparing plans.
Myth: Health insurance makes UM unnecessary
Health insurance may help with medical bills, but it may not cover lost wages, pain and suffering, passengers, vehicle damage, or all accident-related costs.
Myth: Safe drivers do not need UM
UM coverage protects you from other drivers’ insurance decisions, not just your own driving habits.
Myth: All UM plans are the same
Limits, deductibles, UMPD availability, hit-and-run rules, stacking, and exclusions can vary widely.
Myth: Minimum UM limits are always enough
Minimum limits may help with smaller losses but may not be enough after serious injuries or multiple injured passengers.
How to Choose the Right Limits
Many drivers start by comparing UM/UIM bodily injury limits with their bodily injury liability limits. If you want strong protection for others when you cause an accident, it can also make sense to consider strong protection for yourself and passengers when another driver causes the crash.
Check current limits
Review your declarations page and see whether UM, UIM, or UMPD already appears.
Request options
Ask for several UM/UIM limit levels so you can compare cost differences.
Review risk
Consider passengers, commute, income, savings, health insurance, and uninsured-driver rates in your area.
Confirm terms
Ask for written proof of limits, deductibles, effective date, exclusions, and any rejection forms.
Claims Process: What Happens After an Uninsured Driver Accident?
If you are hit by an uninsured driver, your insurer may ask for police information, photos, medical documentation, repair estimates, witness details, and proof that the other driver was uninsured or fled the scene. Policy deadlines and state requirements can affect the claim.
Report quickly
Notify your insurer as soon as possible and ask which coverage applies to the loss.
Document everything
Keep photos, police reports, medical bills, repair estimates, receipts, and claim notes.
Follow deadlines
UM/UIM claims may have notice rules, proof requirements, and time limits.
For more claim help, review what to do after an accident with an uninsured driver and uninsured motorist claim basics.
FAQ: Comparing Uninsured Motorist Coverage Plans
What does uninsured motorist coverage usually cover?
Uninsured motorist bodily injury may help with covered medical bills, lost wages, and injury-related damages. Uninsured motorist property damage may help with vehicle repairs in some states.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in every state?
No. Some states require it, some require insurers to offer it, and others make it optional. Check your state rules and policy documents before rejecting or lowering coverage.
Should I choose uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?
Many drivers compare both together because uninsured coverage protects against drivers with no insurance, while underinsured coverage helps when the at-fault driver has too little insurance.
How much does uninsured motorist coverage cost?
Forbes Advisor lists average annual costs of $136 for UMBI, $90 for UIMBI, and $36 for UMPD. Your actual cost depends on state, insurer, limits, and driver profile.
Can I add UM coverage to my existing policy?
Usually yes, depending on your insurer, state rules, and policy terms. Ask your insurer for an updated quote and written confirmation once the coverage is added.
Does collision coverage replace UMPD?
Not exactly. Collision may repair your vehicle after a crash regardless of the other driver’s insurance, usually with a deductible. UMPD is state-specific and may work differently.
Bottom Line
Comparing uninsured motorist coverage plans is about more than checking whether the coverage exists. You should compare UMBI, UIMBI, UMPD, limits, deductibles, state rules, hit-and-run conditions, stacking rules, claim requirements, and total premium changes.
With uninsured and underinsured drivers still representing a real risk on U.S. roads, UM/UIM coverage can be a relatively affordable way to strengthen your auto insurance protection. Review your declarations page, ask for several limit options, and confirm any policy changes in writing.
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↩
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, What You Should Know About Auto Insurance Coverage, including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage definitions. Source↩
- Forbes Advisor, What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?, including average annual cost estimates for UMBI, UIMBI, and UMPD. Source↩
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Auto Insurance consumer information, including auto insurance coverage areas, underwriting, rating, and shopping considerations. Source↩