Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Claim Basics & Steps
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Last updated on November 30, 2025
Facing a Claim with an Uninsured Driver? Here’s What You Need to Know
Author
John Stevenson
— licensed insurance agent
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Policy details and laws vary by state, so always review your own policy and consult a licensed professional about your situation.
Finding yourself in a collision with an uninsured driver can be a stressful, confusing experience. On top of the shock of the accident, you may suddenly be wondering who will pay for your medical bills, lost income, and repairs if the other driver doesn’t have insurance at all.
In situations like these, knowing your rights and how uninsured motorist coverage works can make a huge difference. The steps you take in the minutes, days, and weeks after the crash can either protect your finances or leave you shouldering costs you weren’t expecting.
One of the best ways to prepare is to secure strong uninsured motorist coverage before an accident ever happens. With the right protection in place, you can navigate an uninsured motorist claim more confidently and reduce the long-term impact on your budget.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is designed to step in when you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t carry the legally required auto insurance. In many policies, it can help pay for:
- Medical expenses for you and your passengers
- Lost wages if you can’t work because of your injuries
- Pain and suffering or other non-economic damages, where allowed
- Damage to your vehicle and personal property (if you have UM property damage coverage)
Some policies also cover hit-and-run accidents under uninsured motorist coverage, especially when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. Coverage rules and names can vary by state and company, so it’s important to read your policy carefully and ask your agent to walk you through how your UM coverage works.
The Importance of Securing Coverage Before an Accident
Having uninsured motorist coverage in place before an accident occurs doesn’t just protect you financially—it also gives you peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel. Instead of wondering how you’ll pay for medical care or a replacement vehicle, you know you have a safety net in case the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance.
Many drivers underestimate how common uninsured motorists are in their area or assume that “full coverage” automatically includes UM protection. In reality, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may be optional in your state, and you may need to actively choose it when setting up or renewing your policy.
If you’re also trying to keep your premiums affordable, it can help to review broader options for budget-friendly auto coverage. You can explore affordable car insurance solutions that still include important protections like UM coverage, so you’re not trading away essential protection just to save a few dollars.
Who Pays After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver?
When the at-fault driver has no insurance, the question most people ask is simple: “Who pays for all of this?” The answer depends on the coverage you already have and the details of the crash. Here’s a simplified overview:
| Your Situation | How Costs Are Typically Handled |
|---|---|
| You have uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage | Your UM coverage can pay for medical bills, lost wages, and related injury costs up to your policy limits. |
| You also have uninsured motorist property damage or collision coverage | Your vehicle repairs may be covered (often subject to a deductible) even if the other driver has no insurance. |
| You have no UM coverage | You may have to rely on collision coverage, health insurance, or potentially sue the at-fault driver, who may not have the resources to pay. |
| You’re partially at fault | How costs are split can depend on state fault rules (like comparative or contributory negligence) and your policy wording. |
Your insurance company may still pursue the at-fault driver to recover what they paid on your claim, a process known as subrogation. However, this happens behind the scenes in most cases, and there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to collect.
Steps to Take If You’ve Had an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
If you’re involved in a crash and discover the other driver doesn’t have insurance, the steps you take at the scene can strongly affect your claim. Here’s a practical checklist:
- Put safety first. Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Call the police. Ask for an officer to come to the scene and make an official report. Make sure the report notes that the other driver has no insurance or refused to provide proof.
- Do not accept off-the-books “cash deals.” A driver without insurance may offer you money in exchange for not calling the police. This can hurt your ability to file a claim later.
- Gather evidence. Take photos of vehicle damage, license plates, the intersection or roadway, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Note weather and road conditions.
- Exchange information. Get the other driver’s name, contact details, and driver’s license number, even if they don’t have an insurance card.
- Collect witness details. If anyone saw the crash, ask for their name and contact information. Their statement could support your claim.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel “mostly fine,” some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms. A medical record can also support your claim.
- Notify your insurance company promptly. Report the accident as soon as you can and let them know the other driver was uninsured.
Keep all receipts, medical records, and notes about time missed from work. This documentation can help your insurer evaluate your claim more accurately.
How to File an Uninsured Motorist Claim
Filing an uninsured motorist claim is usually similar to any other auto claim, but it’s especially important to be clear and thorough. In general, you’ll:
- Contact your insurance company and report the accident as soon as possible
- Provide the claim representative with the police report number and any photos or videos you captured
- Share contact information for witnesses and a detailed description of how the crash happened
- Submit copies of medical bills, repair estimates, and proof of lost wages, if applicable
Your insurer will review your policy to confirm whether uninsured motorist coverage applies and may ask you for a recorded statement. If you have any questions or feel unsure about the process, ask your adjuster to walk you through each step, and consider speaking with an attorney if your injuries are serious or liability is disputed.
Potential Financial Repercussions without the Right Coverage
Accidents involving uninsured drivers can quickly become expensive. Without appropriate coverage, you may be left paying for:
- Emergency care, follow-up appointments, and rehabilitation
- Ongoing medication or treatment for long-term injuries
- Repairs or replacement of your vehicle and damaged personal property
- Lost wages if you can’t work during recovery
In some cases, you might be able to sue the at-fault driver. However, if they don’t have assets or income to collect from, a lawsuit may not realistically recover your losses. That’s why it’s so important to build protection into your policy ahead of time.
To better understand the broader risks of driving without adequate coverage, you can also review the
financial impacts of driving uninsured
and how those costs can follow you long after the accident.
Securing Adequate Coverage for Future Safety
The best time to protect yourself from an uninsured driver is before an accident happens. When reviewing your auto policy, consider:
- Whether you have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage at all
- How your UM limits compare to your liability limits
- Whether you have UM property damage coverage or rely on collision coverage for your car
- Deductibles you would need to pay before coverage kicks in
A quick conversation with a licensed insurance agent can help you understand how different coverage levels would affect your premiums and your out-of-pocket costs in a worst-case scenario. It’s a good idea to review your policy at least once a year, or after major life changes such as moving, buying a new car, or adding a teen driver.
Customer Experience with Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Many policyholders say uninsured motorist coverage gave them crucial financial and emotional relief at a time when they felt most vulnerable. Instead of fighting with an uninsured driver on their own, they were able to work directly with their insurer to get their car repaired and medical bills paid.
“Having uninsured motorist coverage saved me from a financial disaster after an accident. My insurance company guided me through everything and made the process easier.”
Expert Insights on Uninsured Motorist Coverage
“It’s vital for drivers to understand their coverage options fully. Uninsured motorist coverage can provide significant financial relief in stressful situations, especially when the at-fault driver has no way to pay for the damage they caused.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Uninsured Motorist Claims
Do I have to sue the uninsured driver to use my uninsured motorist coverage?
In many cases, you can file a claim directly with your own insurance company under your uninsured motorist coverage without suing the other driver. However, you may still have legal options against the at-fault driver. Laws vary by state, so speak with a local attorney if you’re unsure about your rights.
Does uninsured motorist coverage apply to hit-and-run accidents?
Many policies treat a hit-and-run driver as “uninsured” if their identity is unknown, but there may be specific conditions, such as promptly reporting the incident to the police. Always review your policy wording and ask your insurer how hit-and-run crashes are handled under your coverage.
Will my premiums go up if I file an uninsured motorist claim?
Rate changes after a claim depend on several factors: your insurance company’s underwriting guidelines, your state’s regulations, your claim history, and who was found at fault. Because you’re still making a claim under your policy, it’s possible your rates could change, but your insurer or agent can explain how they handle UM claims in more detail.
How long do I have to file an uninsured motorist claim?
Deadlines for filing UM claims are often tied to your policy terms and state law. In general, it’s best to notify your insurer as soon as possible after the accident and cooperate with any requests for documentation. If you’re worried about time limits, consider getting legal advice right away.
Conclusion
Facing a claim with an uninsured driver can be daunting, but understanding your coverage and taking the right steps can significantly reduce stress. Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you when the other driver doesn’t carry insurance, helping pay for medical care, lost wages, and vehicle repairs when you need it most.
Take a few minutes to review your current policy, confirm whether uninsured motorist coverage is included, and make sure your limits are high enough to protect your finances. A short conversation with a licensed agent today can provide long-term peace of mind every time you drive.