BY SOLO INSURANCE® [Jan 2021 Updated Jan 2026]
Even if your state does not mandate Uninsured Motorist coverage, adding it makes sense (and can save you dollars). If your own auto insurance policy includes it, then you may have a solution when an uninsured motorist upsets your life. Learn more about this important auto insurance coverage here.
Can you protect yourself from uninsured motorists?
Though accidents happen, there are ways to protect yourself from uninsured motorists. As much as possible, paying attention to potential dangers is the best way. Avoid the issue. Auto insurance Uninsured Motorist coverage offers another way to protect yourself but after the issue happened.
Here are some items to consider:
- Most states have mandatory car insurance laws (49 of the 50). They require vehicles registered in their state and/or drivers to carry a minimum amount of car insurance. Drivers face penalties if caught driving uninsured. Only some of these states include an Uninsured Motorist requirement but not all.
- Just because you obey the law doesn’t mean everyone else does.
- If you get into an accident with an uninsured driver, they may not be able to cover the damage they caused. Or worse, they flee the scene leaving you stranded, responsible for repairing the damage yourself.
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What is Uninsured Motorist [UM] coverage?
UM coverage helps protect you and the people in your car. If you’re involved in an accident caused by a driver without car insurance and get injured, it helps. How? Simply put, the other driver causes an accident and has no insurance, so you’re stuck footing the bill. Please note, most often, UM is just Bodily Injury coverage (UMBI) which does not cover physical property, like cars. Some states allow Property Damage (UMPD) but often it’s waived. Buyer beware. Never assume.
- IMPORTANT: Do not assume Uninsured Motorist covers bodily injury and damage to vehicles. Ask your agent what UM covers in your state and your policy specifically. If you need help, contact the experienced, trusted agents at Solo Insurance®.
Why do you need the UM benefit?
If you and the people covered by your car insurance policy are never going to be involved in an accident, you don’t need UM. But who can know for sure? Just in case, here are four things to think over:
- First of all, according to industry estimates (NAIC, The National Association of Insurance Commissioners), about 1 in 7 drivers drove uninsured in 2023. Do you think it’s gotten better? Not likely. So, every time you’re on the road there’s a real chance other drivers don’t have car insurance coverage.
- Secondly, many states do not require Uninsured Motorist because they mandate Liability coverage. People use their liability insurance coverage if they cause an accident. In a perfect world, everyone is insured and the coverage is available. Yet, as previously noted, not all drivers drive legally.
- Thirdly, sometimes the at-fault driver flees the scene leaving you behind to deal with the mess. Without UM, you don’t have a way to claim your bodily injury. But, by carrying the added benefit of Uninsured Motorist coverage on your own policy, you have a place to turn.
- Fourthly, when it’s not a requirement, if you need it, it’s too late to get it.
To sum up
UM allows you to make a claim on your own insurance for car wreck injuries caused by someone uninsured. It may also provide vehicle protection in some states or policies. However, vehicle damage coverage is not always available or included. You can only buy your own auto insurance. You can’t buy coverage for the distracted driver in the car next to you. Therefore, it’s best to take responsibility for yourself and passengers by improving your auto policy with Uninsured Motorist coverage. Plus, by spending a few dollars more on your car insurance, you could potentially save thousands down the road. It’s worth thinking about.
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