There are different types of Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage available in the various states within the US. Typically though when one speaks about Uninsured Motorist coverage they are referring to the one that covers Bodily Injury (UMBI or UM). This is Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage and it covers "you" if you are hit by someone that doesn't have sufficient liability coverage.

There is also Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) which is available in a handful of states. It is usually supplemental or duplicates Physical Damage coverage (Collision). So it will depend upon the type of UM coverage you have whether it covers you, the car or both (if you have both coverages).

We will explain both types of coverages for you here.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UM) typically covers you, the insured members of your household and your passengers for bodily/personal injuries, damages or death caused by an at-fault uninsured or hit-and-run driver. If you are involved in an accident where the other driver is at fault but has no insurance, your policy will cover your medical expenses, up to the limit on your policy. The coverage limits refer to the maximum amount that will be paid per person, per incident, respectively.

Some states have Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury and they offer a separate Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury. Typically, it is combined and just considered UM.

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) normally covers your auto when property damage is sustained by an insured and the negligent operator does not possess insurance. If you do not have Collision coverage, Uninsured Motorist Property Damage coverage pays up to a certain amount for repairs to the insured car (some states have limits at $3500, some are lower and some are higher). If you have Collision coverage, Uninsured Motorist Property Damage coverage only pays your Collision deductible (in some states).

Some states require Uninsured Motorist coverage while others do not require that you add it to your policy but do mandate insurance companies offer you Uninsured Motorist coverage. In these states that require you to be offered UM coverages you normally have to refuse in writing the coverages if you do not want them added to your policy. Uninsured Motorist Property Damage is not available in all states so to protect your car in states that do not have UMPD as an optional coverage you can get Collision coverage to protect your car.

Your state's insurance regulator can give you information on if Uninsured Motorist coverage is mandatory or optional in your state. Uninsured Motorist coverages differ from state to state depending upon state insurance laws so if you want UM coverages that cover both you and your vehicle you will need to see if this is possible in your specific state.