As a general definition Uninsured Motorist is there to help protect you if you are hit by an uninsured motorist, meaning someone that does not have insurance to cover the injuries (or if it is UMPD it covers property damages) caused to you, so that you are not left to pay personally or sue for the damages someone else caused you.

There are different types of uninsured motorist (UM) available in some states. Some states have Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury and they offer a separate Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury. Typically, it is combined and just considered UM.

The other is Uninsured Motorist Property Damage which is available in a handful of states. It is usually supplemental or duplicates Physical Damage coverage.

In general when people refer to uninsured motorist they are talking about bodily injury (UMBI - referred to as UM). We will explain both types of coverages though 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.

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 (UMPD) 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 uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory or optional in your state. The state insurance regulatory office or an auto insurance agent can also explain what uninsured motorist specifically covers in your state since there can be differences in coverage from state to state depending upon state insurance laws.

Each state has its financial responsibility laws or minimum auto insurance requirements. Once you have determined what coverages you want to place on your vehicle whether just your state’s minimum requirements or want to add on optional coverages for more protection you can get a free auto insurance quotes here with us.