In Florida, Mississippi, New Mexico, Tennessee and Michigan, more than 1 in 5 drivers lack insurance. While the statistics aren't that grim in all states, this underscores the need to protect your car and your passengers from uninsured drivers with the appropriate auto insurance coverage. Find out what
uninsured motorist coverage pays for and why you should consider adding it to your coverage.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Auto Insurance?
If you live in one of 30 states that don't require uninsured motorist coverage, you have to decide whether to add it to your auto insurance.
Uninsured motorist coverage, or UM, covers you if:
- You are not at fault for the accident
- The responsible driver is not insured with their own liability coverage
Uninsured motorist policies have two types of coverage:
- UM bodily injury kicks in to pay for your medical expenses in a crash caused by someone with no car insurance.
- UM property damage reimburses you for damage to your car, truck or other vehicle hit by a driver without insurance.
Twenty states and D.C. require UM, and many insurers bundle it into the policy with collision and comprehensive insurance.
Why You Should Consider Uninsured Motorist Car Insurance
As discussed, a high percentage of drivers get behind the wheel with no insurance. Many people who don't have insurance lost their coverage due to reckless driving. If you don't carry uninsured motorist coverage, you could end up paying the bill for your own medical treatment as well as the cost to repair your car.
How Much UM Coverage Do You Need?
As a rule of thumb, some insurers suggest getting the same UM coverage as liability coverage — at least $15,000. It your state required UM coverage, then you will need at least the coverage required of you.
What Uninsured Motorist Policies Include
Here are some examples of events covered by UM policies:
- An uninsured driver hits you due to their own negligence and damages your car. Your uninsured motorist coverage pays for the damages.
- You are the victim of a hit and run driver, who is never found. Because you don't know who hit you, your UM insurance would pay for damages and other costs related to the accident.
- Someone steals a car then hits your vehicle. This collision triggers the uninsured motorist clause because the stolen car is not insured.
Talk to your insurance agent at 405.224.1000 about uninsured motorist policies and other auto insurance options.
Also Read: Will Auto Insurance Provide Coverage for a Fire in the Garage?