Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage When Hit by an Uninsured Driver

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough. It becomes even more complicated when the other driver does not have insurance. In these situations, uninsured motorist coverage can be a crucial protection that helps you recover costs and damages. This post explains what uninsured motorist coverage is, how it works, and why it matters if you are hit by an uninsured driver.

Damaged car after collision with uninsured driver

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What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of auto insurance that protects you if you get into an accident with a driver who does not have any insurance. It can cover medical expenses, property damage, and sometimes lost wages or pain and suffering caused by the accident.

This coverage is designed to fill the gap when the at-fault driver cannot pay for the damages because they lack insurance. It acts as a safety net to ensure you are not left with the financial burden after an accident.

Why Uninsured Motorist Coverage Matters

Many drivers on the road do not carry insurance, despite legal requirements in most states. According to the Insurance Research Council, about 1 in 8 drivers in the U.S. is uninsured. This means the risk of being hit by an uninsured driver is real and significant.

Without uninsured motorist coverage, you might have to pay out of pocket for:

• Medical bills

• Car repairs or replacement

• Lost income if you cannot work

• Other accident-related expenses

  
  

Having this coverage means you can avoid these financial risks and get the help you need to recover.

What Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Typically Include?

Uninsured motorist coverage usually has two main parts:

1. Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI)

This part covers your medical expenses and those of your passengers if you are injured by an uninsured driver. It can also cover pain and suffering or lost wages related to the injury.

2. Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)

This covers damage to your vehicle or other property caused by the uninsured driver. Not all policies include this automatically, so you may need to add it separately.

Some states require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, while others make it optional. The coverage limits and rules vary by state and insurance company.

How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works in Practice

Imagine you are driving and another car runs a red light, hitting your vehicle. You call the police and find out the other driver has no insurance. Without uninsured motorist coverage, you would have to pay for your medical bills and car repairs yourself.

If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company. Your insurer will cover your damages up to your policy limits. They may then try to recover the costs from the at-fault driver through legal means, but your immediate expenses are covered.

What Uninsured Motorist Coverage Does Not Cover

While this coverage is helpful, it has limits. It generally does not cover:

• Damage caused by a hit-and-run driver unless your policy includes specific hit-and-run coverage

• Damage to other people’s property (like another car or a fence)

• Injuries or damages if you were at fault in the accident

• Damage to your vehicle if you only have bodily injury uninsured motorist coverage

  
  

Understanding these limits helps you know when you might need additional coverage or legal help.

How to Make Sure You Are Properly Covered

To protect yourself fully, consider these steps:

• Check your policy to see if you have uninsured motorist coverage and what limits apply.

• Ask your insurer if your policy includes uninsured motorist property damage.

• Compare coverage limits to your potential expenses. Higher limits offer more protection but may cost more.

• Consider underinsured motorist coverage, which protects you if the other driver has insurance but not enough to cover all damages.

• Review state laws about uninsured motorist coverage requirements and protections.

  
  

Common Questions About Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Can I file a claim with my insurance if the other driver is uninsured?

Yes. Uninsured motorist coverage allows you to file a claim with your own insurer to cover your damages.

Will my insurance rates go up if I use uninsured motorist coverage?

Typically, your rates should not increase because you were not at fault. However, insurance companies vary, so check with your provider.

What if the uninsured driver cannot pay after my insurer covers me?

Your insurer may pursue the uninsured driver to recover costs, but this does not affect your claim or coverage.

Does uninsured motorist coverage apply if I am hit as a pedestrian or cyclist?

In many cases, yes. This coverage often protects you if you are injured by an uninsured driver while not in a vehicle.

Real-Life Example

Sarah was driving home when a car ran a stop sign and hit her. The other driver admitted they had no insurance. Sarah’s uninsured motorist coverage paid for her hospital bills and car repairs. Without this coverage, Sarah would have faced thousands of dollars in expenses.

Final Thoughts

Uninsured motorist coverage is a vital part of your auto insurance that protects you from financial loss when the other driver lacks insurance. It covers medical bills, vehicle damage, and other costs that could otherwise leave you struggling after an accident.

Review your insurance policy today to make sure you have adequate uninsured motorist coverage. Being prepared means you can focus on recovery, not on how to pay for damages caused by an uninsured driver. If you are unsure about your coverage, contact your insurance agent for clear answers and peace of mind.