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Uninsured motorist coverage protects you when a driver with no insurance crashes into you. It is one of the cheapest parts of a car insurance policy. It also matters more every year. The Insurance Research Council (IRC) estimates that 15.4% of U.S. drivers were uninsured in 2023, roughly 1 in 7.
That is the highest rate in the IRC’s data series. It was 12.4% in 2017. When you add drivers who carry too little insurance, the share jumps to 33.4%. In other words, about one in three drivers on the road may not be able to pay for the damage they cause. Without uninsured motorist coverage, those costs can land on you.
The consequences can be serious. A trip to the emergency room after a crash can cost thousands of dollars. A hospital stay or surgery can cost tens of thousands. You can sue an uninsured driver, but in most cases that driver has few assets to collect. As a result, uninsured motorist coverage is often the only realistic way to get paid for injuries, lost wages, and repairs after a crash with an uninsured driver.
What Uninsured Motorist Coverage Pays For
Uninsured motorist coverage is not one single benefit. It usually comes in a few parts. Each part pays for a different type of loss. Knowing the parts helps you choose the right protection.
Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) pays for injuries to you and your passengers. It typically covers medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It also covers household members who are on your policy. In most cases, it applies even if you are hit while walking or riding a bike. Limits are listed in pairs, such as $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) pays to repair your car. Not every state offers it. Where it exists, there is often a small deductible, typically $250 or less. Some states cap UMPD at a low amount, such as $3,500 or $25,000. However, if you already carry collision coverage, UMPD may overlap with it. For example, UMPD can help you avoid paying a higher collision deductible.
Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) fills a different gap. It pays when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough. For example, say the other driver carries a $25,000 per-person limit. Your medical bills reach $80,000. UIM can help cover the $55,000 difference, up to your own policy limit. Many insurers bundle UM and UIM together.
Hit-and-run crashes are another key reason to have this protection. In many states, uninsured motorist coverage treats an unidentified hit-and-run driver as uninsured. As a result, your injuries can be covered even if the driver is never found. However, rules for property damage in hit-and-run cases vary by state. Some states require physical contact between vehicles. Others require a police report within a set number of days.
Uninsured Driver Rates by State and What Coverage Costs
Your risk depends heavily on where you live. The IRC measures uninsured rates by comparing UM claims to bodily injury claims. Rates vary widely from state to state. In 2023, 15 states plus Washington, D.C., were above the national average. The table below shows the highest and lowest states.
| State | Estimated Uninsured Drivers (2023) |
|---|---|
| Mississippi | 28.2% |
| New Mexico | 24.1% |
| Michigan | 22.3% |
| Tennessee | 21.3% |
| Missouri | 20.7% |
| Florida | 20.6% |
| California | 20.4% |
| National average | 15.4% |
| Massachusetts | 7.9% |
| Idaho | 6.4% |
| Utah | 6.2% |
| Maine | 5.7% |
Even in low-rate states, the risk is real. For example, 5.7% of Maine drivers is still about 1 in 18. You also drive through other states. A road trip through Mississippi or New Mexico raises your exposure quickly.
The good news is that uninsured motorist coverage is usually inexpensive. Industry estimates typically put it at about $50 to $150 per year for most drivers. A basic policy with $25,000/$50,000 limits may cost only $3 to $6 per month. Prices vary by state. Average annual costs range from under $20 in some low-risk states to more than $250 in Florida. In most cases, higher-risk states charge more because claims are more common.
State law also shapes your options. About 20 states and Washington, D.C., require drivers to carry some form of UM coverage. Most other states require insurers to offer it. In those states, you must typically reject it in writing to drop it. Check your state insurance department website for your exact rules and minimum limits.
How to Choose the Right Uninsured Motorist Coverage Limits
Buying the state minimum is rarely enough. Minimum limits are often just $25,000 per person. A serious injury can exceed that in a single hospital stay. Use these steps to choose better protection.
1. Match your liability limits. Many experts suggest UM limits equal to your liability limits. For example, if you carry $100,000/$300,000 in liability, consider the same for UM. Many insurers will not let you buy higher UM limits than your liability limits anyway. This approach protects you as well as you protect others.
2. Review your health insurance. Health insurance may cover medical bills after a crash. However, it will not cover lost wages or pain and suffering. It may also leave you with high deductibles and copays. Uninsured motorist coverage can fill those gaps.
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3. Ask about stacking. Some states allow “stacking” of UM limits. Stacking combines the limits for each car on your policy. For example, two cars with $50,000 limits could give you $100,000 in protection. Stacked coverage typically costs a bit more. It can be worth it for families with several vehicles.
4. Compare UMPD and collision. If your car is older and you dropped collision, UMPD becomes more valuable. It may be the only way to fix your car after an uninsured driver hits you. If you have collision, compare the deductibles before deciding.
5. Check old rejection forms. You may have rejected UM coverage years ago without realizing it. Ask your agent to confirm your current limits. You can usually add or raise coverage at any time, often at renewal.
6. Know the claim steps. After a crash, call the police and get a report. Collect the other driver’s details, if possible. Take photos of the scene and your injuries. Notify your insurer promptly, since many policies set strict deadlines. As a result, quick action protects your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is uninsured motorist coverage worth it if I have full coverage?
In most cases, yes. “Full coverage” usually means liability, collision, and comprehensive. However, those do not pay for your injuries or lost wages when an uninsured driver is at fault. Uninsured motorist coverage fills that gap for a small added cost.
Does uninsured motorist coverage raise my rates if I file a claim?
Typically, no. Most states bar insurers from raising rates for not-at-fault claims. Because the uninsured driver caused the crash, a UM claim is usually treated as not-at-fault. However, rules vary, so check with your state insurance department.
Does uninsured motorist coverage cover hit-and-run accidents?
Often, yes. In many states, UM bodily injury coverage applies when a hit-and-run driver is never identified. For example, you may need to file a police report within 24 hours to several days. Property damage coverage for hit-and-runs varies more by state.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on auto insurance regulations and consumer protection:
- NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners): naic.org
- Insurance Information Institute: iii.org
- Federal Trade Commission — Auto Insurance: consumer.ftc.gov
- USA.gov — Car Insurance: usa.gov/car-insurance
Content last reviewed November 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.