Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Example

“When Jennifer was rear-ended by an uninsured driver, her uninsured motorist coverage paid $15,000 for her medical bills and car repairs that the at-fault driver couldn't afford.”

Memory Tip

Remember 'Uninsured Motorist' as 'Your Insurance Steps Up' - when the other driver can't pay, YOUR insurance becomes their insurance.

Why It Matters

With roughly 13% of drivers operating without insurance, uninsured motorist coverage protects you from potentially devastating financial losses when irresponsible drivers cause accidents. Without it, you might have to sue the uninsured driver personally, often unsuccessfully.

Common Misconception

Many drivers think their collision coverage or the other driver's responsibility eliminates the need for uninsured motorist coverage. However, collision coverage requires paying your deductible and doesn't cover medical expenses, while an uninsured driver's responsibility is meaningless if they can't pay.

In Practice

Mike was hit by an uninsured driver, suffering $30,000 in medical bills and $12,000 in car damage. His uninsured motorist coverage included $50,000 bodily injury and $25,000 property damage limits. The coverage paid his full $30,000 medical expenses without a deductible and $12,000 for car repairs, totaling $42,000. Without this coverage, Mike would have faced a likely unsuccessful lawsuit against a financially irresponsible driver.

Etymology

Combines "uninsured" meaning without insurance protection, "motorist" from "motor" (Latin "movere" meaning to move) referring to vehicle operators, and "coverage" meaning protection against loss.

Common Misspellings

Related Terms

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Other insurance terms you should know

See Also