Uninsured Motorist Statistics and Facts

Car insurance is mandatory in nearly every state, but not all drivers have the required coverage. Although the rate of uninsured motorists has declined in recent years, millions of Americans still drive without at least the minimum coverage. According to the latest report from the Insurance Research Council, approximately 1 in 7 motorists nationwide are uninsured, leaving many without the essential protection needed in case of an accident.

The percentage of uninsured motorists varies across the U.S. Washington, D.C., has the highest percentage, at 25%, while Wyoming has the fewest, at just under 6%. Several states enforce penalties for driving without insurance, including fines, license suspensions, vehicle impoundment and sometimes jail time.

Around 14% of drivers in America, or approximately 33 million people, are driving their vehicles without liability insurance, leaving them financially vulnerable in an accident. Liability insurance helps cover the expenses a policyholder is responsible for if they are found at fault in an accident, including expenses related to bodily injury and property damage.

Without liability insurance, uninsured drivers face substantial out-of-pocket costs for medical bills, lost wages and damages to other people's property. This lack of coverage can lead to severe financial consequences, such as lawsuits, wage garnishments and even bankruptcy. Additionally, uninsured drivers contribute to higher insurance premiums for everyone as insurers adjust rates to offset the increased risk.

The UM rate has seen notable changes in recent years. From 2017 to 2019, most states saw declining rates of uninsured motorists. The largest decrease was in Montana, while Florida and Michigan had the most significant increases.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused a sharp rise in uninsured motorists across nearly every jurisdiction, with the District of Columbia seeing the largest increase. Between 2020 and 2022, the trend continued upward in many states, although some, like Michigan, saw notable declines — Michigan experienced the largest decrease with a 6% drop.

Washington, D.C., has the highest percentage of uninsured drivers at 25%, followed closely by New Mexico and Mississippi. These states significantly exceed the national average of 14%. Other states with notably high uninsured rates include Tennessee and Michigan.

Source: Insurance Information Institute

Some states have successfully maintained low rates of uninsured drivers, significantly below the national average of 14%. Wyoming leads with the lowest percentage of uninsured drivers, followed closely behind by Maine and Idaho. Other states with particularly low uninsured rates include Utah and New Hampshire.

Source: Insurance Information Institute

Uninsured motorist rates vary widely across the United States, ranging from 6% to 25%. The map below lists the uninsured motorist rate for every state. To see your state's specific rate, hover over its name on the map.

Source: Insurance Information Institute

Currently, 21 states and Washington, D.C., require uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. These requirements vary by state, but most states mandate uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) coverage, which covers medical expenses for injuries sustained in an accident with an uninsured driver.

Some states, like Washington, D.C., also require uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage, which covers the cost of repairing your vehicle. This coverage ensures that your medical bills, lost wages and, in some cases, property damage are covered if you're involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

As long as you're not at fault in the accident, uninsured motorist coverage from your insurance policy will cover the cost of medical bills, repairs, fees and other expenses if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver. Even with this coverage, insurance companies in many states can increase your rates after you file an uninsured motorist claim.

Below are states requiring uninsured motorists coverage and their minimum liability limits:

Source: Insurance Information Institute

Many states have implemented specific initiatives to reduce the number of uninsured drivers on the road, such as "No Pay, No Play" laws and establishing insurance verification systems. These efforts aim to encourage drivers to comply with mandatory insurance requirements and to reduce the financial burden on those who do carry insurance.

"No Pay, No Play" laws are designed to limit the benefits that uninsured drivers can receive if they are involved in an accident. In states with these laws, uninsured drivers are restricted from suing for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, even if the other driver is at fault. This means that only drivers with valid insurance can claim compensation for these damages.

The goal of "No Pay, No Play" laws is to incentivize uninsured drivers to obtain insurance by reducing the potential financial benefits of remaining uninsured. However, these laws do not affect an uninsured driver's ability to sue for economic damages, such as medical bills or vehicle repairs. States that have implemented "No Pay, No Play" laws include California, Michigan, Louisiana and New Jersey.

Insurance verification systems are another tool states use to identify and reduce the number of uninsured drivers. In states with these systems, insurance companies must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or state transportation office when a car insurance policy lapses or is canceled. This information allows law enforcement and state agencies to identify and address uninsured motorists quickly. For example, the DMV can suspend the vehicle's registration until proof of insurance is provided.

Insurance verification systems help ensure that drivers on the road maintain the required coverage, thereby reducing the number of uninsured motorists. States like Texas, Alabama and Mississippi have implemented such systems to enforce insurance compliance.

Considering that millions of drivers lack insurance coverage, financial protection from uninsured motorists is crucial. Although you can't control other drivers' decisions, you can minimize risk and financial exposure by taking the following steps:

Below are several additional resources that provide information on uninsured motorist facts and statistics and related topics, ranging from government agencies to consumer protection organizations and insurance providers.

• Insurance Information Institute (III): Provides educational content and statistics on uninsured motorists, including state-by-state comparisons and information on how uninsured motorist coverage works.
• Insurance Research Council (IRC): Provides studies and reports on uninsured motorists, including detailed statistics and analysis of trends over the years.
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC): Offers consumer guides and information about various insurance topics, including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA: Offers comprehensive information on traffic safety, including resources on uninsured motorists, the importance of insurance and statistics on road safety.
• National Motorists Association (NMA): Advocates for motorists' rights and provides resources on auto insurance, including uninsured motorist coverage.
• State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Your state's DMV website often has specific information on insurance requirements, uninsured motorist laws and how to maintain compliance with state regulations. Visit your local DMV website for more information.