Updated: November 28, 2025
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Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for accident expenses when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough coverage to pay your bills.
UM covers medical bills, lost wages while you recover, pain and suffering compensation, funeral expenses and car damage in some states.
Not all states require UM coverage, but many insurers include it in their policies.
Consider UM coverage if you live where many drivers are uninsured or can't afford to pay accident expenses, such as medical bills and repairs, out of pocket.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for your expenses if you're in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, a driver whose coverage limits fall short or a driver whose insurance company denies their claim. UM pays for medical bills, lost wages and car damage when the accident isn't your fault.
You'll encounter two types of UM coverage. They're not always bundled together, though some states require both, so check with your insurer.
Uninsured motorist coverage pays for injuries or property damage caused by an uninsured driver. An "uninsured driver" means someone who has no insurance, has coverage below state requirements or whose insurer denies the claim. UM coverage splits into two categories: uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) and uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD).
Underinsured motorist coverage pays your accident expenses when the at-fault driver's insurance doesn't cover all costs. Many drivers carry only minimum liability coverage, which often isn't enough to pay for serious accidents.
UM covers accident expenses for you and your passengers, including:
Every UM policy differs, so ask your insurer what's covered. Compare several providers to see how their UM coverage stacks up against your current policy.
UM doesn't cover every accident expense, even when you're not at fault. Consider full coverage car insurance to cover damage to your own vehicle and property. Review your policy details with your provider to understand what's excluded.
UM doesn't cover:
After an accident, contact your insurer immediately to report your UM claim. Some insurers have filing deadlines, so don't wait. You'll file the claim like any other car insurance claim, except you're claiming against your own insurance company.
Kevin rear-ends Jeff at a stoplight. Jeff sustains injuries and goes to the hospital, where he receives treatment for a few broken bones. Jeff's medical bills total $45,000. Kevin's insurance company offers a policy maximum of $30,000, which falls short of Jeff's total expenses.
Jeff still needs $15,000 to cover his bills. He files an uninsured motorist coverage claim for the rest of his medical expenses. Without uninsured motorist insurance, Jeff would have to pay that $15,000 out of pocket.
GEICO offers uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) and uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage. UMBI pays medical expenses, lost wages and related costs if an uninsured driver injures you. UMPD covers repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and property. GEICO combines a streamlined claims process with competitive UM rates.
Progressive covers UMBI and UMPD, including hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver can't be identified. Online claims tools and the Snapshot® program help manage costs and track claim progress.
Nationwide's UM and UIM coverage includes UMBI and UMPD, covering your costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient coverage. Accident forgiveness and multi-policy discounts make UM coverage more affordable.
Most auto insurers offer UM coverage, but compare quotes from several providers to find the right plan.
*Based on the MoneyGeek analysis of coverage options, customer satisfaction data and industry ratings. Individual experiences may vary.
Unless your state requires UM coverage, you don't have to buy it. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider this coverage. Ask yourself: Can you cover unexpected medical bills? Can you pay for car repairs out of pocket? Will you be able to work if injured? Most drivers answer "no" to these questions. Contact your insurer to discuss adding UM coverage to your policy.
Not all states require UM insurance, but it could already be included in your auto insurance coverage, so check with your provider. The following states require UM insurance:
Minimum liability limits vary by state, so discuss your required limits with each provider when shopping for auto insurance quotes.
Uninsured driver rates vary by state. If you live where many drivers are uninsured, UM coverage prevents you from covering accident costs out of pocket. The table ranks each state by the percentage of uninsured drivers.
Rank | State | Percentage of
Uninsured Drivers |
|---|---|---|
1 | Florida | 26.7% |
2 | Mississippi | 23.7% |
3 | New Mexico | 20.8% |
4 | Michigan | 20.3% |
5 | Tennessee | 20.0% |
6 | Alabama | 18.4% |
7 | Washington | 17.4% |
8 | Indiana | 16.7% |
9 | Arkansas | 16.6% |
10 | D.C. | 15.6% |
11 | Alaska | 15.4% |
12 | California | 15.2% |
13 | Rhode Island | 15.2% |
14 | New Jersey | 14.9% |
15 | Wisconsin | 14.3% |
16 | Texas | 14.1% |
17 | Missouri | 14.0% |
18 | Illinois | 13.7% |
19 | Colorado | 13.3% |
20 | Louisiana | 13.0% |
21 | Oregon | 12.7% |
22 | Ohio | 12.4% |
23 | Maryland | 12.4% |
24 | Arizona | 12.0% |
25 | Georgia | 12.0% |
26 | Kentucky | 11.5% |
27 | Minnesota | 11.5% |
28 | Delaware | 11.4% |
29 | Nevada | 10.6% |
30 | Hawaii | 10.6% |
31 | Oklahoma | 10.5% |
32 | West Virginia | 10.1% |
33 | Montana | 9.9% |
34 | Virginia | 9.9% |
35 | New Hampshire | 9.9% |
36 | Connecticut | 9.4% |
37 | South Carolina | 9.4% |
38 | Iowa | 8.7% |
39 | Utah | 8.2% |
40 | Idaho | 8.2% |
41 | Wyoming | 7.8% |
42 | South Dakota | 7.7% |
43 | Pennsylvania | 7.6% |
44 | Kansas | 7.2% |
45 | North Dakota | 6.8% |
46 | Nebraska | 6.8% |
47 | Vermont | 6.8% |
48 | North Carolina | 6.5% |
49 | Massachusetts | 6.2% |
50 | New York | 6.1% |
51 | Maine | 4.5% |
Source: Insurance Research Council
Consider UM coverage costs when weighing your options. States with low minimum liability limits increase your need for UM coverage.
Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your costs if you're in a car accident caused by an uninsured driver.
Some states require all drivers to have UM coverage. Whether it's required or optional, understanding different coverage types helps you safeguard your family's finances.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays your expenses if you're hit by a driver with no insurance, too little insurance or in a hit-and-run. It covers medical bills, lost wages and property damage.
In most states, UM coverage pays for injuries or property damage caused by an unidentified hit-and-run driver, though proof requirements vary by state.
UIM applies when the at-fault driver has insurance but their coverage limits aren’t high enough to pay all accident-related expenses.
UM coverage pays for costs your health insurance doesn't cover, such as deductibles, lost wages and pain and suffering compensation.
UM coverage usually doesn't pay for rental cars or towing. You'll need separate rental reimbursement or roadside assistance coverage for those services.
Ideally, match your UM limits to your liability limits to ensure equal coverage for yourself and others in your vehicle.
UM coverage applies if the at-fault driver's insurer refuses to pay their claim, treating them as effectively uninsured for your claim purposes.
Filing a UM claim may affect your rates based on your insurer and state laws, though many providers don't raise rates for accidents that aren't your fault.
One in eight drivers lacks insurance, which means you could get stuck with thousands in medical bills and repair costs after an accident that wasn't your fault. We analyzed UM coverage options across all 50 states to show you what this coverage actually costs and which insurers handle claims most effectively.
Our research focused on four factors that matter most when choosing UM coverage. State requirements vary; some states mandate UM coverage, while others make it optional. We documented which states require coverage and their minimum limits, so you know your legal obligations.
Coverage costs determine whether UM protection fits your budget. We gathered quotes showing exactly how much UM coverage adds to your premium across major insurers. The results surprised us: UM coverage often costs less than $100 annually, making it one of the most affordable ways to protect yourself financially.
Beyond costs, claims experience separates good insurers from great ones. We reviewed customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power and complaint data from state insurance departments to identify which companies actually pay UM claims quickly and fairly. Coverage options also differ; some insurers offer separate limits for bodily injury and property damage, while others bundle everything together.
Our Rate Comparisons
All rate quotes use this profile for consistency:
Your actual rates will differ based on your age, vehicle, driving history and location. UM coverage matters most in states with high uninsured driver rates — you're gambling with your financial security if you skip it.
Data sources: Quadrant Information Services (rate data for all 50 states), state insurance departments (requirements and regulations), AM Best (financial stability ratings), J.D. Power (customer satisfaction), NAIC (complaint data).
Expert review: Licensed insurance professionals verified all coverage explanations and state requirements. Our team contacted insurers directly to clarify UM coverage specifics.
Insurance regulations vary by state. Verify UM coverage requirements with your state's insurance department and insurers before purchasing.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
