Does my auto insurance cover damage caused by a driver who is uninsured or underinsured?
If you're in accident you may need to know if your auto insurance covers damage caused by a driver who is uninsured or underinsured. If you do not carry extra car insurance for uninsured or underinsured drivers, you will not be covered if an uninsured driver damages your vehicle.
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Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Brad Larson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jeff is a well-known speaker and expert in insurance and financial planning. He has spoken at top insurance conferences around the U.S., including the InsuranceNewsNet Super Conference, the 8% Nation Insurance Wealth Conference, and the Digital Life Insurance Agent Mastermind. He has been featured and quoted in Nerdwallet, Bloomberg, Forbes, U.S. News & Money, USA Today, and other leading fina...
Jeff Root
Updated December 2023
- Most people carry extra insurance for uninsured and underinsured motorists
- Some 20 states require you to have uninsured motorists coverage, and 14 states require you to have underinsured motorists coverage. In all states, uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage is available as optional coverage
- There are an estimated 28 million drivers on the roads who do not have insurance
Many people drive without insurance, so it is a good idea to have extra uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage for this risk. Otherwise, you do not have coverage for this damage if the other vehicle’s driver is not insured or has too small an amount of insurance.
Even though driving without auto insurance is illegal in 49 states except New Hampshire, people still do this. In some states, the fine may be as little as $100 for the first offense, so there is a lack of deterrence. In those states, about one in four drivers are uninsured.
If a driver is at-fault for causing an accident and does not have insurance, that person is legally responsible for the damages. However, getting them to pay the damages may be difficult, if not impossible.
If you get into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver you may suffer a great loss and have to pay all the medical bills for your injuries.
How many uninsured motorists are on the roads in America?
An estimated 28 million drivers on American roads are uninsured. This number represents about one in eight drivers who are uninsured. The state with the greatest number of uninsured drivers is Mississippi, with 29.4% of drivers not having auto insurance.
The other states with this huge problem of uninsured drivers are 25.5% in Michigan, 23.7% in Tennessee, 21.8% in New Mexico, and 21.7% in Washington state.
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What happens if you hit an uninsured driver?
What happens if you hit an uninsured driver and the accident is your fault? Suppose the accident occurred due to the uninsured driver’s fault, and you do not have uninsured motorists coverage.
In that case, you must bring a liability lawsuit against that person to collect damages if possible. Then, your insurance will have to cover the damage.
Read more: What if I am injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver?
What about underinsured drivers?
The insurance requirements by state vary, but most states require some auto insurance coverage. Even if the driver has the legally required insurance, it may be a low amount or the wrong type of coverage for the damages caused.
Can I add uninsured and underinsured coverage to my existing auto insurance?
You must check with the insurance company if it covers uninsured and underinsured motorists. If you decide to get full coverage, you should consider having liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured coverage. Most major insurance companies offer this as optional insurance.
Conclusion About Auto Insurance for Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists
Having uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage is a good idea, especially if you live in any state with many of these types of drivers on the road.
The cost for this added protection is fairly modest, and you will be pleased you have the coverage if you get hit by one of the uninsured or underinsured drivers. Remember to shop and find auto insurance quotes online if you’re unhappy with your current policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do uninsured and underinsured motorists’ insurance cover?
Subject to policy limits, this insurance covers your injuries, your passengers’ injuries, and damage to your vehicle when you are hit by a driver that does not have insurance or the amount is not adequate to cover the damages.
How much does uninsured and underinsured motorists’ coverage cost?
Uninsured motorist coverage will cost an average of $100 to $200 annually. Underinsured coverage cost is the same or more and depends on the policy limits of the coverage.
What about collision coverage?
Usually, collision coverage is optional insurance and not required by law. When required, it may have a low limit of $5,000, which is insufficient to cover the costs of repairs in a major traffic accident or if the car is totaled.
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