Do you want uninsured motorist?

Asked by: Kiley Dare  |  Last update: May 16, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (58 votes)

Anyone who drives could need it. You never know when the person who hits you will have insurance or enough insurance to pay for your injuries and damage to your vehicle. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage also pays if you're in a hit-and-run accident and the other driver can't be found to pay for damages.

Is it best to have uninsured motorist coverage?

Under the California Financial Responsibility Act, Uninsured Motorist coverage is an important element in making certain that Californians are protected. Not only are medical bills, lost earnings and future losses recoverable, but other out of pocket expenses like home health care, babysitting, and personal assistance.

Is it better to have collision or uninsured motorist coverage?

Here's why: Medical Expenses: Collision and comprehensive coverage do not pay for your medical bills. UM coverage can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering if you're hit by an uninsured driver.

What is the disadvantage of uninsured motorist coverage?

Some cons to consider include: Additional cost: Adding uninsured motorist coverage to your policy typically increases your insurance premium, which can be financially burdensome. It is important to weigh the benefits against the added cost and your budget.

What does it mean if you don t have uninsured motorist coverage?

Without uninsured motorist coverage, if you're injured or your vehicle is damaged in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you could end up paying for medical bills or vehicle repairs out of your own pocket.

Do You REALLY Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

29 related questions found

Will my insurance go up if I get hit by an uninsured driver?

However, under California's proposition 103, insurance companies are not allowed to raise rates or drop a person because they made an uninsured motorist claim.

What does rejecting uninsured motorist mean?

If you reject uninsured motorist coverage, you will need to use another type of coverage or pay out of pocket in the event that you are hit by an uninsured driver. If you already have collision insurance and medical coverage of some sort, rejecting uninsured motorist coverage might be a good way to lower your premium.

What is the difference between uninsured motorist stacked and unstacked?

Stacked car insurance allows policyholders to combine the UM/UIM coverage limits for multiple vehicles on the same policy, providing potentially higher coverage limits. Instead, unstacked car insurance does not aggregate limits across vehicles on the policy and will potentially have lower premiums.

What is the deductible for uninsured motorist coverage?

The amount of your UMPD deductible will vary based on your state. It usually falls in between $100-$1,000. Note that some states may have a separate deductible for hit-and-run claims. You may not have the option to choose your deductible amount for UMPD coverage.

Do insurance companies go after uninsured drivers?

While insurance companies may pursue uninsured drivers to recover claim costs, the process can be complex and time-consuming. Uninsured drivers involved in accidents should seek legal counsel promptly to protect their rights and explore possible compensation avenues.

Which states require uninsured motorist insurance?

Twenty two jurisdictions require uninsured motorist coverage (UM): Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia ...

Do I really need collision coverage?

If you wouldn't be able to afford the costs to repair your car, or even more so, buy a new one to replace it, having collision insurance is that added layer of protection that can prevent you from financially being responsible for expensive damages — and that's really important.

Does an uninsured motorist cover theft?

Car insurance can cover theft, but not all policies come with this benefit. Coverage options such as Liability insurance, Collision insurance, and UMPD (Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage) will not cover a stolen car.

Which is better collision or uninsured motorist?

Deductibles: Collision coverage often comes with a deductible you're responsible for paying out of pocket before your insurer pays the rest. Uninsured motorist coverage usually has no deductible, making it a preferable option for immediate, out-of-pocket expenses.

What is the average cost of uninsured motorist coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage costs around $50-$75 annually for bodily injury and property damage coverage. Like any type of car insurance, uninsured motorist premiums vary based on the policyholder's risk factors and how much coverage they purchase.

Why are there so many uninsured drivers?

Reason 1: They Can't Afford it

Putting aside a situation where you get into an accident and have to pay out of pocket for repairs and medical bills (yours or others involved), driving uninsured also carries steep fines and a loss of your license. You also may be surprised by how affordable car insurance can be.

Do I need uninsured motorist coverage if I have full coverage?

California law does not require you to carry uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage—so, legally, you don't need either one. However, UM/UIM is an important and commonsense coverage to carry.

What is reduced by uninsured motorist coverage?

Reduced uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist auto insurance fills in the gaps when there is not enough or no coverage for the at-fault driver and covers you up to an equal amount of your policy.

Does an uninsured motorist claim count against me?

But, as a California personal injury attorney I can assure you that your insurance company should not raise your rates for making an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist claim on your policy. In fact, in most cases, doing so may violate long-standing California legal statutes.

Is it bad to not have uninsured motorist coverage?

It is still recommended you carry UMC/UIM insurance even if you have a good health insurance plan. UMC/UIM is first-party insurance that allows you to recover from your own insurance company for all your compensatory damages after an accident that is not your fault (up to your policy limit).

Should I get uninsured motorist coverage in Florida?

Uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for damages if you're involved in an accident with a driver who does not have bodily injury liability coverage. Florida residents are not required to purchase uninsured motorist coverage, but insurance companies are required to offer a minimum amount of uninsured motorist coverage.

What is the difference between stacked and unstacked format?

Wide, or unstacked data is presented with each different data variable in a separate column. Narrow, or stacked data is presented with one column containing all the values and another column listing the context of the value.

What is uninsured motorist simple?

Uninsured motorist coverage helps you pay for damages caused by a driver who doesn't have car insurance. If you're hurt or your car is damaged in a crash caused by such a driver, this coverage will help pay for costs, up to the limits in your policy.

Do I really need uninsured motorist coverage in Colorado?

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is optional in Colorado. This coverage pays for the insured's bodily injury losses caused by a hit‑and‑run driver, a driver with no automobile insurance, or a driver of an underinsured vehicle.

What happens if you don't have full coverage on a financed car?

Lender Requirements: Many lenders mandate full coverage to protect their financial interest in the vehicle. If you fail to maintain the required coverage, the lender may impose force-placed insurance, which is often more expensive and offers minimal coverage.