Is it bad to not have uninsured motorist coverage?

Asked by: Sydney Toy III  |  Last update: April 2, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (8 votes)

Not all states mandate uninsured motorist coverage, also known as UM coverage. However, even if UM coverage isn't required in your state, you take a serious risk if you drive without it. According to the Insurance Information Institute, nearly 13% of drivers countrywide don't have auto insurance.

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 happens if you don't have uninsured motorist coverage?

If an uninsured/underinsured driver hits you and you don't have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you could be responsible for covering accident-related expenses out of your own pocket.

Is it good to reject uninsured motorist coverage?

Cancelling uninsured motorist insurance is a bad idea. Some people are uninsured for a very good reason, and you should not feel comfortable sharing the road with them. I would not want to risk my health and safety of myself or passengers, or my vehicle.

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.

Do You REALLY Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

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Do you want uninsured motorist?

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.

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.

Will my insurance go up if I use uninsured motorist claim?

This is because when you cause an accident and have to make a claim to pay for damages caused to other people, your rates typically do increase. 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.

Does uninsured motorist coverage cost more?

It can be relatively inexpensive to add uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to your policy. However, costs may be higher in states with large numbers of uninsured drivers. If you're insuring more than one vehicle, you can choose to stack your coverage in some states.

Does uninsured motorist cover your deductible?

Collision coverage will pay for the damage to your vehicle (less the amount of your deductible), and when the loss is caused by an uninsured motorist, your collision deductible waiver coverage will reimburse or waive the deductible payment.

Do I really need uninsured motorist coverage in Florida?

Given the high prevalence of uninsured and underinsured drivers in Florida, uninsured motorist coverage is crucial for ensuring adequate financial protection.

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.

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 insurance companies go after uninsured drivers?

If the at-fault party is uninsured, the insurer may pursue subrogation against the driver personally.

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.

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.

How to protect yourself from an uninsured motorist?

One of the best ways to protect yourself from uninsured and underinsured drivers is to be sure you have enough of the right coverage, including uninsured and underinsured coverage, and high enough limits yourself.

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.

Do uninsured motorist claims go against you?

If you have an accident that is not your fault and then make a UM/UIM claim for that accident, you are within the two events allowed under this code section. The insurance company cannot raise premiums, cancel coverage or refuse to renew your policy.

How much does it cost to add 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.

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.

Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?

Remember that filing small claims may affect how much you have to pay for insurance later. Switching from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can save as much as 20 percent on the cost of your insurance premium payments.

When should you drop collision insurance?

If your vehicle is paid off, there are only a few instances that justify dropping collision coverage: Your vehicle's value is less than a few thousand dollars: If your car holds minimal value, collision coverage may not be worth carrying. This is especially true when a large car insurance deductible is involved.

Why would you not want to have collision coverage?

Collision insurance only pays up to the current market value of your car, minus your collision deductible. Since older cars typically have a low market value, collision coverage won't pay out much, if anything, in a total loss. Be sure to research your car's worth before deciding on whether to drop the coverage.