What is considered an uninsured driver?

Asked by: Dr. Zetta Schmeler II  |  Last update: July 11, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (73 votes)

An uninsured motorist is someone without auto insurance. Chances are about one in seven drivers in the U.S. is uninsured, according to a 2011 estimate by the Insurance Research Council. Uninsured motorist coverage helps you pay for damages caused by a driver who doesn't have car insurance.

Which of the following would be considered an uninsured vehicle?

The correct answer is C, as a vehicle fleeing a hit-and-run accident is considered uninsured due to its lack of accountability and coverage. Other options either confirm being insured or represent self-insured scenarios. Understanding these distinctions is important in insurance law.

What does it mean if someone is uninsured?

Uninsured. Broadly, people are considered uninsured if they do not have coverage under private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, public assistance (through 1996), Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a state-sponsored or other government-sponsored plan or program, or a military health plan.

What is the difference between uninsured motorist and full coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage covers you and your passengers' medical bills if you are hit by another driver that does not have insurance. There is no such thing as "full coverage" but people normally use that term to describe comprehensive and collision.

What happens when two people don't have insurance?

If neither party in a car crash has insurance, it is critical to speak to an attorney about your legal rights and options. The evidence may end up showing that the other driver was responsible for the accident, meaning that he or she owes you money rather than the other way around.

What to do if you're hit by an uninsured driver?

16 related questions found

What happens if I crash my friend's car without insurance?

If the at-fault party does not have car insurance, you can file a compensation claim with your insurance company or file a lawsuit against the negligent party. When you are in an accident, you may expect the other driver to have auto insurance, but this is not always the case.

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.

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.

Is it OK to not have uninsured motorist 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.

Is it better to have a collision or uninsured motorist?

Deductible Comparison: UMPD generally has a lower deductible compared to collision coverage. This can be beneficial in reducing immediate out-of-pocket costs. Broader Coverage: UMPD can cover not just your vehicle but also other property, such as a fence or a garage, if damaged by an uninsured driver.

Who is considered an uninsured driver?

An uninsured motorist is someone without auto insurance. Chances are about one in seven drivers in the U.S. is uninsured, according to a 2011 estimate by the Insurance Research Council. Uninsured motorist coverage helps you pay for damages caused by a driver who doesn't have car insurance.

Why would someone be uninsured?

Lack of access to affordable health coverage is the main reason many people say they are uninsured. A majority of working age adults in the U.S. obtain health insurance through an employer; however, not all workers are offered employer-sponsored coverage or, if offered, can afford their share of the premiums.

Am I covered against uninsured drivers?

If you cause an accident and you have a comprehensive Car Insurance policy, the cost of repairing both your car and the uninsured driver's car is covered. If you only have third-party insurance, you'll have to pay for any repairs to your own car yourself, but the uninsured driver's car will still be covered.

Who is not considered an insured?

Independent contractors, for instance, are usually not considered insured. They are generally required to have their own insurance coverage. Similarly, vendors or clients benefiting from your services might not be covered unless explicitly added as Additional Insureds.

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.

What is an example of underinsured?

Being "underinsured" means a person has insurance coverage, but the limits may not be high enough to cover the full expenses of a claim. For example, each state requires auto liability coverage and sets minimum limits that drivers must 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.

What does "uninsured" mean?

-ˈshərd. : lacking insurance : not insured. uninsured losses/expenses.

Do insurance companies sue uninsured drivers?

Insurance companies have the right to pursue compensation from an uninsured driver through subrogation. However, the company only seeks reimbursement for the amount paid through your coverage. Unfortunately, this can leave victims of car accidents without the compensation necessary to recover fully.

When someone hits you does your insurance go up?

Rate increases will go up even more if there are injuries and property damage. If you are not at fault, however, the rate increase is less severe. On average, drivers who are not at fault will only have their rates go up by about 4%.

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 to uninsured drivers involved in accidents?

If the uninsured driver is found to be at fault for a collision, they may be held personally responsible for payment of any damages. If they cannot afford to pay for repairs, then the vehicle owner may have to pay out of pocket.

What happens if a driver is not listed on an insurance policy?

You regularly allow a family member or friend to drive your car, but they aren't named on your auto policy. If this person gets in an accident while driving your car, your insurance company will likely deny your claim, leaving you liable for the damages.

What happens if my friend borrowed my car and gets in an accident?

Usually, a car insurance policy covers the vehicle itself, not the person driving it, and that means the liability coverage (which is required by California law) should cover the friend. California is an at-fault state, which means the driver responsible for an accident is the one whose insurance will be the primary ...