Approximately 14% of drivers in the United States are uninsured, according to the Insurance Research Council. In some states like Mississippi (29%), New Mexico (24%), and Michigan (23%), the numbers are even higher. If an uninsured driver hits you, you still have options for recovering compensation.
Your own insurance policy likely includes uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which pays for your injuries when the at-fault driver cannot. Attorneys in our network* help accident victims navigate UM/UIM claims every day. *Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Understanding UM/UIM Coverage
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver's policy limits are too low to cover your damages. For example, if your damages total $200,000 but the at-fault driver only has $25,000 in coverage, your UIM policy covers the difference up to your policy limit.
Most states require insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage, and about 20 states mandate it. Typical UM/UIM limits match your liability limits -- if you carry $100,000/$300,000 in liability, your UM/UIM is often the same. Some drivers carry higher UM/UIM limits, which provides extra protection.
Check your auto insurance policy declarations page to see your UM/UIM limits. If you do not carry this coverage, consider adding it -- it is usually inexpensive ($50 to $200 per year) and provides critical protection.
How to File a UM/UIM Claim
Filing a UM/UIM claim is similar to filing a claim against the other driver's insurance, but you are dealing with your own insurance company. Report the accident to your insurer, explain that the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, and begin the claims process.
Here is the important part: even though it is your own insurance company, they will still try to minimize your payout. UM/UIM claims are adversarial -- your insurer is paying out of their own pocket and has every incentive to reduce the amount. Do not assume your own insurance company will treat you fairly simply because you are their customer.
An attorney can negotiate your UM/UIM claim just as aggressively as a third-party claim. Many UM/UIM claims that start with low offers end up settling for significantly more after attorney involvement.
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Other Options for Recovering Compensation
Beyond UM/UIM coverage, you may have additional options. Medical payments coverage (MedPay) on your own policy pays for medical expenses regardless of fault, typically up to $5,000 to $25,000. Personal injury protection (PIP) in no-fault states covers medical bills and lost wages up to your policy limit.
You can sue the uninsured driver directly, though collecting a judgment from someone without insurance can be difficult. If the uninsured driver was working at the time (delivery driver, employee running errands), their employer may be liable. If a defective vehicle component contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be liable.
In hit-and-run cases where the driver cannot be identified, your UM coverage typically applies. Report the hit-and-run to police immediately and document any evidence of the other vehicle (paint transfer, debris, witness descriptions).
Get Help With Your Uninsured Motorist Claim
Being hit by an uninsured driver is frustrating, but you are not without options. A local attorney can identify all available sources of compensation and fight for the maximum payout.
Call (267) 212-1034 today for a free consultation with an attorney in our network.* No fees unless you win.
*Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
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If you lack UM/UIM coverage, you can still sue the uninsured driver directly, use your MedPay or PIP coverage, pursue the driver's employer if applicable, or explore other liable parties. An attorney can evaluate all potential sources of compensation in your case.
In most states, filing a UM/UIM claim should not increase your rates because you were not at fault. However, insurance company practices vary. Some states have laws specifically prohibiting rate increases for UM/UIM claims. Check your state's regulations or ask your attorney.
Some states allow stacking, which means combining UM/UIM limits from multiple vehicles on your policy. If you have two cars with $100,000 UM limits and your state allows stacking, you may have $200,000 in available coverage. Stacking rules vary significantly by state.
If the at-fault driver's minimum coverage is not enough to cover your damages, your underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage pays the difference. For example, if your damages are $150,000, the at-fault driver has $25,000 in coverage, and your UIM limit is $100,000, you can recover up to $125,000 total.
Very common. About 1 in 7 drivers (14%) on U.S. roads are uninsured. In states like Mississippi, New Mexico, Michigan, and Florida, the uninsured rate exceeds 20%. This makes UM/UIM coverage one of the most important protections you can carry on your auto policy.
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(267) 212-1034*Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.