Uninsured motorist (UM)
Coverage that may help when an at-fault driver has no insurance—or in some hit-and-run cases.
Plain definition
Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to step in when the other driver lacks liability insurance or cannot be identified, subject to state law and policy definitions. UM often mirrors bodily injury limits and may include property damage components depending on the form.
Why it matters
A meaningful share of drivers operate without insurance in many states. UM is one layer protecting you when the responsible party cannot pay.
Example
An uninsured driver runs a red light and injures you. UM bodily injury may pay covered damages up to your UM limits after policy conditions are met.
Common misunderstanding
UM is not optional everywhere, and waivers must be documented where required. It also does not replace adequate liability limits on your own policy.
Policy language always controls. This is educational content, not advice. See our disclaimer.