What is uninsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to provide protection, subject to policy terms, when an at-fault driver does not have applicable liability insurance. The exact protection can differ by state and policy.
What is underinsured motorist coverage?
Underinsured motorist coverage may apply when the at-fault driver's liability limits are insufficient for a covered loss. How benefits are calculated depends on the jurisdiction and contract.
Bodily injury and property damage
Some states or insurers distinguish between uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury and property-damage protection. Availability and required limits are not uniform nationwide.
Is UM/UIM required?
Requirements vary significantly. Some states require an offer, some require coverage unless it is rejected in a permitted manner, and others have different rules. Verify current requirements with your state insurance department or licensed professional.
How to compare UM/UIM
When comparing quotes, confirm whether UM/UIM is included, the limits, whether a deductible applies to any property-damage component, and how the coverage interacts with other policy provisions.
Prepared by the LowestPriceFinder Editorial Team using consumer guidance from insurance regulators and the NAIC. See our Editorial Standards & Research Policy.
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