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Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you financially if you’re in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have auto insurance.
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you and your passengers financially if you’re hit by an uninsured driver.
Many states require Uninsured motorist UM coverage as part of minimum car insurance laws.
It can cover medical costs, lost income, and sometimes property damage.
Stacking Uninsured motorist coverage can increase your payout limits but usually costs more and isn’t available every state.
Since not every driver on the road carries the required liability coverage, UM insurance helps cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages that the at-fault driver should have paid.
Learn how UM/UIM coverage protects you when other drivers can’t pay.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is a type of car insurance that helps protect you and your passengers if you’re in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have insurance — or cannot pay for your medical bills or vehicle repairs. Without UM coverage, you could be left paying out-of-pocket for expenses from an accident that wasn’t your fault, including if you’re hit as a pedestrian.
UM coverage generally comes in two forms, though requirements and availability vary by state:
Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI): Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers if injured by an uninsured driver. In some cases, it may also help cover lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working.
Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD): Pays for damage to your car caused by an uninsured driver. It may also apply in certain hit-and-run accidents, though some states require the at-fault driver to be identified for a payout.
Deductibles and coverage limits differ by state, and UMPD may be mandatory, optional, or unavailable depending on where you live.
Checking with your insurance provider can help you understand the exact UM coverage options available in your state.
Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) serves a different purpose. This type of protection applies when the at-fault driver has car insurance, but their policy limits aren’t high enough to fully cover your medical bills, lost wages, or vehicle repairs.
For example, if your damages total $50,000 but the at-fault driver’s liability insurance only covers $25,000, your underinsured motorist coverage can step in to help bridge the gap. Without UIM, you could be left paying the difference out-of-pocket.
Many states offer UIM coverage as optional protection, though it’s often bundled with uninsured motorist coverage for added peace of mind.
UM coverage provides financial protection if you’re in an accident with a driver who lacks liability insurance.
In Louisville, Kentucky, you can explore options for auto insurance in Louisville to ensure your policy includes this important coverage.
In Kentucky:
Given the number of uninsured drivers on Kentucky roads, maintaining UM coverage is a prudent way to protect yourself from potentially significant out-of-pocket expenses.
UM coverage provides financial protection if you're in an accident with a driver who lacks liability insurance.
In Louisville, Kentucky, explore options for auto insurance in Louisville to ensure your policy includes this important coverage.
An underinsured motorist is a driver whose liability insurance is insufficient to cover damages from an accident.
Kentucky law doesn’t require UIM automatically, but insurers must make it available on request.
UIM fills the gap when the at‑fault driver's liability limits fall short, up to your policy limits.
UM and UIM coverage are often very affordable relative to the financial protection they provide. Some policies offer $25,000 of uninsured coverage for as low as $60 per year.
Compare rates from multiple providers to balance affordability and protection. Some Kentucky insurers bundle UM/UIM into affordable packages. Explore the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Louisville KY.
How stacking can increase your total protection
Kentucky law allows the stacking of UM and UIM coverages, meaning policyholders can combine coverage limits across multiple vehicles insured under the same policy.
Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage applies when an at-fault driver who is uninsured or underinsured causes bodily injury to you or your passengers. With auto insurance rates rising sharply, more drivers may be tempted to drive without insurance, increasing the likelihood of accidents involving uninsured motorists. UM coverage may pay for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or funeral expenses.
Uninsured motorist coverage works in situations such as:
By understanding how uninsured motorist coverage works, you can ensure your policy provides financial protection when accidents involve drivers without adequate insurance.
While uninsured motorist (UM) bodily injury coverage isn’t required in every state, it is mandatory in many and can provide valuable financial protection. This coverage helps protect you from costly damages caused by uninsured drivers and may cover hit-and-run incidents in certain states. If your state requires UM coverage, you must carry it to drive legally. Even where it’s optional, adding UM coverage can offer an important safety net for you and your passengers.
According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC), 14% of drivers in the U.S. were uninsured in 2022, with some states seeing rates as high as 25%.
The truth about uninsured motorist coverage is that you’re playing a game of chance if you choose not to have it. For most drivers, adding UM coverage costs only $5 to $25 per month, making it a cost-effective way to protect yourself financially.
Covers medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage from uninsured drivers.
Typically costs only $5–$25 per month for comprehensive protection.
UM coverage is a small investment that can save you thousands in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver.
You can usually choose your uninsured motorist limits. For the bodily injury portion (UMBI/UIMBI), a simple rule of thumb is to match your liability limits. In some states, UM limits must legally mirror your liability limits.
Match liability limits for UMBI/UIMBI. Align per‑person and per‑accident UM limits with your liability limits for balanced protection.
Choose UMPD by vehicle value. If you don’t carry collision, set UMPD near your car’s value (actual cash value). If you have collision, UMPD may be unnecessary or unavailable in some states.
Open your Declarations page. Look for UM/UMPD and UIM coverages, limits (per‑person/per‑accident), and any deductibles.
Check your insurer app/portal. Most apps list coverages under “Policy Details” or “Coverages.” Download the PDF dec page if available.
Ask your agent if unsure. Confirm whether stacking is allowed, if UMPD is offered in your state, and what limits they recommend.
Get answers to common questions about UM/UIM coverage
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