Question 1

What is uninsured motorist coverage?

Accepted Answer

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for your medical expenses and property damage when you are hit by a driver who has no insurance. Without UM, you would need to sue the uninsured driver personally — often a fruitless effort.

Question 2

What is the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?

Accepted Answer

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their limits are not enough to cover your full damages.

Question 3

Is uninsured motorist coverage required?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 22 states plus Washington D.C. require some form of UM coverage. The remaining states offer it as optional. VKOVR identifies your state's specific requirements and recommends limits that match your real-world exposure.

Question 4

What is stacked vs. unstacked UM coverage?

Accepted Answer

Stacked UM/UIM multiplies your limits across multiple vehicles on your policy. If you have two vehicles each with a $100,000 UM limit, stacked coverage provides $200,000 of protection per accident. Not all states allow stacking.

Question 5

Does UM coverage pay for hit-and-run accidents?

Accepted Answer

In most states, uninsured motorist bodily injury covers hit-and-run accidents where you suffer injuries and the driver cannot be identified. UMPD coverage for property damage from hit-and-run is more state-dependent.

Question 6

How does a UM claim work?

Accepted Answer

You file a UM claim with your own insurance company, not against the uninsured driver's policy. Your insurer steps in as if they were the at-fault driver's insurer and compensates you for covered losses.

Question 7

Should I carry UM coverage if I have health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Health insurance covers medical bills, but UM/UIM also covers lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage — which health insurance does not. The combination provides much more complete protection.

Uninsured Motorist Insurance Insurance FAQ

Uninsured Motorist Insurance Insurance FAQ

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