🚨 The Uninsured Driver Problem
Drivers Uninsured
13%
national average
Worst State
29%
Mississippi
Avg Medical Bills
$57,000
serious injury
What Is UM/UIM Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist (UM)
Covers you when hit by a driver with NO insurance. Also covers hit-and-runs where the driver flees.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM)
Covers the gap when at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your damages.
Example Scenario:
You're hit by an at-fault driver carrying state minimum $25,000 liability.
Your medical bills and lost wages total $150,000.
Uninsured Driver Rates by State
| State | Uninsured Rate | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 29% | Highest |
| New Mexico | 24% | Very High |
| Florida | 20% | High |
| California | 16% | Above Average |
| National Average | 13% | — |
| Massachusetts | 6% | Low |
| Maine | 5% | Lowest |
Types of UM/UIM Coverage
UMBI - Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury
Covers your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering when hit by uninsured/underinsured driver. This is essential.
UMPD - Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
Covers damage to your car. Less critical if you have collision coverage (which covers this anyway).
How Much UM/UIM Coverage Do You Need?
Rule of thumb: Match your UM/UIM limits to your liability limits.
Recommended Minimums:
- • Basic: 100/300 ($100K per person / $300K per accident)
- • Better: 250/500 ($250K per person / $500K per accident)
- • Best: Match to your umbrella policy requirements
Why so high? Medical bills for serious injuries easily exceed $100,000. Lost wages add up quickly. State minimums ($25K-50K) are woefully inadequate.
Stacking: Double Your Coverage
Some states allow "stacking"—combining UM/UIM limits across multiple vehicles on your policy.
Example:
You have 2 cars with $100K UM coverage each.
With stacking: You can claim up to $200K total.
Without stacking: You're limited to $100K.
States That Allow Stacking
Florida, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and others.
Cost
Stacking costs more but provides more coverage per dollar than simply increasing limits.
Is UM/UIM Required?
Required in These States
Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Optional but Offered
Most other states. Insurers must offer it, but you can reject in writing. Don't reject it.
The Bottom Line
With 13% of drivers uninsured nationally (29% in Mississippi), and most drivers carrying inadequate minimum coverage, UM/UIM coverage is essential protection. Match your UM/UIM limits to your liability limits—at least 100/300, preferably 250/500. Consider stacking if your state allows it. This is the coverage that protects YOU and your family, regardless of who causes the accident.