Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of auto insurance that protects you if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver or are left stranded by a hit-and-run. However, you might wonder how likely these scenarios are and whether it is really worth paying extra for uninsured motorist coverage.
Sadly, just because you’re driving legally does not mean everyone else out there is. A 2025 study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) estimates that more than 1 in 7 drivers were uninsured in 2023. This means that the chances of getting hit by a driver who does not have coverage are surprisingly high.
In this blog, we’ll explore what you need to know about uninsured motorist coverage and how you can seek fair compensation if you get hit by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.
Uninsured motorist insurance requirements vary from state to state. In some places, it is not mandatory, but it is available as optional coverage. However, in states like Illinois, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is bundled in with your mandatory liability insurance.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is designed to pay for your medical expenses and those of your passengers in the event of an accident caused by an uninsured driver. It also covers hit-and-run scenarios when you are unable to identify the other driver and therefore cannot file a claim against his or her insurance policy.
In addition to medical expenses, your policy may cover:
However, the payment you receive will be capped by your policy limit. So, if you only have a policy providing $50,000 of coverage, that’s the maximum payout you could receive. UM coverage also includes insurance for property damage.
You can use UM to get your vehicle repaired after an accident. Depending on the type of coverage you purchase, you may also get some protection for lost wages.
A similar type of coverage is called underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. This kicks in if a driver has some insurance coverage, but not enough to cover the entirety of your losses.
If you live in a state where uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory, it may be tempting to save a few bucks and leave it out when renewing your auto insurance. After all, you may reason, any injuries would be covered by my health insurance.
While it’s true that there may be overlap between what the two coverages offer, things may not be so simple. For example, Medicare and Medicaid may not pay out for your medical expenses until all other potential sources of insurance have been fully explored. Additionally, you will likely have to pay a deductible with your health insurance, whereas uninsured motorist coverage typically does not require a deductible.
Also, think about your passengers. If they do not have their own health insurance, they may have to pay for their medical expenses out of pocket. However, if you have purchased uninsured motorist coverage, your passengers are also covered up to the policy limits.
The takeaway is that there are significant risks associated with forgoing uninsured motorist coverage. With so many uninsured drivers out there, and 1 in 250 drivers being involved in a hit-and-run in 2022, it’s a chance you probably shouldn’t take.
If you’re in a crash and the other driver admits that he or she does not have insurance, take the following steps to protect yourself:
If the other driver flees the scene, don’t panic. Follow the steps above to the extent possible, and try to write down anything you can remember about the car and the license plate. It may be possible for your car accident lawyer to track down surveillance camera or dashcam footage later that could help in tracking down the liable party.
After an accident caused by an uninsured driver, you have two primary routes to financial recovery: filing a claim against your UM policy or suing the other driver personally for your losses. Usually, filing a claim against your UM policy is the strongest route to recovery, as uninsured drivers are unlikely to have the resources to pay the compensation you need personally.
Before taking either step, it’s important to seek qualified legal advice from an experienced auto accident attorney. A lawyer will listen carefully to the circumstances of your accident and provide tailored legal advice on the strongest route to financial recovery.
Sadly, even our own insurance companies do not always act in good faith or offer us what our claim is truly worth. This is why it is essential to have a dedicated car accident lawyer who is not afraid to go toe to toe with the insurance company to fight for your best interests.
If an accident with an uninsured driver has left you in pain and fearful for the future, now is the time to talk to an experienced Collins Law car accident lawyer. Our attorneys are not afraid to take on the insurance company to seek a fair settlement that can help you face the future with confidence.
In one notable case, we represented a client who was hit head-on by an uninsured motorist. After the insurance company rejected the arbitration settlement, we went to trial and secured a verdict of $325,000 – $100,000 more than the arbitration settlement!
If you’re ready to find out what our car accident lawyers could do for you, call (630) 527-1595 to schedule a free consultation. Alternatively, contact us online and we will call you back soon to set up a meeting.
