Some states require it; others require insurers to offer it and allow you to reject in writing. We confirm state rules at quote.

Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage — What It Is, How It Works & How Much You Need

Protect your family from drivers who don’t carry enough insurance—or any at all. UM/UIM pays for your injuries when the at-fault driver can’t. Learn the differences, see stacking rules, and choose the right limits.

Get auto quote with UM/UIM Quick facts

Quick facts

Topic	What to know
Two parts	UM = Uninsured Motorist; UIM = Underinsured Motorist. Both usually apply to bodily injury (BI); some states also offer UM Property Damage (UMPD).
Hit-and-run	Often treated as “uninsured” for BI if certain reporting rules are met. Proof requirements vary by state and carrier.
Stacking	Some states allow combining limits across vehicles (“stacking”); others prohibit it or require a non-stacking election.
Limits	Common picks: match your liability limits (e.g., 100/300 or 250/500). Higher medical costs make strong UM/UIM crucial.
Medical bills & lost wages	UM/UIM can pay medical expenses, lost income, and pain/suffering up to your limits after the at-fault driver’s coverage is exhausted or absent.
Who’s covered	Typically you, household relatives, and passengers in the insured car. Coverage may follow you as a pedestrian or cyclist—policy language controls.

UM/UIM rules (offers, limits, stacking, UMPD, and hit-and-run procedures) vary by state and carrier. We’ll confirm your exact options at quote.

What UM/UIM covers

Uninsured Motorist (UMBI)

Injuries to you/your passengers when the at-fault driver has no liability insurance or can’t be identified (hit-and-run where applicable).

Underinsured Motorist (UIMBI)

Pays the difference when the at-fault driver’s BI limits aren’t enough to cover your damages—up to your UIM limits.

UM Property Damage (UMPD)

Available in some states for your vehicle damage caused by an uninsured driver (often with deductibles and exclusions for hit-and-run).

Excess over at-fault limits

UIM typically sits excess over the at-fault driver’s BI. Some states use “difference-in-limits” or “add-on” structures—results vary.

Coordination with MedPay/PIP

UM/UIM coordinates with MedPay or PIP and health insurance. We’ll structure coverages to reduce gaps and duplicate deductibles.

What’s not covered

Vehicle damage (unless UMPD applies), property inside the car, and non-covered drivers. Policy terms and state rules apply.

UM vs UIM vs UMPD (comparison)

Coverage	What it addresses	Typical use case	Key caveats
UMBI	Injuries when the other driver has no insurance	Hit-and-run injuries; at-fault driver uninsured	May require prompt police report/claim filing
UIMBI	Injuries when the other driver’s limits are too low	Serious injuries where at-fault BI is minimal (e.g., 25/50)	Excess or difference-in-limits depends on state law/policy
UMPD	Damage to your car by an uninsured driver	Some states allow; often not for hit-and-run	Deductibles and eligibility vary; collision may still be best

We’ll check whether your state allows UMPD, stacking, and “add-on” UIM, then align your limits and deductibles accordingly.

Pricing & value snapshot

Factor	Impact	What helps
Local UM rate	Areas with higher uninsured rates make UM/UIM more valuable	Carry UM/UIM at limits that match your BI liability
Medical costs & wages	Higher care costs and missed work increase potential losses	Choose 100/300 or 250/500 (or higher) for meaningful protection
Stacking & vehicles	Stacking (if allowed) can increase effective protection	We’ll model stacked vs non-stacked pricing where legal
Collision vs UMPD	Collision repairs your car regardless of the other driver	Use collision for broad protection; add UMPD where it adds value

UM/UIM is generally inexpensive relative to the benefit. We’ll quote several carriers and show the net premium difference at your desired limits.

How to choose your limits

Quick decision checklist

Match your liability. Choose UM/UIM equal to your BI liability limits; many clients select at least 100/300 or 250/500.
Ask about stacking. If your state allows stacking and you insure multiple vehicles, it can meaningfully increase protection.
Confirm hit-and-run rules. Some states require immediate police reports or independent witnesses for UM claims.
Coordinate with health coverage. Align UM/UIM with MedPay/PIP and your health plan to avoid gaps.
Re-quote at renewal. Carriers adjust UM/UIM pricing and forms—shop annually for the best structure.

Service areas (near me)

States we serve
AZ, AL, TX, CA, NY, OH, FL, NC, VA, GA, OK, NM, IA, KS, MI, NE, SC, SD, WV

Get auto quote with UM/UIM Read FAQs

UM/UIM FAQs

What’s the difference between UM and UIM?

UM pays when the other driver has no insurance (or hit-and-run where applicable). UIM pays when the other driver’s limits are insufficient for your loss.

Should UM/UIM match my liability limits?

Yes—matching is a common best practice because crash injuries can exceed low at-fault limits quickly. We’ll model multiple options.

Is UM required?

Some states require it, others require insurers to offer it and let you reject in writing. We’ll confirm what applies in your state before binding.

Does UM cover my car?

Not typically—UM is mainly for injuries. Some states offer UMPD for vehicle damage, but collision coverage remains the broadest option.

How do stacked vs non-stacked policies work?

Where legal, stacking lets you combine UM/UIM limits across multiple vehicles on the same policy; non-stacked does not. Availability and pricing vary by state/carrier.

Disclosure

Blake Insurance Group LLC is an independent agency. UM/UIM availability, stacking, UMPD, and hit-and-run rules vary by state and carrier. Policy language controls. Trademarks belong to their owners. Licensed producer (NPR/NPN 16944666).