While car insurance is required in nearly every state, some people still drive without insurance, putting everyone else on the road at financial risk. The most recent figures state that more than 15% of all drivers in the U.S. are uninsured. If you get into an accident with another driver who's at fault but doesn't carry any or enough car insurance of their own, you could be stuck covering your own expenses. But if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you can still get the reimbursement you deserve in this situation.
An independent insurance agent can help you find all the uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage you need. They'll help you get set up with the right uninsured driver insurance in 2026, including selecting the appropriate UM/UIM auto insurance limits for your unique policy. But first, here's a closer look at what uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance is and what it covers.
Key Takeaways - Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage in 2026
Uninsured motorist insurance can help pay for damages caused by drivers who don't carry any car insurance, or if you're the victim of a hit-and-run accident.
Underinsured motorist insurance can help pay for damages caused by drivers who don't carry sufficient coverage to fully reimburse you for their share of the cost.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance is currently required in 20 states, plus Washington, D.C.
The cost of UM/UIM coverage averages $33-$76 per year with limits of 25/50, and $86-$134 per year with limits of 100/300.
Working with a local independent insurance agent is strongly recommended, as they can shop and compare UM and UIM coverage quotes and policies in your area to find the best deal.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage covers your expenses if you are in a car accident where the at-fault driver does not have car insurance. It also applies after hit-and-run incidents, when there's no opportunity to ask for the other driver's insurance information.
UM is required by law in some states and optional in others. Where it's required, the state will usually prescribe minimum coverage limits that you must carry. In its 2025 report, the Insurance Research Council (IRC) reported that about 15.4% of drivers in the U.S. were uninsured in 2023. Further, about one in three drivers, or 33.4%, were either uninsured or underinsured that same year.
When would uninsured motorist coverage apply?
If you were the victim of a hit-and-run or an accident with a driver who didn't have car insurance to cover your expenses, uninsured motorist coverage would apply. If you've been asking, "When does underinsured motorist coverage kick in?" there are a couple of scenarios to consider.
First and foremost, this coverage applies when you're a victim of a hit-and-run accident, in which most insurers would consider an uninsured motorist claim. An underinsured claim would apply if you were involved in an accident in which the other driver didn't carry sufficient coverage to fully pay for their share of the damages.
Uninsured motorist insurance covers you and any passengers in your car for the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Bills related to any pain and suffering
- Physical damage to your vehicle or other property
If you have medical payments coverage in your auto policy, this can help cover the cost of medical and funeral expenses for you and your passengers in an accident, regardless of fault. An independent insurance agent can further explain when you'd need to use uninsured motorist coverage to get compensated.
What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) is very similar to uninsured motorist coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver in an accident had some car insurance of their own, but not a high enough amount to fully compensate the other driver for all the bodily injury or property damage they're responsible for. UIM limits typically follow the state's bodily injury liability limits, and 14 states require UIM as standalone coverage.
How your underinsured motorist coverage works may depend on your state. In most cases, "underinsured" is defined as an at-fault driver who doesn't have enough insurance to cover someone else's damages. The driver might have either insufficient liability limits to cover your bills or liability limits that are less than or equal to your underinsured motorist coverage limit.
What’s the Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
UIM coverage only kicks in once the at-fault driver's liability limit is exhausted. Here's a breakdown of the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage:
- Uninsured motorist coverage: When an at-fault driver doesn’t have any coverage at the time of an accident.
- Underinsured motorist coverage: When the at-fault driver has insurance but doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for all the victim's expenses that they're responsible for after the accident.
An independent insurance agent can further explain the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
What Are the Two Kinds of Uninsured and Underinsured Car Insurance?
There are two types of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage (UMBI/UIMBI): Covers bodily injury for you and your passengers if the at-fault driver has no insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your expenses. This coverage is essential to making you whole after an accident, even if you have medical payments coverage or personal injury protection (which covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault).
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage (UMPD/UIMPD): Reimburses you if your car or other property gets damaged by an uninsured or underinsured driver who cannot fully compensate you for the repairs.
Does UMPD coverage have a deductible? Yes, UMPD typically comes with a deductible of $200 to $500, with state-specific minimum requirements (e.g., California's is $250), and is only offered in 25 states and Washington, D.C.
Sometimes, UM and UIM pay for rental cars or the cost of your collision coverage deductible, depending on your policy. Work with an independent insurance agent to make sure you understand how your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverages work.
Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in 2026?
As of 2026, 20 states and Washington, D.C. require uninsured motorist insurance. The map below shows the states where UM or UIM is required in 2026 and the minimum limits in each state.
| State | Insurance Required | Minimum Liability Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | BI & PD Liability, UM, UIM | 25/50/25 |
| DC | BI & PD Liability, UM | 25/50/10 |
| Illinois | BI & PD Liability, UM, UIM | 25/50/20 |
| Kansas | BI & PD Liability, PIP, UM, UIM | 25/50/15 |
| Maine | BI & PD Liability, MED, UM, UIM | 50/100/25 |
| Maryland | BI & PD Liability, PIP, UM, UIM | 30/60/15 |
| Massachusetts | BI & PD Liability, PIP, UM | 20/40/5 |
| Minnesota | BI & PD Liability, PIP, UM, UIM | 30/60/10 |
| Missouri | BI & PD Liability, UM | 25/50/25 |
| Nebraska | BI & PD Liability, UM, UIM | 25/50/25 |
| New Jersey | BI & PD Liability, PIP, UM, UIM | 35/70/25 |
| New York | BI & PD Liability, PIP, UM, UIM | 25/50/10 |
| North Carolina | BI & PD Liability, UM, UIM | 30/60/25 |
| North Dakota | BI & PD Liability, PIP, UM, UIM | 25/50/25 |
| Oregon | BI & PD Liability, PIP, UM, UIM | 25/50/20 |
| South Carolina | BI & PD Liability, UM | 25/50/25 |
| South Dakota | BI & PD Liability, UM, UIM | 25/50/25 |
| Vermont | BI & PD Liability, UM, UIM | 25/50/10 |
| Virginia | BI & PD Liability, UM, UIM | 50/100/25 |
| West Virginia | BI & PD Liability, UM | 25/50/25 |
| Wisconsin | BI & PD Liability, UM | 25/50/10 |
Uninsured motorist coverage is not required by law in many other states. If you live in a state that doesn’t require uninsured motorist coverage, it's still a good idea to add it to your car insurance policy.
A local independent insurance agent can also help you discover UMPD limits and deductibles by state. They can help you determine your UM coverage deductible by state based on your location.
Do I Need Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
You might, depending on your state's coverage requirements. However, even in locations where this coverage isn't required by law, it can still be a great idea to have it, especially when considering that in one recent year, 15.4% of all U.S. drivers were uninsured, and 33.4% were either uninsured or underinsured, which is a drastic increase from just a few years earlier.
Not only does uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage protect you if you get hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, but it will also help pay for medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages associated with the accident. You should typically only skip UM coverage if you live in a no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) state and carry comprehensive and collision coverage. Otherwise, the math is in favor of you carrying UM/UIM coverage.
In addition, not every state is created equal when it comes to uninsured and underinsured drivers. Some states have more uninsured or underinsured drivers than others, and knowing who you're sharing the road with could sway your decision about whether to add the coverage.
States with the highest percentage of uninsured drivers in 2026
The table below displays the percentage of uninsured drivers by state in 2026.
| Top 10 States | Percentage of Uninsured Drivers |
|---|---|
| Mississippi | 28.2% |
| New Mexico | 24.1% |
| Washington, D.C. | 23.1% |
| Michigan | 22.3% |
| Tennessee | 21.3% |
| Missouri | 20.7% |
| Florida | 20.6% |
| California | 20.4% |
| Colorado | 19.7% |
| Washington | 19.1% |
If you live in one of these states, it's critically important to consider adding uninsured motorist coverage to your car insurance policy.
How Much Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage Do I Need?
If you live in a state where uninsured motorist coverage is required by law, your insurance company may automatically add the required amount of coverage to your auto policy. If it’s not required or you want to add to the minimum, it’s recommended to have at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident. Further, if you're wondering, "How much UMBI coverage do I need in 2026?" it's typically recommended to match your UM/UIM bodily injury limits to your liability coverage limits.
The price difference between having low and high UM/UIM coverage limits is typically very low, often less than $50 per year. An independent insurance agent can help advise you on the exact amount of coverage that's right for you.
What Does Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage Cover?
Whether you get into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can help cover a range of expenses to get you back on the road. This coverage can pay for the following:
- Property damage repair to your own vehicle
- Other property damage besides your vehicle
- Medical expenses of your family members if they are harmed by an uninsured motorist
- Lost wages and/or lost earning ability
- Nonfinancial costs such as pain and suffering
- Replacement services (e.g., housekeeping, childcare during recovery) are typically reimbursed by UIMBI, but not liability coverage
In most instances, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage should cover a hit-and-run, but your insurance company will evaluate this on a case-by-case basis.
How Does Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage Work?
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage reimburses you for damages that an at-fault driver can't cover. Suppose you're in an accident where the at-fault driver flees the scene or isn't able to reimburse you adequately for his or her share of the damages. In that case, you'd file a claim with your own car insurance policy, and your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage would help you recoup your losses.
UIM only kicks in after the at-fault driver's liability limit is exhausted. Some states require a court to establish fault in an accident. Further, uninsured motorist insurance is required for full coverage car insurance policies in certain states.
How to file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim
If you've been wondering how to file a hit-and-run insurance claim or any other type of uninsured motorist claim, just follow the steps below:
- Get everyone to safety and call 911.
- Request a police report, which is especially critical for a hit-and-run accident.
- Photograph the scene, any vehicles, and any visible injuries.
- Collect all witnesses' contact information.
- Call your insurance company or independent insurance agent to initiate a UM claim.
- Prepare any medical bills, proof of lost wages, and repair estimates to send to your insurer.
- Review your insurer's settlement before signing. You may be able to contest it if you disagree.
Your independent insurance agent can also file uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance claims directly through your carrier for you and keep you updated through every step of the process.
How Much Does Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage Cost in 2026?
The average cost of uninsured motorist coverage per month is $3-$6, or about $33-$76 per year for a policy with UMBI limits of 25/50. With limits of 100/300, it costs an average of $86-$134 per year, or about $7-$11 per month. Overall, the cost of adding uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to your car insurance policy is relatively low, typically ranging from $5-$7 per month for combined UM/UIM coverage.
However, if you live in a state with a higher number of uninsured drivers, you can expect to pay more for it than you would in other states. For example, drivers in Massachusetts pay an average of only $11 per year for UMBI coverage, while those in Oklahoma, the state with the highest percentage of uninsured drivers, pay upwards of $41 per year.
Sample 2026 UM premium by state and limit
UM/UIM auto insurance limits influence the cost of your coverage. The table below can help you compare auto insurance rates for UM/UIM coverage in two select states for 2026.
| State | Required Coverage Limits | Average Uninsured Motorist Coverage Premium | Average Underinsured Motorist Coverage Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $25,000/$50,000 | $11 | $2 |
| $50,000/$100,000 | $14 | $12 | |
| $100,000/$300,000 | $15 | $25 | |
| Oklahoma | $25,000/$50,000 | $41 | $41 |
| $50,000/$100,000 | $57 | $57 | |
| $100,000/$300,000 | $81 | $81 |
Do I Need Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage If I Have Health Insurance?
Yes. Uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage can pay for things that your health insurance does not, such as lost wages. It can help you pay for your health insurance deductible. It might also cover services such as acupuncture and chiropractor visits that may not be covered by your health insurance plan.
UIMBI can also reimburse you for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and lost wages, which health insurance doesn't cover. Ask your independent insurance agent for more information about UM PIP coordination and whether this coverage is required in your state.
Stacked vs. Unstacked Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Non-stacked or unstacked insurance disallows drivers from combining coverage from multiple cars or car insurance policies to increase their total limit of coverage. Non-stacked uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage limits your total coverage to the policy limit for the vehicle involved in the incident. In other words, an unstacked uninsured motorist policy caps your coverage at the listed vehicle's limit.
On the other hand, stacked uninsured motorist insurance combines UM limits across multiple cars on one policy or across multiple policies. Stacking is permitted in roughly 30 states, with Florida being the most common example.
While stacked coverage can be slightly more expensive, it can double or triple your effective uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance limits. An independent insurance agent can help further explain the differences between non-stacked and stacked uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
FAQs About Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
How much does uninsured motorist insurance cost in 2026?
UMBI with 25/50 limits averages $33 to $76 per year, while 100/300 limits averages $86 to $134 per year. However, coverage requirements and costs vary by state. The average policyholder pays about $5 to $7 per month for UM/UIM combined.
Does uninsured motorist coverage have a deductible?
It depends on the specific type of coverage. UMBI typically does not have a deductible, while UMPD often does, and it ranges from $200 to $500 in most states, with California requiring a $250 deductible by law. Some states cap UMPD payouts, such as California, at $3,500 per accident.
Does uninsured motorist coverage apply to hit-and-run accidents?
Yes, in most states. Most carriers treat unidentified hit-and-run drivers as uninsured for UMBI claim purposes. Filing a police report is critical, and some states require physical contact between vehicles to qualify.
What is the difference between stacked and unstacked UM coverage?
Stacked UM coverage combines the per-vehicle limits across cars on the same policy (or across multiple policies in some states), often doubling or tripling your effective limit. Unstacked UM coverage caps protection at the per-vehicle limit on the listed car. Stacking is allowed in about 30 states.
Will filing a UM claim raise my insurance rate?
No, a not-at-fault UM claim should not raise your premium since you are using a benefit you have already paid for. However, the average UIM claim adds about $98 per year, but most rate increases happen only when the policyholder is at fault.
Do I need UM coverage in a no-fault PIP state?
No. However, you may want both types of coverage. PIP pays your medical bills regardless of fault, but UMBI also reimburses lost wages and non-economic damages like pain and suffering, which PIP does not. UM coverage adds meaningful protection even in no-fault states like Florida and Michigan.
Which states require uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?
Currently, 20 states plus Washington, D.C. require UM. However, 14 states require UIM separately, including Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin. New Jersey and Virginia each raised their minimum UM limits for 2026.
When does underinsured motorist coverage kick in?
UIM kicks in once the at-fault driver's liability limits are exhausted and your damages exceed those limits. Some states use a "difference between limits" rule (i.e., UIM pays the gap) and others use an "excess" rule (i.e., UIM stacks on top). Your independent insurance agents can confirm which rule applies in your state.
How an Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You Find Uninsured Motorist Coverage
An independent insurance agent can help you determine the right amount of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to add to your policy. Your agent will walk you through a handpicked selection of the best policy options for you.
They'll get you set up with all the coverage you need when it comes to car insurance, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, or anything else. Be sure to ask your agent which carriers in their book offer the highest UMBI/UIMBI limits, whether stacked UM is available in your state, and what UMPD deductible applies on the policy.
Sources
https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/uninsured-motorist-coverage
https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/uninsured-motorist-statistics/#how-to-protect-yourself-from-uninsured-motorists
https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists
https://insurance-research.org/news/one-three-drivers-are-either-uninsured-or-underinsured-us-exposing-themselves-and-other
https://www.valuepenguin.com/uninsured-underinsured-motorist-coverage-car-insurance#limits-premiums