Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage address different questions about another driver’s insurance. Available protections, conditions, and requirements vary by state.
Questions to ask a provider
Ask which bodily injury and property damage protections are available, whether deductibles apply, and how the coverage interacts with your other benefits.
UM and UIM in plain English
Uninsured motorist coverage concerns a driver without applicable insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage concerns a driver whose available liability protection is insufficient. Injury and property damage options differ by state; do not assume one selection covers both.
Consumer reference: NAIC auto insurance resources.
Uninsured and underinsured are different situations
Uninsured motorist questions involve a driver without applicable insurance. Underinsured motorist questions involve another driver whose available protection may be insufficient. Ask your provider to explain the available coverages and the triggers for payment in your state.
Bodily injury and vehicle damage questions
Do not assume one uninsured motorist selection handles both injuries and damage to your car. Ask whether bodily injury and property damage protections are available separately and how they interact with other coverage.
Ask how the coverage coordinates
- How does this coverage interact with medical payments or personal injury protection?
- Does a deductible apply to vehicle damage?
- What reporting and claim documentation is required?
- What are the conditions involving a hit-and-run driver?
Review the limits on each quote
Compare the same UM and UIM selections across providers and ask whether a quote includes, omits, or changes them. State-specific selection or rejection rules should be confirmed directly with the provider.
Uninsured motorist FAQs
Does another driver’s small liability limit guarantee a payment under my policy?+
No. Eligibility depends on the relevant policy provisions, the loss, and applicable rules. Ask the provider to explain how a claim would be evaluated.
Is this coverage identical in every state?+
No. Availability, requirements, and policy wording can differ. Use your state regulator’s consumer resources as a starting point.
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