What Is an Uninsured Motorist Claim
An uninsured motorist claim is a request you file with your own insurance company when the driver who caused an accident has no liability insurance or cannot be identified. Instead of trying to recover money from the at-fault driver, you tap the uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage written into your own policy. This coverage typically pays for medical bills, lost wages, and, depending on the policy, vehicle damage. Not all states require uninsured motorist coverage, but where it is mandatory or optional, it can be the difference between a manageable recovery and a financial setback.
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When You Have a Valid Uninsured Motorist Claim
You generally have a valid claim when the at-fault driver has no liability insurance, when the driver leaves the scene and cannot be identified, or when the driver's insurance is insufficient to cover your losses. Hit-and-run accidents often fall into this category, though you will need to provide as much information as possible about the other vehicle. Some policies also extend coverage when a claim against the at-fault driver is disputed or denied. The key question insurers use is whether the other driver was legally required to carry insurance and failed to do so.
What Uninsured Motorist Coverage Typically Pays For
Most uninsured motorist policies split coverage into two categories: bodily injury and property damage. Bodily injury coverage pays for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost income. Property damage coverage pays for repairs to your vehicle or other property, though in some states it may be subject to a deductible. A few policies include a hit-and-run provision that covers damage when the at-fault driver is unknown. Limits vary widely, so the amount you receive depends on the specific coverage elected when the policy was written.
| Coverage Type | What It Pays | Typical Limit Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury | Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering | Varies by state and policy |
| Property Damage | Vehicle repairs, other damaged property | Often $1,000 to $5,000+ |
| Hit-and-Run | Damage when at-fault driver is unidentified | Usually matches UM/UIM limits |
The Claims Process Step by Step
Start by reporting the accident to your insurer as soon as practicable. You will need to provide a police report if one was filed, photographs of the damage, medical records, and any information you gathered about the uninsured driver. Your insurer will then assign an adjuster to investigate, which may include reviewing the police report, interviewing witnesses, and assessing damage estimates. Once the insurer determines the claim is valid, they will either settle or deny it. If the settlement offer is insufficient, you can negotiate or, in some cases, pursue arbitration or litigation.
Common Challenges With Uninsured Motorist Claims
Insurers sometimes challenge the cause of the accident, question whether the other driver was truly uninsured, or argue that injuries predate the collision. Proving a hit-and-run claim can be especially difficult without clear evidence linking the other vehicle to the crash. Delays in reporting, incomplete medical documentation, or missed deadlines can also weaken a claim. Working with a personal injury attorney early in the process helps many claimants navigate these hurdles and preserve their right to compensation.
How to Protect Yourself Before an Accident
The best protection is to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage with limits that match your liability coverage. Review your policy annually, and ask your agent to clarify whether your plan includes hit-and-run protection. Keep a camera, a first-aid kit, and a written procedure for exchanging information in your vehicle so that you can document the scene quickly, even when the other driver is uninsured or absent.