Beware Of Uninsured Motorists – A Look At The Uninsured

Last Updated on January 20, 2026

Even careful drivers can’t control whether the other driver carries insurance. When an uninsured (or hit-and-run) driver causes a crash, your own policy may be the main path to medical-bill help and financial recovery.

Industry research estimates that 15.4% of U.S. motorists were uninsured in 2023 (about one in seven). Many of these estimates are based on claims patterns (the ratio of uninsured-motorist claims to bodily injury claims), so the numbers are best used as a “risk indicator,” not a headcount.

Insurance rules vary by state and policy. Always read your declarations page and your policy form, and confirm details with your insurer or licensed agent/broker.

At a Glance

Real-World Risk: Uninsured driving remains common nationwide, so it’s smart to plan for the “no coverage” scenario.
Coverage Names Matter: UM, UIM, and (in New York) SUM can work differently—your declarations page is the fastest way to confirm what you actually have.
Vehicle Damage Isn’t Automatic: UM often focuses on injuries; collision coverage is usually what pays to repair your car after an uninsured-driver crash.
Claims Are Evidence-Driven: Police reports, prompt notice, and good documentation can make or break an uninsured or hit-and-run claim.

Table Of Contents

Uninsured vs. Underinsured vs. Hit-and-Run
How UM-Related Coverages Typically Work
Uninsured Motorist Rates Vary Widely by State
New York UM Coverage and Required Minimum Limits
Why Some Drivers Go Uninsured
What to Do After a Crash With an Uninsured Driver
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in New York
Related Guides for Common Driver Situations
Sources and Further Reading
FAQs on Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured vs. Underinsured vs. Hit-and-Run

Uninsured motorist: The at-fault driver has no liability insurance (or their insurer denies coverage).
Underinsured motorist: The at-fault driver has insurance, but their limits are too low to cover your injuries.
Hit-and-run: The at-fault driver can’t be identified. Many policies treat hit-and-run injuries similarly to uninsured motorist claims, but notice and reporting rules can be strict.

Quick tip: Don’t assume “uninsured motorist” covers vehicle repairs. In many states it primarily addresses injuries. Your declarations page will show what applies to your policy.

How UM-Related Coverages Typically Work

Coverage	What It Usually Helps Pay For	Common Notes and Limitations
UM (Uninsured Motorist) Bodily Injury	Injuries to you/household members/occupants caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver	Often does not cover your vehicle damage; may have strict notice/police-report requirements
UIM (Underinsured Motorist)	Injuries when the at-fault driver’s limits are too low	Rules vary by state; may “offset” amounts recovered from the at-fault driver
SUM (NY Supplementary UM/UIM)	In New York, adds protection for underinsured drivers and can broaden where coverage applies	Offered by insurers; limits typically cannot exceed your own bodily injury liability limits
Collision Coverage	Damage to your vehicle from a crash (regardless of fault)	Subject to your deductible; may be essential if UM doesn’t include property damage
PIP / No-Fault (NY) or MedPay (many states)	Medical expenses (and sometimes lost wages) for you/occupants, depending on the state	Deadlines and documentation requirements apply; coverage details vary widely

Uninsured Motorist Rates Vary Widely by State

Where you drive matters. Based on Insurance Research Council estimates for 2023, some states have uninsured motorist rates in the mid-single digits, while others are above 20%.

Highest Estimated Uninsured Motorist Rates (2023)	Percent	Lowest Estimated Uninsured Motorist Rates (2023)	Percent
Mississippi	28.2%	Maine	5.7%
New Mexico	24.1%	Utah	6.2%
District of Columbia	23.1%	Idaho	6.4%
Michigan	22.3%	Wyoming	6.7%
Tennessee	21.3%	Montana	7.2%

New York UM Coverage and Required Minimum Limits

New York is a no-fault state and requires minimum liability coverage. New York also requires uninsured motorist bodily injury protection (generally for accidents occurring in New York State) at least at the state’s minimum levels. The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) is a strong primary source for coverage requirements and consumer guidance.

New York Coverage Category	What It’s For	Minimums (Per DFS)
Bodily Injury Liability	Injuries you cause to others	$25,000 / $50,000
Property Damage Liability	Damage you cause to others’ property	$10,000
PIP / No-Fault	Basic medical/lost wage benefits (subject to rules)	$50,000
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Bodily Injury	Injuries caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver	Subject to the same minimums as bodily injury liability

DFS also explains that New York insurers must offer Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage, which can extend and strengthen protection (including underinsured situations) depending on what you select and sign for.

Quick tip: If you drive outside New York, ask your insurer whether your UM protection applies out of state and whether SUM (or endorsements) are needed for broader protection.

Why Some Drivers Go Uninsured

“Uninsured” doesn’t always mean someone never bought a policy. It can also happen when coverage ends unexpectedly or a vehicle is used differently than the insurer was told. Common causes include:

Policy lapses: Missed payments, canceled policies, or switching insurers incorrectly can create a gap. If you’re dealing with a gap, see what it can trigger (DMV issues, higher premiums, or underwriting problems): what happens when auto insurance lapses.
Affordability pressure: Higher prices can lead drivers to drop coverage or reduce protection below what’s realistic for their risk.
Registration/vehicle status confusion: Some drivers assume a rarely-used vehicle doesn’t need continuous insurance (this can be a costly mistake in many states).
Noncompliance and fraud: Fake ID cards, invalid policies, and “fronting” arrangements can leave everyone exposed at claim time.

What to Do After a Crash With an Uninsured Driver

When the other driver may be uninsured, documentation matters even more. Prioritize safety and follow these claim-friendly steps:

Call police and request a report. A report can be critical for hit-and-run and uninsured motorist claims.
Get evidence. Photos/video of vehicles, plates, damage, injuries, road conditions, and driver documents (if available). Collect witness info.
Don’t negotiate cash at the scene. Informal payments can complicate liability and coverage.
Notify your insurer promptly. UM/SUM and no-fault/PIP benefits may have strict notice and paperwork requirements.
Get medical care and keep records. Follow-up treatment notes and bills often drive the injury portion of a claim.

New York note: If you (and no one in your household) have an auto policy and you’re injured by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver in New York, DFS guidance may point you toward the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) as a last-resort claim option, depending on eligibility.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in New York

New York treats uninsured driving seriously. Consequences can involve registration and license issues, monetary penalties, and reinstatement requirements. For a practical breakdown, see: penalties for driving without insurance in New York.

Related Guides for Common Driver Situations

Sources and Further Reading

FAQs on Uninsured Motorist Coverage

What’s the difference between UM and UIM (or SUM in New York)?

UM (uninsured motorist) generally applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance (or is a hit-and-run). UIM applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their bodily injury limits are too low. In New York, SUM (Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) is the common term for expanded UM/UIM-style protection offered by insurers.

Does uninsured motorist coverage pay for car repairs?

Often, UM coverage is designed for injuries—not vehicle repairs. Some states offer uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD), but it’s not universal. Many drivers rely on collision coverage (subject to a deductible) to repair their own vehicle after an uninsured-driver crash.

What should I do if the driver flees the scene (hit-and-run)?

Call police immediately and request a report, then notify your insurer as soon as possible. Hit-and-run claims often require quick reporting and good documentation (photos, witness info, location details). Don’t delay—late notice can create coverage disputes.

Is uninsured motorist coverage required in New York?

Yes—New York generally requires uninsured motorist bodily injury protection as part of an auto policy, and insurers must offer Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage that drivers can accept, reduce, or decline using the required forms.

What are New York’s minimum limits for liability and UM?

New York’s minimum required liability limits include $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage, plus required no-fault (PIP). DFS guidance also notes that uninsured motorist bodily injury protection is required at least at the same minimum bodily injury limits.

Will filing a UM claim raise my insurance premium?

It depends. Insurers consider the facts of the loss, state rules, and your claims history. A claim that’s clearly not your fault may be treated differently than an at-fault crash, but there’s no universal rule—ask your insurer how they handle UM/SUM claims in your state.

Can I buy higher UM or SUM limits than the minimum?

In many cases, yes. Higher limits can better protect you if you’re seriously injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver. In New York, SUM limits are generally tied to (and cannot exceed) your own bodily injury liability limits, so raising liability limits may expand your available SUM options.

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