States with high uninsured drivers and the importance of uninsured motorist coverage

In some U.S. states more than 20% of drivers are uninsured.

According to Forbes Advisor statistics, in several U.S. states, more than 20% of drivers are uninsured. For this reason, some states require car owners to have uninsured motorist coverage (UM). This coverage provides additional protection by covering medical expenses if you or your passengers are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, a hit-and-run driver, or if the responsible driver’s insurance company denies coverage or goes bankrupt.

States with the highest number of uninsured drivers:

Mississippi – 29.4%
New Mexico – 21.8%
Michigan – 25.5%
Tennessee – 23.7%
Washington – 21.7%
Florida – 20.4%

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) works similarly to liability insurance. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, UM replaces the liability coverage that the at-fault driver should have had.

What does uninsured motorist coverage cover?

This type of coverage can be crucial, as it pays for a variety of expenses that may arise as a result of the accident, including:

Medical bills: It covers the necessary medical expenses to treat injuries from the accident, for both the driver and passengers.
Lost wages: If the accident prevents the insured from working for a period, the coverage can compensate for lost income.
Pain and suffering: In addition to medical costs, this coverage may offer compensation for the emotional and physical impact of the accident.
Funeral expenses: In tragic cases involving fatalities, the coverage can help with funeral costs.

Additionally, uninsured motorist property damage coverage can pay for the repair costs of your vehicle if it is damaged by an uninsured driver or a driver without sufficient liability coverage. This provides extra protection, ensuring that repair costs do not fall on the affected individual.

In cases where the driver has insurance, but it does not cover all medical or repair costs, underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) steps in to cover the difference. UIM is a separate coverage, though it is sometimes bundled with UM. UIM pays medical bills and other expenses for you and your passengers if you are in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have enough liability insurance to cover the medical bills.