At Kats, Jamison & Associates, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating auto accidents can become when the at-fault driver lacks proper insurance. Over the past year, several clients have reached out after being hit by uninsured or underinsured motorists and they’ve been shocked to learn that without Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, their own policy wouldn’t fully protect them.
The Uninsured Motorist Problem Is Worse Than You Think
- About 14% of U.S. drivers are uninsured, meaning nearly 1 in 7 drivers is operating without liability coverage.
- That translates to roughly 32 million uninsured motorists nationwide .
- The rate has risen from around 11% in 2019 to 14% in 2022, driven in part by pandemic-related financial pressures.
- Some states fare much worse—like Mississippi (29%), District of Columbia (~25%), and New Mexico (~25%)
Even in relatively insured states, 6–8% of drivers still go without – including here in Pennsylvania (~11%), making UM coverage essential.
What UM Coverage Protects You From
Uninsured Motorist coverage steps in when the person responsible for an accident:
- Has no insurance
- Is underinsured, meaning their policy limits are too low
- Flees the scene (hit-and-run)
Your UM benefits can cover:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress
- Property damage, if you carry UM property damage (UMPD) protection
Without it, you’re left stuck covering potentially hundreds of thousands in expenses out-of-pocket with no legal recourse if the at-fault driver is uninsured or missing.
Real Client Scenarios: The Gaps We’ve Seen
- Client A in Bucks County was struck by a hit-and-run driver. With only liability insurance, they had to use personal health insurance and savings to pay mounting medical and repair bills.
- Client B was in a rear-end collision with a driver whose liability coverage had been exhausted. Without UM/UIM, they would have faced a six-figure medical debt until our firm stepped in to help file a UM claim.
These cases have shown us that standard liability coverage isn’t enough and many policyholders don’t even know they’re missing this vital layer of protection.
Why UM Coverage Truly Matters
- Prevalence of Uninsured Drivers
With 1 in 7 drivers uninsured, you have a statistically significant chance of encountering one on the road . - Firepower for Serious Injuries
UM/UIM coverage ensures you’re not left financially exposed if the at-fault driver can’t pay. - Protection for Hit-and-Runs & Pedestrians
Hit-and-run incidents count—and even if you’re a pedestrian or cyclist, UM can cover your injuries . - Affordable Peace of Mind
Median UM bodily injury coverage costs about $50/year, with property damage coverage around $38/year—a small price for major protection
Tips from Kats, Jamison & Associates
- Review your declarations page: Look for “Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury” and “Underinsured Motorist” and ensure your limits don’t match only the state minimum.
- Increase your limits: The cost difference between minimum and reasonable UM/UIM limits is often minimal, but the benefit is substantial.
- Get UMPD: If your policy offers Uninsured Motorist Property Damage, it can help cover repair costs when an uninsured driver damages your vehicle.
Driving without UM coverage is like driving without a seatbelt. When the unthinkable happens whether a hit-and-run, uninsured driver, or grossly underinsured at-fault party, your financial security is on the line. With 1 in 7 U.S. drivers uninsured, UM/UIM coverage isn’t optional, it’s essential.
Talk to your insurance agent today to secure your protection today so you’re never left paying someone else’s mistake.
