Getting into a car accident is stressful enough—but discovering the other driver doesn’t have insurance can make things far worse. While driving without insurance is illegal in most states, it still happens more often than you might think. Fortunately, if you’re properly insured, your own auto policy can step in to help cover the damages.

Here’s how insurance can help you when you’re hit by an uninsured motorist.

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1. Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)

Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is designed specifically for situations like this. It protects you if you’re involved in an accident with someone who doesn’t have liability insurance. This type of coverage typically helps pay for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral costs (in fatal accidents)

UM coverage can also apply if you’re hit as a pedestrian or cyclist.

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2. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) Matters Too

Sometimes, the other driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your medical bills or car repairs. In those cases, Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage fills in the gap between their policy limits and your actual expenses.

Example: If the at-fault driver has only $25,000 in liability coverage but your injuries cost $50,000, UIM coverage could help cover the $25,000 difference—depending on your policy.

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3. Collision Coverage Can Help With Vehicle Repairs

If your car is damaged by an uninsured driver, your collision coverage can help pay for repairs, regardless of who was at fault. However, you’ll still need to pay your deductible. This option ensures you’re not left paying out-of-pocket just because the other driver broke the law by not having insurance.

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4. Medical Payments Coverage or Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Depending on your state and policy, Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) may also help. These coverages are meant to pay for medical expenses (and sometimes lost income or rehabilitation) for you and your passengers, regardless of who caused the accident.

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5. Filing a Claim Against an Uninsured Driver

If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you can:

• File a UM claim with your own insurer
• Use your collision coverage for vehicle damage
• Rely on MedPay or PIP for medical costs

You could also sue the at-fault driver personally, but if they don’t have insurance, they likely don’t have assets to cover your losses either—so this is rarely an effective route.

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6. Why You Should Consider Adding UM/UIM Coverage

Not all states require UM/UIM coverage, but having it is strongly recommended. According to the Insurance Research Council, about 1 in 8 drivers in the U.S. is uninsured. Protecting yourself with this coverage can mean the difference between financial peace of mind and overwhelming medical or repair bills.

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Final Thoughts

Being hit by an uninsured driver can leave you with more than just a damaged vehicle—it can mean unexpected bills, lost income, and serious headaches. But with the right insurance coverage in place, you can protect yourself financially and recover more smoothly.

Talk to your insurance agent to make sure your policy includes UM/UIM coverage, and that your limits are high enough to truly protect you. You may not be able to control what other drivers do—but you can control how prepared you are when the unexpected happens.