UM (Uninsured Motorist) and UIM (Underinsured Motorist) coverage are two of the most important — and most misunderstood — protections on an auto insurance policy.
These coverages are designed to protect you and your passengers when the other driver either has no insurance or doesn’t carry enough to cover your injuries.
For drivers in Missouri and Arkansas, understanding how UM and UIM work can make a significant financial difference after a serious accident.
What Is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies when:
- You’re hit by a driver with no auto insurance
- You’re involved in a hit-and-run accident
- The at-fault driver cannot be identified
UM coverage can help pay for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other injury-related costs
If the at-fault driver has no coverage, your UM policy steps in to protect you.
What Is Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage?
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the other driver has insurance — but their limits are too low to fully cover your injuries.
For example:
- The at-fault driver carries minimum state liability limits
- Your medical bills and injury costs exceed those limits
- Their policy pays out — but it’s not enough
UIM coverage helps bridge the gap between their limits and your total damages.
Why Is This Coverage So Important?
Statistics show that approximately 16% of drivers in Missouri are uninsured — roughly one in six vehicles on the road. In addition, many drivers carry only the minimum required liability limits.
Serious accidents can quickly exceed minimum coverage amounts, especially when:
- Multiple vehicles are involved
- Hospital stays or surgeries are required
- Long-term rehabilitation is needed
Without UM or UIM coverage, you may be left paying out-of-pocket for someone else’s lack of insurance.
What Does UM and UIM Actually Cover?
It’s important to understand that UM and UIM typically:
- Cover bodily injury, not vehicle damage
- Protect you and your passengers
- May apply if you’re injured as a pedestrian
- May apply if you’re riding in someone else’s vehicle
These coverages follow you — not the other driver.
Is UM/UIM Expensive?
One of the biggest surprises for many policyholders is that UM and UIM coverage are often among the most affordable protections on an auto policy relative to the level of coverage provided.
Given the risk of uninsured and underinsured drivers, increasing UM/UIM limits can provide substantial protection for a relatively modest premium.
Protect Yourself From Other Drivers’ Insurance Decisions
UM and UIM coverage protect you from other people’s financial irresponsibility.
If you’re injured in an accident, your health, income, and future earnings are at stake. Relying solely on the other driver’s minimum limits can leave you exposed.
For drivers in Missouri and Arkansas, reviewing your UM and UIM limits is one of the most important steps in building a strong auto insurance policy.
Choosing appropriate limits today can protect your financial future tomorrow.