← Vocabulary Explorer

Uninsured Motorist

What it means
Coverage that may help if you're injured or your property is damaged by a driver who has no liability insurance (or in some hit-and-run situations, depending on the policy).
Tennessee example
You're rear-ended on I-40 near Lebanon by a driver with no insurance — UM coverage on your policy may help with your injuries subject to limits.
Why it hits your wallet
Tennessee roads include drivers without insurance; UM/UIM is how many households prepare for that reality.

Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is the cousin concept: the other driver has insurance, but not enough. Read both lines on your declarations page. I explain the terms.