How does Pennsylvania Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage work?
How Pennsylvania Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works
Being hit by a driver with no insurance is a frustrating and potentially devastating situation. Without your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, you may have little recourse for recovering compensation for your injuries. Here’s what you need to know about how UM coverage works in Pennsylvania and why it matters.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is an optional addition to your Pennsylvania auto insurance policy that provides protection when you are injured by a driver who has no automobile liability insurance. It is also available in situations where the at-fault vehicle cannot be identified — such as in a hit-and-run accident where the other driver flees the scene.
In these scenarios, there is no at-fault driver’s insurance policy to make a claim against. Without your own UM coverage, you would be left relying solely on your own First Party Benefits (medical and lost wage coverage under your own policy) and potentially pursuing a personal lawsuit against a driver who likely has no assets to collect from.
How Does UM Coverage Protect You?
If you have UM coverage and you are injured by an uninsured driver:
- You file a claim with your own insurance company under the UM portion of your policy
- Your insurer steps into the shoes of the uninsured at-fault driver and evaluates the claim
- You can recover compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering up to your UM policy limits
The process is similar to making a third-party liability claim — except the claim is against your own insurer rather than the at-fault driver’s company. Be aware that even though it’s your own insurer, they still have financial incentives to minimize what they pay.
Hit-and-Run Accidents and UM Coverage
UM coverage typically applies in hit-and-run situations where the responsible vehicle cannot be identified. Pennsylvania law generally requires that there be physical contact between your vehicle and the unidentified vehicle for a UM claim to apply in a hit-and-run scenario, though this can vary. An attorney can advise you on the specific requirements for your situation.
Is UM Coverage Required?
UM coverage is optional in Pennsylvania, but it must be offered by your insurer. Many drivers decline it to save money — a decision they often regret after an accident. Given that an estimated 1 in 8 drivers nationally is uninsured, and Pennsylvania’s roads are no exception, UM coverage provides important protection at a relatively modest additional cost.
Stacking Your UM Coverage
If you have multiple vehicles on your policy, you may be able to stack your UM limits for greater protection. This can dramatically increase the coverage available to you after a serious accident involving an uninsured driver. See our FAQ on stacking for more information on how this works.
