Uninsured Motorist Coverage

What is uninsured motorist coverage, and why is it necessary?

Uninsured Motorist Coverage is a part of an automobile insurance policy that pays for losses in the event of an accident with a driver who is not properly insured. In the state of Tennessee, according to III.com, 23.7% of drivers in 2019 were uninsured. That means that one in five drivers on the road might not be able to provide coverage for losses in the event of an accident. [1],[2]

According to Tennessee’s House Bill 1287, drivers in the state of Tennessee are obliged to carry this type of motorist coverage. In other states this might include coverage requirements for both bodily injury and property damage, but Tennessee only obligates drivers to purchase this type of motorist coverage for “bodily injury, sickness, or disease, including death, resulting from injury, sickness, or disease.” [3]

Apart from this type of motorist insurance, your collision coverage might be high enough to cover damage to your car, but it will not cover personal injury. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage ensures that in the event of an accident, damages to your vehicle and medical injuries are covered. [1]

If you desire to lower your motorist coverage or reject it, you may do so when applying for insurance or by issuing a written request. [3]

Sources:

[1] “What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?”  https://www.progressive.com/answers/uninsured-motorist-insurance/  (January 31, 2024).

[2] “Facts + Statistics: Uninsured Motorists” https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists (January 31, 2024).

[3] “House Bill 1287” https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/111/Bill/HB1287.pdf (January 31,2024).

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.