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I’m confused about uninsured motorist coverage. Does it cover injuries or your property or both?

There are two types of uninsured motorist coverage, one that can cover injuries and another that can cover your car. Most drivers who buy uninsured motorist coverage buy the kind that covers injuries.

Typically when people refer to uninsured motorist, they’re referring to uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage (also known as UM or UMBI). There is also uninsured motorist property damage coverage (UMPD); however, it isn’t nearly as common as UMBI and is not available in all states.

Uninsured motorist bodily injury is part of the state minimum car insurance requirements in more than 20 states. It covers your medical expenses, up to your limit, if a motorist who is driving without car insurance is found at-fault for injuring you in an auto accident. It covers injuries to you passengers, too. And depending upon your policy terms, uninsured motorist bodily injury may also pay for lost wages and pain and suffering.

Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) can be used if your vehicle is damaged by an uninsured motorist who is found liable for the accident. UMPD coverage terms vary. In some states, it will pay your collision deductible, if you carry collision. If you don’t carry collision, UMPD coverage will pay up to a certain limit, such as $3,500, and a deductible may be due.

UMPD is required in only eight states. Unless it’s mandatory in your state, you may instead want to buy collision coverage for your vehicle.

Collision covers your vehicle in many more circumstances—includes the ones that are your fault.

Should you buy uninsured motorist coverage, for either bodily injury or property damage? See our coverage recommendations in Insurance.com’s Auto Insurance Coverage Calculator.

Additional reading

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Does uninsured motorist coverage cover the car or the injuries?

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