Does Collision Coverage Cover an Uninsured Motorist?

Navigating automotive insurance can be complex, especially when an accident involves a driver without insurance. Policyholders often question how their existing coverage applies to physical damage to their vehicle and personal injuries in such scenarios.

Understanding Collision Coverage

Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle from an impact with another vehicle or object, or if your car rolls over. It helps pay for the cost of repairs or replacement of your car, up to its actual cash value, after a covered accident. This coverage applies regardless of who is at fault. For example, if you collide with a guardrail, a tree, or another vehicle, collision coverage can help pay for the damage to your car, subject to your chosen deductible.

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage begins. Deductible amounts typically range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars. While collision coverage is not legally mandated, lenders often require it if you have a lease or loan on your vehicle. If you own your vehicle outright, carrying collision coverage is optional.

Collision coverage specifically covers physical damage to your vehicle from a collision. It does not pay for injuries to other individuals, damage to other people’s property, or incidents like theft, vandalism, weather-related damage, or hitting an animal. These losses are covered by other insurance components, such as liability or comprehensive coverage. Thus, while protecting your vehicle, collision insurance has limitations regarding broader financial consequences.

Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage protects you and your passengers when the at-fault driver lacks adequate or any insurance. It helps cover your expenses when the responsible party cannot. This addresses a significant risk, as approximately 13% to 14% of drivers nationwide operate a vehicle without insurance.

UM coverage has two main components. Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) coverage covers medical expenses, lost wages due to injury, and compensation for pain and suffering for you and any passengers. This is important even with health insurance, as UMBI may cover additional costs like lost income or pain and suffering that health insurance typically does not.

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle when an uninsured driver is at fault. While UMBI usually does not have a deductible, UMPD often has its own deductible, commonly ranging from $100 to $1,000. In many states, UM coverage also extends to incidents involving hit-and-run drivers, who are considered uninsured if their identity is unknown.

Many states either require drivers to carry UM coverage or mandate that insurance companies offer it, allowing drivers to decline it. In some regions, UM coverage is bundled with Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. UIM protects you when the at-fault driver has some insurance, but their policy limits are insufficient to cover all your damages. UM/UIM coverage limits often mirror your liability coverage limits.

How Collision and Uninsured Motorist Coverages Interact

Collision and uninsured motorist coverages are distinct yet complementary parts of an auto insurance policy. Collision coverage focuses on repairing or replacing your vehicle after an impact, regardless of who caused the accident. If an uninsured driver hits your car, your collision coverage can pay for the physical damage, subject to your deductible.

Collision coverage does not address personal injuries or other losses beyond vehicle damage. This is where Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) coverage becomes relevant. If an uninsured driver causes an accident resulting in injuries to you or your passengers, your UMBI coverage would be the primary source for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

For property damage caused by an uninsured driver, you may use your collision coverage or, if available, your Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage. UMPD specifically covers vehicle damage from an uninsured driver and often has a lower deductible than collision coverage, or even no deductible. If you have both, you can choose which coverage to use for repairs.

While collision coverage is broader for vehicle damage, UMPD specializes in incidents involving uninsured drivers. Even if you have collision coverage, UMBI remains an important protection for personal injuries. UMPD can also offer an alternative for property damage with potentially more favorable deductible terms when an uninsured driver is involved.

Steps After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver

After an accident involving an uninsured driver, prioritizing safety and gathering information are important first steps. Ensure everyone is safe, and if possible, move vehicles to a secure location to prevent further incidents. Check for any injuries and contact emergency services if medical attention is needed.

Report the accident to the police. A police report documents the incident and serves as evidence for your insurance claim, especially when the other driver is uninsured. While waiting for law enforcement, gather information from the other driver, including their name, contact details, and license plate number, even if they state they are uninsured.

Document the scene thoroughly. Take photographs of the damage to all vehicles, the accident location, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, obtain their contact information. Once safe, promptly notify your insurance company about the accident, informing them the other driver was uninsured.

When filing your claim, provide your insurer with all collected details, including the police report, photographs, and any medical records if injuries were sustained. Seek medical attention for any injuries, even minor ones, and meticulously document all accident-related expenses, such as medical bills and vehicle repair estimates. This record-keeping supports your claim and helps ensure all damages are accounted for.