Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) Insurance Coverage

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Key Takeaways

If you’re in a car accident with someone who has no insurance (like a hit-and-run driver) or not enough insurance, UMBI will help pay medical costs, up to your policy limit.
Depending on where you live, you may be required to carry UMBI on your car insurance policy. The coverage limits may also vary based on state.
Even if your state doesn’t require UMBI, it’s still a good idea to review your policy and make sure you’re protected against a wide range of scenarios. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for any unexpected costs after an accident.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

If you’re in an accident involving underinsured or uninsured drivers, these car insurance coverages can help:

Underinsured motorist coverage helps pay for bodily injury if you’re in an accident with a driver that doesn’t have enough insurance.
Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) helps pay bodily injury costs for you and your passengers if you’re hit by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver.
Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) helps pay for damage to your car if it's hit by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver.

driver protected by uninsured motorist coverage from The Hartford

What Does Uninsured Motorist Insurance Cover?

Simply put, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages can be broken down in two ways: paying for medical bills and paying to repair your property.

Underinsured & Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI)

UMBI insurance coverage helps pay for your medical treatments and any pain and suffering caused by an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver. This car insurance coverage also helps cover the costs of any medical bills if you’re injured as a pedestrian. But depending on where you live, you may have unique coverage limits or requirements.

To learn more about UMBI coverage with AARP^® Auto Insurance from The Hartford,¹ get a quote online or call The Hartford at 888-546-9099.

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)

If an uninsured driver damages your car, uninsured motorist property damage coverage helps pay for any repairs you may need or to replace your vehicle. That way, you can get back on the road as soon as possible. Having this coverage is especially important if you don’t carry collision coverage on your policy.

driver happy knowing what is uninsured motorist coverage

Limits for Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage

One way to decide how much uninsured motorist coverage you need is by looking at the amount of bodily injury liability insurance coverage you have. Then you can get an equal amount of UMBI insurance. That way you’ll have the same level of coverage for yourself and your passengers.

Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Requirements by State

Depending on where you live, you may have different requirements around uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage. In Illinois, for example, you can buy underinsured motorist insurance with minimum limits. In some states, UMBI coverage is automatically included in your car insurance policy unless you reject it in writing. Be sure to review your policy closely to know what protections you already have.

States where uninsured motorist coverage is required:

Not sure what your state’s car insurance requirements are? Call The Hartford at 888-546-9099 today.

How To Get Uninsured Motorist Insurance

Since 1984, The Hartford has offered customizable coverage options and exclusive benefits for AARP members. Our representatives can help you get the policy you need to drive with confidence without breaking the bank. Not to mention, if you need to file a claim, The Hartford is here 24/7 to make the process as stress-free as possible. In fact, our customers consistently provide high ratings for their claims experience.

To learn more about protecting yourself and your loved ones with uninsured motorist coverage from The Hartford, get a car insurance quote online or call 888-546-9099 today.

Uninsured Motorist Insurance

Learn more about uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages in this video.

Frequently Asked Questions About UMBI Coverage

Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is required in some states, but not all. Even if it’s not required where you live, it’s still a good idea to have coverage. Otherwise, you may be at risk of unexpected costs after an accident.

Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage If I Have Collision and Comprehensive?

In certain states, having uninsured motorist coverage is required.

Collision and comprehensive coverage both help to pay for damages to your vehicle after a crash or a non-collision accident, like theft or fire. If you have these coverages on your policy already, you may not need full uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if you live in a state that doesn’t require it. But it’s still a good idea to review your policy in full to make sure you’re protected against a wide range of scenarios.

What Is the Difference Between UIM and UMBI?

UIM stands for uninsured or underinsured motorist, while UMBI stands for uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage. The difference is that UMBI specifically refers to the car insurance coverage that helps pay for medical expenses or pain and suffering after an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver, like a hit-and-run motorist. UMBI doesn’t cover any property damage to your vehicle.

What Happens If You Have an Accident With an Uninsured Motorist?

If you get into a car accident with an uninsured driver and you have UMBI insurance coverage, it can help pay your expenses if you need medical attention. Without underinsured/uninsured motorists insurance for bodily injury, you’ll have to pay those medical costs out of pocket (since the other driver doesn’t have insurance of their own for you to file a claim through) or rely on your health insurance, which may come with high deductibles or limited benefits. And, if you need time off work to recover from injuries, you’ll have lost wages to account for too.