Why Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage Could Save You

When someone causes an accident and doesn't have insurance—or doesn't have enough—who pays for your injuries and damages? Unless you have the right coverage on your own policy, you might be stuck with the bills.

This scenario plays out more often than you'd think. Let me explain why UM/UIM coverage might be the most important protection you're not thinking about.

Despite laws requiring auto insurance, a significant number of drivers have no coverage at all—or far too little. According to a 2025 study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC), about one in seven drivers nationally (15.4%) is completely uninsured. In some states, it's closer to one in four.

But here's what's even more alarming: when you add in underinsured drivers—those with insurance, but not nearly enough to cover a serious accident—the IRC estimates that roughly one in three drivers is either uninsured or underinsured.

West Virginia requires liability insurance, but that doesn't mean everyone has it. And even drivers who do have insurance often carry only the state minimum—which is just $25,000 per person for injuries.

Think about that. If someone with minimum coverage causes an accident that puts you in the hospital with $100,000 in medical bills, their policy maxes out at $25,000. Where does the other $75,000 come from? Unless you have underinsured motorist coverage, it comes from your pocket.

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage pays when you're injured by a driver who has no insurance at all. This includes:

• Drivers with no policy
• Hit-and-run accidents where the driver is never identified
• Drivers whose insurance company is insolvent

In West Virginia, UM coverage is required—you'll have at least the state minimum on your policy. But those minimum limits may not be enough, and higher limits are optional.

Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your damages. Their policy pays first, then your UIM coverage pays the difference.

Unlike UM coverage, UIM is entirely optional in West Virginia. Many drivers don't have it—and that's a mistake. Given how many drivers carry only minimum liability coverage, underinsured motorist protection is just as important as uninsured.

Both coverages also protect you if you're a pedestrian hit by a car, or if you're a passenger in someone else's vehicle.

Let me walk you through how this works with some numbers:

The Accident: You're seriously injured in a crash caused by another driver. Your medical bills total $150,000, and you miss three months of work (another $20,000 in lost wages).

Scenario 1 — No UM/UIM Coverage:

The at-fault driver has only $25,000 in liability coverage. You receive $25,000. The remaining $145,000 is your problem. You could sue the driver personally, but most people can't pay a judgment like that. You're stuck with the bills.

Scenario 2 — With UM/UIM Coverage (100/300):

The at-fault driver's insurance pays $25,000. Your underinsured motorist coverage pays up to $100,000 more. You receive $125,000 total—still short of your full damages, but a much better outcome.

Scenario 3 — With Higher UM/UIM Limits:

If you carried $250,000 in UM/UIM coverage, you'd collect $25,000 from the other driver plus $145,000 from your own policy, covering all your damages.

When I review policies, I often see people with good liability coverage—$100,000 or more—but minimal UM/UIM. That's backwards thinking.

Your liability coverage protects *other people* from *you*. Your UM/UIM coverage protects *you* from *other people*. Which matters more to your family's financial security?

I recommend carrying UM/UIM limits that match your liability limits. If you have 100/300 liability coverage, get 100/300 UM/UIM. The additional cost is usually modest—often just $50-100 more per year for significantly higher protection.

If you have a family: UM/UIM coverage often extends to family members in your household, even if they're in another vehicle or walking.

If you carpool or ride with others: Your UM/UIM coverage can protect you as a passenger in someone else's car.

If you have health insurance: You might think your health insurance would cover accident injuries. It might—but health insurance doesn't cover lost wages, pain and suffering, or vehicle damage. And it may seek reimbursement from any insurance settlement (called subrogation).

If you have significant assets: Uninsured drivers who cause accidents can be sued, but collecting is difficult. UM/UIM coverage pays you directly, without the hassle and uncertainty of litigation.

To be clear, this coverage has limits:

• It only covers injuries and damages you'd be legally entitled to collect from the at-fault driver
• It doesn't apply if you're at fault
• There are typically time limits for making claims

A note on property damage: In West Virginia, UM/UIM coverage can include property damage—meaning it can help pay for damage to your vehicle when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. This is a valuable feature that isn't available everywhere. Ask us about adding property damage to your UM/UIM coverage.

I've been in this business long enough to see families devastated by accidents with uninsured drivers. It's heartbreaking when someone with serious injuries finds out they have no coverage and no realistic way to recover their losses.

UM/UIM coverage is one of the most affordable ways to protect yourself from other people's irresponsibility. For the relatively small additional premium, it's coverage I believe everyone should carry—and at adequate limits.

When's the last time you reviewed your UM/UIM limits? Pull out your auto policy and check. If you're not sure what you have or whether it's enough, give us a call. We'll review your coverage and make sure you're protected.

Don't wait until you need it to find out you don't have it.