Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Why It Matters in Pennsylvania

Many drivers in Pennsylvania carry the minimum required car insurance. Unfortunately, this often isn’t enough to fully cover damages after a serious accident. If you’re injured in a crash caused by someone with little or no insurance, the financial consequences can be devastating. That’s where uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage becomes essential.

Pennsylvania law requires drivers to carry liability insurance, but it doesn’t mandate protection for yourself against uninsured or underinsured drivers. This type of coverage is optional, yet highly recommended—and for good reason.

The Reality of Driving Without Proper Protection

In an ideal world, every driver on the road would have adequate insurance. But the truth is that many don’t. According to recent data, about 6 to 8 percent of Pennsylvania drivers are completely uninsured. Even more carry only the minimum limits, which may not come close to covering your losses if you suffer serious injuries.

Let’s say you’re hit by a driver who only has the minimum bodily injury liability coverage of $15,000 per person. If your medical bills exceed that amount, the at-fault driver may not be able to pay anything beyond their policy limit. Without additional coverage, you may be left covering the remaining costs on your own.

What Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Does

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage steps in when the driver who caused your accident has no insurance at all. This type of coverage can pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering, depending on your policy.

Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage helps when the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover your full damages. In that case, your UIM coverage can make up the difference, up to your policy limits.

Both types of coverage are especially important in hit-and-run accidents, where the other driver can’t be identified. If no one is held accountable, your UM coverage becomes your safety net.

How This Coverage Works in Real Life

Imagine a situation where you’re driving through an intersection and get T-boned by a speeding car. You suffer a concussion, several broken bones, and require surgery. The other driver carries the state minimum liability insurance. Your medical bills quickly reach $50,000, not including rehabilitation or time missed from work.

If you don’t have UIM coverage, the most you’ll receive from the other driver’s policy is $15,000. That leaves you with a $35,000 gap—or more—depending on your total losses.

But if you carry underinsured motorist coverage with a limit of $100,000, you can make a claim with your own insurance company to recover the additional costs. This coverage helps fill the financial gap when someone else’s policy falls short.

Why You Should Consider Adding or Increasing This Coverage

Many people decline UM/UIM coverage to save a few dollars on their premiums. However, the cost of going without it could be much greater in the event of an accident.

Premiums for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are generally affordable compared to the protection they offer. You can often choose limits that match your own liability coverage, ensuring you have equal protection whether you’re at fault or not.

Pennsylvania allows for “stacking” UM/UIM coverage, which means you can combine coverage limits across multiple vehicles on your policy. This can significantly increase the amount available to you if you’re injured.

Understanding Your Options in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s auto insurance system is unique. Drivers have the option to choose between full tort and limited tort coverage. Limited tort policies restrict your ability to recover compensation for pain and suffering unless your injuries meet a certain severity threshold.

However, UM and UIM coverage are not limited by this tort option. That means even if you selected limited tort, your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can still help compensate you for serious losses caused by another driver’s negligence.

This adds another layer of value to these types of coverage, especially in a state with such complex insurance rules.

What to Look for When Reviewing Your Policy

If you’re not sure whether you have UM or UIM coverage, it’s worth taking a few minutes to review your auto policy. Look at the declarations page, which lists your coverages and limits.

If you find that you have no coverage—or low limits—it may be time to talk to your insurance agent. Increasing your UM/UIM limits is often an easy and cost-effective adjustment that can save you significant stress and expense down the road.

Steps to Take After an Accident with an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver

If you’re involved in an accident with someone who is uninsured or underinsured, the steps you take immediately afterward matter:

Call the police and make sure the crash is properly documented.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Notify your insurance company and report the accident.
Do not accept a quick settlement without understanding your full rights.
Contact an experienced personal injury attorney for guidance.

A lawyer can help you explore all available options for compensation, including a claim through your own UM/UIM coverage.

Conclusion

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is not just an optional add-on—it’s a critical part of protecting yourself and your family. In Pennsylvania, where many drivers have limited or no coverage, this protection can make the difference between financial hardship and a full recovery.

Review your auto insurance policy regularly. Make sure you’re not relying on the other driver to carry enough coverage for your needs. In the end, you can’t control how responsible other people are on the road—but you can control how well you’re protected.