Uninsured Motorist Coverage by State: Requirements, Costs & Cheapest Options (2026)
Table of Contents
- What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
- Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage by State (2026)
- States Where UM Coverage Is Required
- States Where UM Coverage Is Optional
- How Much Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Cost?
- Stacked vs. Unstacked Uninsured Motorist Coverage
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage: What’s Different?
- Should You Buy UM Coverage If It’s Optional?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Uninsured motorist coverage by state varies dramatically — 22 states and DC require it, while the rest let you reject it in writing. Nationally, 15.4% of drivers are uninsured, meaning roughly 1 in 7 vehicles on the road carries no liability coverage. If one of those drivers hits you and you lack uninsured motorist coverage, you could pay thousands out of pocket for medical bills and repairs.
Below is a complete breakdown of uninsured motorist coverage by state, including which states require it, which states let you opt out, and how much it costs.
This guide breaks down exactly which states require uninsured motorist coverage, which states let you opt out, how much it costs, and whether you should buy it even when it’s optional.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for your injuries and property damage when an at-fault driver has no auto insurance. It also covers hit-and-run accidents in most states. There are two components:
- UM Bodily Injury (UMBI): Covers medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering for you and your passengers
- UM Property Damage (UMPD): Covers damage to your vehicle (not available in all states)
Some states bundle underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) with UM. UIM kicks in when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your damages.
According to the Insurance Research Council’s 2025 study, 1 in 3 U.S. drivers is either uninsured or underinsured — a 10 percentage point increase from 2017.
Understanding uninsured motorist coverage by state is essential because requirements vary dramatically across the United States.
If you were previously caught driving without insurance, adding UM coverage protects you from other uninsured drivers. In Texas specifically, SR-22 requirements may also apply.
Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
The answer to whether you need uninsured motorist coverage by state depends on where you live and your personal risk tolerance. Ask yourself three questions:
| Question | If Yes → Action |
|---|---|
| Does my state require UM coverage? | You must buy it. Skipping it violates state law and can result in fines or registration suspension. |
| Does my state have a high uninsured rate (>15%)? | Strongly recommended. States like Mississippi (28.2%), Florida (20.6%), and California (20.4%) have massive uninsured populations. |
| Can I afford to pay my own medical bills after a crash? | If no, buy UM even if optional. Health insurance often excludes auto accident-related injuries or has high deductibles. |
Bottom line: If you live in a state where uninsured motorist coverage is optional, the decision should be based on data, not cost alone. A $15/month premium could save you from a $50,000 medical bill.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage by State (2026)
The table below shows every state’s uninsured motorist coverage by state requirements, minimum limits, uninsured driver rates, and whether you can reject coverage. This is the most current data available for 2026, compiled from Insurance Research Council 2025 reports, state DOI filings, and NAIC consumer sources.
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Key Takeaways from the Data
- 22 states + DC require UM coverage: Connecticut, DC, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire (if insured), New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
- 14 states require UIM too: Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin
- Highest uninsured rates: Mississippi (28.2%), New Mexico (24.1%), DC (23.1%), Michigan (22.3%), Tennessee (21.3%)
- Lowest uninsured rates: Maine (5.7%), Utah (6.2%), Idaho (6.4%), North Dakota (6.3%), New Hampshire (6.0%)
States Where UM Coverage Is Required
These states mandate uninsured motorist coverage by state law — you cannot legally drive without it.
States with Highest UM Minimum Limits
| State | UM Minimum Limits | Why It’s High |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | 50/100 | Matches high liability minimums; rural state with high accident severity |
| Vermont | 50/100 BI + 10 PD | Rural roads, harsh winters, high medical transport costs |
| Maryland | 30/60 BI + 15 PD | DC metro traffic density; high property damage costs |
| Virginia | 30/60 BI + 20 PD | High traffic corridors; recent law change increased requirements |
| North Carolina | 30/60 BI + 25 PD | Fast-growing urban centers; high repair costs |
Special Cases
- New Hampshire: UM is only required if you choose to buy insurance. The state allows drivers to prove financial responsibility instead of carrying a policy.
- Virginia: Drivers can pay a $500 Uninsured Motorists Vehicle fee to legally drive without insurance — but this provides zero coverage if you cause an accident.
- South Carolina: UM includes a $200 deductible for property damage claims.
States Where UM Coverage Is Optional
In these states, uninsured motorist coverage by state law is optional, but insurers must offer it. You can reject it in writing. The rejection form is typically a single page signed at policy inception.
States Where Rejection Is Most Risky
| State | Uninsured Rate | Risk of Rejecting UM |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 28.2% | Extreme — nearly 1 in 3 drivers uninsured |
| New Mexico | 24.1% | Very high — rural roads, low enforcement |
| Florida | 20.6% | Very high — no-fault system complicates recovery |
| California | 20.4% | Very high — high medical costs, dense traffic |
| Michigan | 22.3% | Very high — expensive no-fault system |
| Texas | 14.5% | Moderate — see our Texas driving without insurance guide and SR-22 insurance in Texas resources |
How Much Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Cost?
The cost of uninsured motorist coverage by state varies based on local uninsured rates, minimum limits, and insurer pricing. National averages based on 2026 rate filings:
| Coverage Level | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| UM Bodily Injury only (25/50) | $8 – $15 | $96 – $180 |
| UM Bodily Injury (50/100) | $12 – $22 | $144 – $264 |
| UM + UIM bundled | $15 – $28 | $180 – $336 |
| UM with Property Damage | $18 – $35 | $216 – $420 |
Cost factors: Your state, driving record, vehicle value, and whether you stack coverage across multiple vehicles. States with high uninsured rates (Mississippi, Florida) often charge slightly more for UM because insurers anticipate higher claim frequency.
Stacked vs. Unstacked Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Stacking is one of the most misunderstood UM features. It allows you to combine UM limits across multiple vehicles on the same policy.
Example: How Stacking Works
You own two cars, each with $50,000 UM coverage:
- Unstacked: Maximum payout = $50,000 per accident
- Stacked: Maximum payout = $100,000 ($50,000 × 2 vehicles)
States that allow stacking: Most states except those with specific anti-stacking laws. Check your policy declaration page for “stacked” or “non-stacked” designation.
Stacking rules for uninsured motorist coverage by state vary — some states prohibit it entirely.
Should you stack? Yes, if available. It costs roughly 10–20% more but doubles your protection for a marginal premium increase.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage: What’s Different?
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage fills the gap when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your damages.
Real-World Example
A driver with Texas minimum liability (30/60/25) hits you, causing $75,000 in medical bills:
- Their insurance pays: $30,000 (per-person limit)
- Your UIM coverage pays: $45,000 (if your limit is $75,000)
- Without UIM: You sue the driver personally — recovery depends on their assets
Fourteen states bundle underinsured coverage with uninsured motorist coverage by state requirements: Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin.
In optional states, UIM is typically bundled with UM as “UM/UIM coverage.” If you buy UM, you usually get UIM automatically.
Should You Buy UM Coverage If It’s Optional?
Deciding whether to buy uninsured motorist coverage by state when it’s optional requires weighing cost against risk. All major national carriers offer UM/UIM coverage, but pricing and handling vary:
| Carrier | UM Availability | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | All states | Strong claim satisfaction for UM; offers stacking where allowed |
| Geico | All states | Competitive pricing; easy online UM limit adjustments |
| Progressive | All states | Name Your Price tool includes UM customization |
| Allstate | All states | Accident forgiveness does not apply to UM claims |
| USAA | All states | Consistently lowest UM rates for military families |
Shopping tip: Compare UM limits, not just premiums. A $10/month policy with $25,000 limits is worse than a $15/month policy with $100,000 limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about uninsured motorist coverage by state requirements and costs.
Do I need uninsured motorist coverage if I have health insurance?
Yes. Health insurance does not cover lost wages, pain and suffering, or vehicle damage. It also often excludes auto accidents or requires you to pay high deductibles and copays. UM covers what health insurance misses.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in all states?
No. 22 states and DC require it. The remaining 28 states make it optional, though insurers must offer it and you must reject it in writing.
What is the minimum uninsured motorist coverage?
In required states, minimum UM limits typically match the state’s liability minimums — commonly 25/50 or 30/60. Maine and Vermont have the highest minimums at 50/100.
Does uninsured motorist coverage cover hit-and-run accidents?
Yes, in most states. However, some policies require physical contact between vehicles and a filed police report. Check your specific policy language.
What happens if I reject UM coverage and an uninsured driver hits me?
You pay out of pocket for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. You can sue the at-fault driver, but recovery depends entirely on their personal assets — which are often minimal for uninsured drivers.
Is uninsured motorist coverage worth it in Texas?
Given Texas’s 14.5% uninsured rate and the state’s high medical costs, UM coverage at roughly $11–$22 per month is a strong value. If you need to reinstate your license after a violation, see our SR-22 insurance in Texas guide.
Can I add UM coverage to my policy mid-term?
Yes, but some insurers require a new policy period or underwriting review. Adding UM at renewal is typically easiest and avoids prorated premium calculations.
Sources
- Insurance Research Council (IRC) — Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists: 2017–2023 (2025)
- Insurance Information Institute (III) — iii.org
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) — Consumer Information Source
- NerdWallet — State Minimum Car Insurance Requirements 2026
- U.S. News — 3 States Raising Insurance Minimums in 2026
- Connecticut General Assembly — Auto Liability Insurance Requirements Report 2013-R-0258
Disclaimer
InsuraSpot researches insurance coverage requirements using public data from state agencies, the Insurance Research Council, and the Insurance Information Institute. We do not sell insurance, provide legal advice, or represent any insurance carrier. Coverage requirements, costs, and availability vary by state and insurer. Always confirm your specific needs with a licensed insurance agent in your state. Read our full disclaimer and privacy policy.
Last updated: June 2026
