Updated June 2026
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance?
Uninsured Motorist Coverage steps in when the at-fault driver has no insurance or their limits are too low to cover your damages. It pays for your medical expenses, lost wages, and in some states your vehicle damage when the other driver can't. The coverage uses the same limits structure as liability insurance — you select bodily injury limits per person and per accident, and in some states you can add property damage coverage for your vehicle. Your insurer pays your claim under this coverage, then pursues the at-fault driver for reimbursement.
- You're stopped at a red light when another driver hits you from behind at 35 mph. You have $4,200 in medical bills and miss two weeks of work. The other driver has no insurance. Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage with $25,000 per person limits pays your medical bills and lost wages in full. Without this coverage, you would file a lawsuit against the driver and likely collect nothing because they have no assets.
- A driver runs a red light and causes a crash involving three vehicles. You suffer $40,000 in medical expenses and permanent injury. The at-fault driver carries only Tennessee's minimum $25,000 per person limit. Your Underinsured Motorist Coverage with $100,000 limits pays the remaining $15,000 after the at-fault driver's policy is exhausted. This coverage protects you from the gap between what you're owed and what the other driver can pay.
- A vehicle sideswiped you on the highway and drove away. You have $6,800 in medical bills and no way to identify the driver. In Tennessee, Uninsured Motorist Coverage typically pays hit-and-run claims if you file a police report within 24 hours and meet state-specific documentation requirements. Without this coverage, you're responsible for the full cost unless you have Medical Payments coverage.
Who Needs Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance?
You should carry Uninsured Motorist Coverage if you're reinstating your license after suspension, especially if the suspension was for driving without insurance or a DUI. Tennessee courts and the DMV view this coverage as proof you're serious about financial responsibility, and many SR-22 filers add it to strengthen their reinstatement application. It's also critical if you have limited savings or high-deductible health insurance — one crash with an uninsured driver could cost you $15,000 to $50,000 out-of-pocket without this protection.
Compare the annual premium to one year of your health insurance deductible plus your emergency fund balance. If you couldn't comfortably pay $10,000–$25,000 out-of-pocket after a crash caused by an uninsured driver, this coverage is worth the cost. Suspended license holders reinstating after insurance-related suspensions should carry at least the state minimum $25,000 per person limit to demonstrate compliance and rebuild trust with the state.
How Much Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance Cost?
Uninsured Motorist Coverage typically adds $8–$15 per month to your premium in Tennessee, or $96–$180 per year.
- Your selected bodily injury limits — higher limits cost more, with $100,000 per person coverage costing roughly double the premium of $25,000 per person coverage
- Whether you add Underinsured Motorist Coverage — combining both coverages typically adds $12–$22 per month total
- Your ZIP code's uninsured driver rate — areas with higher percentages of uninsured drivers see premiums 15–25% higher than the state average
- Your driving record and claim history — at-fault accidents in the past three years can increase this coverage cost by 20–40%
- Whether you stack coverage across multiple vehicles — stacking allows you to combine limits from all insured vehicles, increasing both protection and cost by 30–60%