
Auto insurance is designed to protect you after an accident—but what happens if the other driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your injuries and damages? Unfortunately, this situation is more common than many drivers realize. That’s where Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage become essential parts of your auto insurance policy.
UM/UIM coverage ensures you’re financially protected even when the person responsible for the accident cannot compensate you. It is one of the most valuable yet often overlooked forms of insurance.
What Is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist coverage helps pay for your expenses when another driver causes an accident but has no insurance.
UM coverage typically helps with:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage, depending on your policy type
What Is Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage?
Underinsured Motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their coverage limits are too low to cover the full cost of your damages.
For example:
- The other driver’s liability coverage pays up to their policy limit
- Your UIM coverage steps in and pays the difference (up to your limit)
This prevents you from being stuck paying out of pocket.
Why UM/UIM Coverage Matters
1. Many Drivers Lack Sufficient Insurance
Despite legal requirements, millions of drivers carry no insurance, and many more carry only minimum liability limits.
2. Medical and Repair Costs Are Rising
Even minor accidents can lead to:
- Hospital bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost income
- Long-term medical issues
Without UM/UIM coverage, you may struggle to recover financially.
3. It Protects You and Your Family
UM/UIM coverage applies to:
- You
- Household members
- Authorized passengers in your vehicle
- You as a pedestrian or cyclist in some cases
It follows you—not just your car.
When Does UM/UIM Coverage Apply?
UM/UIM coverage may help if:
- The other driver flees the scene (hit-and-run)
- The driver has no insurance
- The driver’s policy limits are too low
- You are a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a vehicle
- You are injured in someone else’s car
This coverage ensures that you don’t shoulder costs created by someone else’s negligence.
Local Insight for Greenville, SC Drivers
In Greenville, SC, traffic continues to grow, and with more vehicles on the road, the risk of accidents increases. Ensuring your auto policy includes sufficient UM/UIM coverage is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself financially in the event of a collision—especially if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
How Much UM/UIM Coverage Should You Have?
Many experts recommend matching your UM/UIM limits to your liability limits.
For example, if your policy has:
- $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident liability coverage,
- Then consider the same limits for UM/UIM.
This ensures consistent protection, regardless of who caused the accident.

Conclusion
UM/UIM coverage is one of the most important ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from the financial burden of an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. It fills gaps, supports recovery, and ensures that you don’t have to pay for someone else’s mistake out of your own pocket.
If you haven’t reviewed your UM/UIM coverage limits lately, now is the perfect time to do so—before you need it.
At Priority Insurance LLC, we put our clients first by offering them policies that they can afford. Having insurance is a necessity nowadays, and we're here to help you out. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at (864) 297-9744. You can also request a free quote by CLICKING HERE.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. It is crucial to consult with a qualified insurance agent or professional for personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances. They can provide expert guidance and help you make informed decisions regarding your insurance needs.









