Q: What is uninsured or under-insured motorist coverage?

A: Uninsured motorist coverage protects injured drivers if the at fault driver has no insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage can also apply when someone is injured in an accident with an unidentified hit and run vehicle. If a person has uninsured motorist coverage and is in an accident with an uninsured motorist, he or she can collect from his or her insurance company to recoup damages.
Under-insured motorist coverage provides compensation for injured drivers when the at fault driver does not have enough insurance coverage to compensate the injured party in full for his or her injuries. An "under-insured motorist" is generally a person who is responsible for the injuries, but who has opted to purchase only the minimum policy required by law. If a person who has purchased under-insured motorist coverage is in an accident with an under-insured motorist, he or she may be able to collect from his or her own insurance company to recoup damages that are greater than the responsible party's limits.