Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Pennsylvania? Your UM/UIM Coverage Explained

When the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little, your own policy may be your best path to recovery. Here's how UM/UIM coverage works.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays when an at-fault driver has no insurance; underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage pays when their coverage is too low to cover your losses. In Pennsylvania, these coverages are optional but extremely valuable, and insurers must offer them when you buy a policy.

Why It Matters in Pennsylvania

Many drivers carry only minimum liability limits, which rarely cover a serious injury. UM/UIM coverage fills that gap, drawing on your own policy to make you whole. Without it, an injured person may have no meaningful source of recovery against an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Stacking Your Coverage

Pennsylvania allows 'stacking' of UM/UIM coverage across multiple vehicles or policies, which can multiply the available benefits. Whether you stacked your coverage — and whether any waiver was valid — can dramatically change what you can recover. This is a frequent area of dispute.

Making a UM/UIM Claim

These claims are against your own insurer, which can still fight to minimize payment. Documenting your injuries and understanding your stacking rights are essential. A professional review of your policy after a crash ensures you access every benefit you paid for.

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.