Underinsured Motorist Coverage Gap Calculator
Calculate the coverage gap when an at-fault driver's insurance isn't enough. See how much underinsured motorist coverage fills the shortfall.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage Need Calculator
Calculate how much uninsured motorist coverage you need based on medical costs, lost wages, and the rate of uninsured drivers in your state.
$
$/mo
mo
$
Recommended Coverage⧉
250/500
$250,000.00 per person / $500,000.00 per accident
Total Exposure (Per Person)⧉
$143,000.00
Medical + wages + pain + deductibles
Total All Passengers⧉
$143,000.00
1 passengers x $143,000.00
Expected Annual Loss⧉
$42,186.00
26.7% chance of uninsured at-fault driver
Lost Wages at Risk⧉
$15,000.00
3 months at $5,000.00/mo
Pain and Suffering⧉
$75,000.00
Medical costs x 1.5 multiplier
Exposure Breakdown
Medical Costs$50,000.00
Lost Wages$15,000.00
Pain & Suffering$75,000.00
Health Ins Deductible$3,000.00
Property Damage$15,000.00
Coverage Limit Comparison
| Limit | Per Person | Per Accident | Coverage Gap | % Covered | Est. Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25/50 | $25,000.00 | $50,000.00 | $118,000.00 | 18% | $125.00/yr |
| 50/100 | $50,000.00 | $100,000.00 | $93,000.00 | 35% | $200.00/yr |
| 100/300 | $100,000.00 | $300,000.00 | $43,000.00 | 70% | $350.00/yr |
| 250/500 * | $250,000.00 | $500,000.00 | Fully Covered | 100% | $800.00/yr |
| 300/300 | $300,000.00 | $300,000.00 | Fully Covered | 100% | $950.00/yr |
| 500/500 | $500,000.00 | $500,000.00 | Fully Covered | 100% | $1,550.00/yr |
Uninsured Driver Rates by State
| State | Uninsured Rate | Risk Level | Your Expected Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| FL | 26.7% | High | $42,186.00 |
| MS | 23.7% | High | $37,446.00 |
| NM | 21.8% | High | $34,444.00 |
| MI | 20.3% | High | $32,074.00 |
| TN | 20.0% | Medium | $31,600.00 |
| CA | 15.2% | Medium | $24,016.00 |
| NJ | 14.9% | Medium | $23,542.00 |
| TX | 14.1% | Medium | $22,278.00 |
| IL | 13.6% | Medium | $21,488.00 |
| GA | 12.4% | Medium | $19,592.00 |
| OH | 12.2% | Medium | $19,276.00 |
| VA | 9.9% | Low | $15,642.00 |
| PA | 7.6% | Low | $12,008.00 |
| NY | 5.3% | Low | $8,374.00 |
| MA | 3.5% | Low | $5,530.00 |
Injury Severity Reference
| Severity | Typical Medical | Recovery | Pain Multiplier | Total Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minor Injury | $5,000.00 | 1 mo | 1x | $15,000.00 |
| Moderate Injury | $25,000.00 | 3 mo | 1.5x | $77,500.00 |
| Serious Injury | $75,000.00 | 6 mo | 2x | $255,000.00 |
| Severe/Surgery | $150,000.00 | 12 mo | 2.5x | $585,000.00 |
| Catastrophic | $500,000.00 | 24 mo | 3x | $2,120,000.00 |
Planning notes, formulas, and examples
About the Uninsured Motorist Coverage Need Calculator
About 1 in 8 drivers on the road has no auto insurance. If an uninsured driver hits you, your only financial protection is your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Without it, you'd be responsible for your own medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs — even though the accident wasn't your fault.
This calculator estimates the uninsured motorist coverage you need based on potential medical expenses, lost income, and the percentage of uninsured drivers in your area. It helps you determine appropriate UM bodily injury and property damage limits.
Note: This calculator offers educational estimates only, not actual insurance recommendations. Consult a licensed insurance professional for personalized coverage advice.
When This Page Helps
Getting hit by an uninsured driver can be financially devastating. Average emergency room visits cost $2,000-$3,000, and serious injuries can run into six figures. UM coverage is your safety net, often costing only $20-$50 extra per year. This calculator shows the potential gap so you can make an informed coverage decision.
How to Use the Inputs
- Enter estimated medical costs if you were seriously injured in an accident.
- Enter your monthly income to calculate potential lost wages.
- Enter the estimated months of recovery time.
- Enter the percentage of uninsured drivers in your state.
- Review the recommended UM coverage limits.
Formula used
Potential Medical Costs = Estimated Medical Expenses
Lost Wages = Monthly Income × Recovery Months
Total Exposure = Medical Costs + Lost Wages + Pain & Suffering (estimated at 1.5× medical)
Recommended UM Coverage = Total Exposure rounded to nearest standard limit
Risk Factor = Uninsured Driver Rate / 100Example Calculation
Result: $250,000 UM coverage recommended
With potential $50,000 medical costs, $15,000 lost wages (3 months at $5,000/mo), and $75,000 estimated pain & suffering (1.5× medical), total exposure is $140,000. With 13% of drivers uninsured, the recommended UM coverage is $250,000 per person to provide adequate protection.
Tips & Best Practices
- States with the highest uninsured driver rates: Mississippi (29%), Michigan (26%), Tennessee (24%).
- UM coverage is often very inexpensive — typically $20-$50/year extra on your policy.
- Match your UM limits to your liability limits for consistent protection.
- Some states require UM coverage by law; others make it optional but strongly recommended.
- UM property damage (UMPD) is separate from UM bodily injury (UMBI) in some states.
- This is an educational estimate — get professional advice for your specific situation.
The Hidden Risk on Every Road
One in eight drivers has no insurance. In some states, it's one in four. When an uninsured driver causes an accident, victims face medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage with no one to pay. Suing an uninsured driver rarely produces results since they typically lack assets.
Why UM Coverage Is a Bargain
UM coverage typically costs $20-$50 per year for $100,000/$300,000 limits. That's equivalent to a few coffees per month for protection against potentially devastating financial losses. It's one of the best values in auto insurance.
Stacking UM Coverage
Some states allow "stacking" — multiplying your UM limits by the number of vehicles on your policy. If you have $100,000 UM coverage and two cars, stacking gives you $200,000 in protection. Ask your agent about stacking availability in your state.
Sources & Methodology
Last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for your injuries and damages when you're hit by a driver who has no insurance. It acts as a substitute for the at-fault driver's nonexistent liability policy, covering your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Nationally, about 12.6% of drivers are uninsured. However, rates vary dramatically by state — from under 5% in Maine and Massachusetts to nearly 30% in Mississippi. Urban areas tend to have higher uninsured rates.
It depends on your state. About 20 states require UM coverage, while others make it optional. Even where it's optional, most insurance experts strongly recommend it given the high rate of uninsured drivers.
Yes, in most states. If a hit-and-run driver injures you and can't be identified, your UM coverage typically applies. Some states require physical contact between vehicles; others cover all hit-and-run scenarios.
UM (uninsured motorist) covers you when the at-fault driver has NO insurance. UIM (underinsured motorist) covers you when the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover your damages. They're often sold together.
Generally no. Since UM claims involve accidents that aren't your fault, most states prohibit insurers from surcharging your premium after a UM claim. However, practices vary by state and insurer.
More in this topic
Auto Liability Coverage Recommendation Calculator
Get a recommended auto liability coverage level based on your assets, income, and risk profile. Protect yourself from costly lawsuits.
Auto Insurance Premium Estimator
Estimate your annual auto insurance premium based on key rating factors like age, driving record, vehicle value, and coverage level.