Here's a scenario that happens more often than you'd think: you're stopped at a red light in Columbus when someone rear-ends you. You exchange information, but when you try to file a claim, you discover the other driver has no insurance. Now what? If you don't have uninsured motorist coverage, you might be stuck paying your own medical bills and repair costs out of pocket—even though the accident wasn't your fault.
In Ohio, nearly one in five drivers doesn't carry insurance. That's a sobering statistic when you consider how many cars you pass on your daily commute. Uninsured motorist coverage is your financial safety net for these situations, and understanding how it works could save you thousands of dollars.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Think of uninsured motorist coverage as a backup plan. When another driver causes an accident and doesn't have insurance to pay for your damages, your UM coverage steps in to cover you. It pays for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs you'd normally recover from the at-fault driver's liability insurance.
Ohio doesn't require you to buy this coverage, but here's the catch: your insurance company must offer it to you. If you didn't explicitly reject it in writing when you purchased your policy, there's a good chance you already have it. Check your declarations page to be sure.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage: The Other Half of the Equation
Underinsured motorist coverage handles a slightly different problem. Let's say someone hits you and they do have insurance, but their policy limits are only $25,000 per person—Ohio's minimum requirement. If your medical bills total $75,000, their insurance maxes out at $25,000, leaving you $50,000 short. That's where UIM coverage comes in.
Your underinsured motorist coverage pays the difference, up to your policy limits. If you have $100,000 in UIM coverage, your insurance would cover that $50,000 gap. One important detail: the total amount paid by both insurance companies combined cannot exceed your UIM limit. So in this example, you'd receive $25,000 from the at-fault driver's policy plus $50,000 from yours, totaling $75,000.
Understanding Coverage Limits in Ohio
Ohio law sets specific rules about how much UM/UIM coverage you can buy. You can purchase coverage up to the same limits as your liability insurance, but you cannot exceed those amounts. For example, if you carry $50,000 per person in liability coverage, you can buy up to $50,000 per person in uninsured motorist coverage.
Most Ohio drivers start with Ohio's minimum liability requirements: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This is expressed as 25/50/25. But here's the uncomfortable truth—those minimums often aren't enough to cover serious accidents. A single night in the hospital can easily cost more than $25,000, and if you're seriously injured, your medical bills could reach six figures.
Consider increasing both your liability and UM/UIM limits to at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident. The additional premium is typically modest compared to the financial protection you gain. You can also explore umbrella policies for even higher limits if you have significant assets to protect.
Why This Coverage Matters More Than You Think
The statistics are eye-opening. According to the Insurance Research Council, 18.5% of Ohio motorists were uninsured in 2023. That means if you're in an accident with another vehicle, there's nearly a one-in-five chance the other driver can't pay for the damage they cause.
Even when drivers do carry insurance, many only purchase the state minimum. If you're seriously injured by someone with minimal coverage, you could face enormous out-of-pocket expenses. Medical bills, lost income from missing work, ongoing physical therapy—these costs add up fast. Without UM/UIM coverage, you'd need to sue the at-fault driver personally to recover these expenses. And here's the harsh reality: if they couldn't afford adequate insurance, they probably don't have assets you can collect from anyway.
How to File an Uninsured Motorist Claim
If you're hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, follow these steps to protect your rights. First, call 911 and request a police report. This documents the accident and confirms the other driver's insurance status. Take photos of the damage, get witness contact information, and seek medical attention even if you feel fine—some injuries don't show symptoms immediately.
Next, notify your insurance company that the other driver was uninsured or underinsured. You'll file the claim with your own insurer, not the other driver's. An adjuster will investigate your claim, reviewing medical records, lost wage documentation, and other evidence of your damages. They'll calculate what you're owed based on your policy limits.
Here's some good news: filing an uninsured motorist claim typically won't increase your insurance rates. You're claiming under coverage you already paid for, and the accident wasn't your fault. You generally have two years from the accident date to file your claim in Ohio, though some policies have shorter deadlines, so don't delay.
Getting the Right Coverage for Your Situation
Pull out your current auto insurance policy and check your declarations page. Look for uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage. If you don't see it listed, or if your limits match Ohio's minimums, it's time to have a conversation with your insurance agent.
Ask about the cost difference between your current coverage and higher limits like 100/300/100. You might be surprised at how affordable it is to significantly increase your protection. Also inquire about stacking versus non-stacking coverage if you insure multiple vehicles—stacking allows you to combine limits from all your cars for greater protection.
Uninsured motorist coverage isn't just another line item on your insurance bill. It's financial protection against a very real risk. With one in five Ohio drivers on the road without insurance, this coverage could be the difference between a manageable inconvenience and a financial disaster. Take a few minutes today to review your policy and make sure you're adequately protected.
