uninsured motorist clause

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Uninsured motorist clause is part of some car insurance policies which provides coverage for bodily injuries of the driver and their passengers if (1) the other driver did not have car insurance and (2) the other driver was at fault. Not every car insurance policy has this clause, but uninsured motorist coverage is required in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Other states require the policy to be offered or require the policyholder to opt out of the coverage. Usually these clauses provide general coverage up to a certain limit per accident and per person like other car insurance.

An uninsured motorist clause may refer to coverage for damage to the vehicle instead of bodily injuries. Many policies will have coverage of both, but they are separate. Usually, a clause that covers damage to the vehicle will be referred to as an uninsured motorist property damage clause.

[Last updated in November of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]