Key Takeaways
What Is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage pays for your injuries and certain damages when the at-fault driver has no liability insurance. In Tennessee, many drivers carry only the minimum required limits — and some drive without insurance at all. UM steps in to protect you and your passengers.
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UM vs Medical Payments (MedPay)
Medical Payments (MedPay) is optional coverage that pays for medical expenses for you and passengers, regardless of fault. It can work alongside UM/UIM to help with immediate medical bills while liability is being determined.
MedPay Basics
Pays medical bills regardless of fault; typically lower limits ($1k–$10k).
UM/UIM Strength
Higher injury limits when the other driver lacks adequate insurance.
What Is UMPD (Uninsured Motorist Property Damage)?
UMPD helps pay for damage to your vehicle or property when an uninsured driver causes an accident. Availability, deductibles, and limits vary by insurer. If you carry collision coverage, you might rely on collision instead — but UMPD can sometimes be cheaper for minor damage.
Availability
Not all carriers offer UMPD in TN. Confirm with your insurer.
Deductible
Compare UMPD vs collision deductibles for minor damage scenarios.
Proof Needed
Police report may be required. Ask your agent about documentation.
When It Helps
Can be cost‑effective for smaller repairs vs using collision.
How to Choose UM/UIM Limits in TN
Consider your health insurance, savings, and risk tolerance. Many drivers match UM/UIM to their liability limits for balanced protection.
| Limit Option | Pros | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 25/50 (entry level) | Lowest cost; basic protection | Drivers on tight budgets with strong health insurance |
| 50/100 (balanced) | Affordable upgrade; better injury protection | Most families seeking value and protection |
| 100/300 (robust) | Higher cushion for serious injuries | Drivers wanting strong financial protection |
UM/UIM Claim Steps
1) Get Care & Document
Seek treatment; keep receipts, reports, and photos.
2) File Police Report
Essential for hit‑and‑run and to verify details.
3) Notify Insurer
Share other driver info if known; open a UM/UIM claim.
4) Provide Proof
Submit bills, wage loss, and insurance status documentation.
5) Review Offer
Ask about subrogation and how health insurance coordinates.
What Is Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage?
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver’s liability limits are too low to pay for all your damages. After their policy pays out, your UIM coverage can make up the difference, up to your UIM limits.
Example: The at-fault driver has $25,000 in bodily injury liability, but your medical costs total $45,000. Your UIM may cover some or all of the remaining $20,000, depending on your limits.
Tennessee Requirements & Recommended Limits
Tennessee requires liability insurance but does not mandate UM/UIM coverage for every policy by default. However, insurers must offer UM/UIM and include it unless you reject it in writing. Many experts recommend carrying UM/UIM equal to your liability limits for better protection.
- Common liability minimums in TN: 25/50/25 (per-person/per-accident/property)
- UM/UIM is typically offered at 25/50 — raising limits to 50/100 or 100/300 is often inexpensive
- Higher UM/UIM helps protect against high medical bills after serious accidents
To better understand coverage options and state requirements, explore our detailed resource on auto insurance in Nashville, Tennessee.
Protect Yourself From Uninsured Drivers
Compare quotes and pick the right UM/UIM limits for your needs.
What UM/UIM Covers
- Medical bills for you and passengers
- Lost wages if you can’t work after the accident
- Pain and suffering (varies by claim)
- In some cases, property damage (ask your insurer about UMPD)
Hit-and-Run Claims in Tennessee
Hit-and-run crashes are common causes for UM claims. If a driver flees and cannot be identified, UM bodily injury may apply. Report the accident promptly and provide any evidence (police report, dashcam, witness statements) to support the claim. For specifics on parked-car incidents, review our hit‑and‑run coverage guide.
- Call the police and seek medical attention
- Record details and take photos if safe
- Notify your insurer and provide the incident number
How Much Does UM/UIM Cost in TN?
UM/UIM is generally one of the most affordable coverages on a policy. Increasing limits from 25/50 to 50/100 or 100/300 often costs only a few dollars more per month, depending on your insurer and driver profile.
Drivers in Tennessee often compare UM/UIM coverage alongside overall premium costs, and our guide on cheap car insurance in Nashville, TN explains how to keep rates manageable while maintaining strong protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UM/UIM required in Tennessee?
Insurers must offer UM/UIM and include it unless you reject it in writing. It’s not mandatory to carry, but strongly recommended.
Does UM cover hit-and-run accidents?
Often yes, for injuries. Requirements vary by insurer (e.g., proof of contact). File a police report promptly.
What limits should I choose?
Consider matching your liability limits (e.g., 50/100 or 100/300) for balanced protection.
Does UM cover my passengers?
Generally yes — UM/UIM applies to covered occupants in your vehicle, up to your policy limits.
Is there a deductible for UM?
UM/UIM bodily injury typically has no deductible; UMPD, if available, may have one. Check your policy.
Will a UM claim raise my rates?
Not-at-fault claims can still affect pricing based on carrier rules and state factors. Ask how claim-free discounts are handled.