Tennessee consistently ranks among the states with the highest share of uninsured drivers. Industry estimates put it at roughly one in five, and many insured drivers carry only the state minimum. If one of them hits you, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage may be the only thing paying for your injuries.
What does UM coverage pay for?
If a driver who is at fault has no insurance, or not enough, UM helps pay for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering, in qualifying cases
It can also apply in many hit-and-run accidents. That matters on busy Knoxville roads like I-40/75, Kingston Pike, Alcoa Highway, and Pellissippi Parkway.
Does it cover me outside my car?
In many cases, yes. UM can protect you and your household members as pedestrians or cyclists. That’s worth knowing if you walk or ride the Third Creek Greenway or the trails in Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, where paths cross busy streets.
Can I decline it?
Tennessee requires auto policies to include UM coverage at the same limits as your bodily injury liability unless you reject it or choose lower limits in writing. If you signed that form years ago to save a few dollars, it’s worth reviewing now. One hospital stay after a serious accident can cost more than years of UM premiums.
How much should I carry?
A common rule of thumb is to match your UM limits to your Bodily Injury Liability limits. That way you’re protected as well as you protect everyone else on the road.
Not sure whether you have UM, or whether you signed it away? We can review your auto policy and show you what adding or increasing it would cost.
This article is for general educational purposes only. Coverage, eligibility, discounts and pricing vary by carrier and policy. Talk with a licensed Tennessee insurance agent about your specific situation.
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