Legal Definitions - uninsured motorist clause

Definition: Uninsured motorist clause is a part of some car insurance policies that provides coverage for bodily injuries of the driver and their passengers if the other driver did not have car insurance and was at fault.

For example, if you are in a car accident and the other driver is at fault but does not have car insurance, your uninsured motorist clause will cover your medical expenses and those of your passengers.

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.

For example, if you are in a car accident and the other driver is at fault but does not have car insurance, your uninsured motorist property damage clause will cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.

Overall, uninsured motorist clauses are important to have in your car insurance policy to protect yourself and your passengers in case of an accident with an uninsured driver.