The Growing Risk of Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers
PURE Staff
January 30, 2026
You can do everything right behind the wheel and still be left financially exposed. More drivers on the road today carry little insurance—or none at all—shifting the cost of an accident to people who are fully insured.
More than 15 percent of U.S. drivers are uninsured, and in some states that figure approaches 30 percent. Rising insurance costs are also pushing many drivers to carry only the minimum required limits. When a serious accident occurs, those limits are often exhausted almost immediately.
What is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage?
UM/UIM coverage is one of the ways you can protect yourself, your family and your assets when the at-fault driver’s insurance falls short—or doesn’t exist at all. This coverage can protect you, your family members and your passengers if you’re injured in an accident caused by a driver who has little or no auto liability insurance. It can help cover medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering—costs that often exceed the limits of another driver’s policy, if that policy exists at all.
For individuals and families with meaningful assets, UM/UIM coverage is a critical safeguard against losses that could otherwise reach well beyond what most drivers carry.
Why UM/UIM coverage matters more today
The auto insurance limits provided by many carriers have not kept pace with the real cost of injuries. A serious accident can result in ongoing medical treatment, time away from work and long-term financial impact—well beyond what minimum liability limits were ever designed to cover.
As more drivers opt for lower limits to manage rising premiums, the likelihood of encountering an underinsured driver continues to grow. Without sufficient UM/UIM coverage, the difference between the insurance the at-fault driver carries and your actual costs may have to come directly from your own assets.
How much coverage should you have?
Your PURE auto policy may include UM/UIM coverage, depending on your state’s requirements. In some states, UM/UIM coverage is mandatory; in others, it is optional. While primary UM/UIM coverage can help address some losses, it may not be enough in the event of a serious injury.
Excess UM/UIM coverage is designed to extend protection beyond the limits of your primary auto policy. It helps close coverage gaps and provides additional financial protection when claims exceed underlying limits.
To purchase excess UM/UIM coverage, you must first meet your state’s minimum UM/UIM requirements on your primary auto policy. Maintaining both primary and excess coverage with one carrier can also support a more coordinated claims experience and may make you eligible for a premium discount.
