When does Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage apply?

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is designed to protect individuals when they suffer damages caused by a driver who either lacks insurance or does not have sufficient coverage for the damages inflicted. This coverage extends beyond just scenarios where the insured is operating their own vehicle.

When the insured is struck as a pedestrian, UM/UIM coverage can indeed apply because the fundamental principle of this type of insurance is to ensure that victims of accidents caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers can still receive compensation for their injuries, regardless of their own vehicle’s insurance status. This is particularly relevant for pedestrians, as they are among the most vulnerable road users and may suffer severe injuries in accidents.

The other scenarios presented have specific conditions that typically would not qualify for UM/UIM coverage. For example, if a person is in a vehicle not covered by their own policy or if they are driving a vehicle owned by someone else, the application of UM/UIM could hinge on particular provisions of the policy or state laws. In these situations, the coverage may not extend because the primary coverage is expected to respond to the car in which the person is currently involved. Being unlicensed is also not a standard criterion for qualifying for UM/UIM benefits, as the focus of this