Updated July 2026
What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Insurance?
Uninsured motorist coverage pays when an at-fault driver has no insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage pays when the at-fault driver's liability limits are too low to cover your damages. Both coverages step in after the other driver's insurance is exhausted or confirmed absent. Your own insurer pays the claim, up to your policy limits, then pursues the at-fault driver for reimbursement.
- You're stopped at a red light. Another driver rear-ends you, causing $8,000 in vehicle damage and $15,000 in medical bills. The at-fault driver has no insurance. Your uninsured motorist property damage coverage pays the $8,000 vehicle repair. Your uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage pays the $15,000 in medical costs, up to your policy limits.
- You're injured in a crash caused by a driver with West Virginia's minimum $25,000 bodily injury limit. Your medical bills total $60,000. The at-fault driver's insurer pays their $25,000 limit. Your underinsured motorist coverage pays the remaining $35,000, assuming your policy limits are high enough to cover the gap.
- Your car is hit by a driver who flees the scene and is never identified. Your uninsured motorist coverage treats this as an uninsured driver claim. You file with your own insurer, who pays for your injuries and vehicle damage up to your policy limits, minus any deductible.
Who Needs Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Insurance?
You should carry this coverage if you cannot afford to pay medical bills or vehicle repairs out of pocket after a crash caused by someone else. West Virginia has no requirement, but approximately 6.5% of drivers on the road are uninsured. If one of them hits you and you lack this coverage, you're left with no insurance payout—even when the crash is entirely their fault.
Compare the annual cost of this coverage to your ability to pay $20,000 to $50,000 in sudden medical and vehicle expenses. If you would struggle to cover that amount, buy uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage at limits matching your liability coverage. If you have strong health insurance and savings to replace your vehicle, you can consider declining it—but know that you're accepting full financial risk if an uninsured driver causes a crash.
How Much Does Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Insurance Cost?
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage typically adds $8 to $20 per month to your premium, or $96 to $240 annually, depending on your coverage limits and location.
- Your selected coverage limits—higher limits cost more but provide greater protection if you're hit by an uninsured driver.
- Your county's uninsured driver rate—areas with more uninsured drivers see higher premiums for this coverage.
- Your vehicle value and medical payment history—insurers price based on claim likelihood and average payout in your area.
- Whether you bundle bodily injury and property damage uninsured motorist coverage or purchase them separately.
- Your liability limits—some carriers require your uninsured motorist limits to match or stay below your liability limits.