The difference between uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage is that underinsured coverage responds when the other driver:
Explanation
Underinsured motorists coverage, offered as an option in most states, applies when the at-fault driver does carry liability insurance but not enough of it to pay the insured's damages. Uninsured motorists coverage answers the driver who carries none at all, and it also treats an unidentified hit-and-run vehicle as uninsured. How the underinsured payment coordinates with what the other driver's insurer pays is set by each state's law.
This topic, taught in full in the Personal Lines Insurance Producer guide. Personal Lines Insurance Producer — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $19.99 · 14-day refund →
Practice all 474 questions free — no signup required.
Own the complete Personal Lines Insurance Producer guide — PDF + EPUB, $19.99 →
Related questions on this topic
- How does Part B medical payments coverage differ from Part A liability coverage?
- Uninsured motorists coverage pays the insured only when the other driver is:
- A hit-and-run driver who is never identified injures an insured, whose damages come to $70,000. The insured carries 50/100 uninsured motorists limits. Part C pays:
- Under Part D of a personal auto policy, a collision loss is damage to the covered auto caused by:
- A car strikes a deer at dusk and sustains $1,900 in damage. The policy carries a $250 other-than-collision deductible and a $500 collision deductible. The insurer pays:
- The insured loses control on wet pavement and hits a guardrail, causing $3,400 in damage. The policy shows a $500 collision and a $250 other-than-collision deductible. The insurer pays:
Last reviewed: · editorial process