What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Why Does It Matter?
Understand how this protection helps when you're hit by a driver without insurance, or one who flees the scene
Not every driver on the road has insurance, even though it’s legally required. And in the case of a hit-and-run, there may be no way to identify the person responsible. Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you from exactly these situations. It steps in to cover medical expenses, lost income, and sometimes vehicle damage when the at-fault driver can’t pay, either because they’re uninsured or they disappeared before being held accountable.
This matters when you're injured in an accident that isn’t your fault, but no one else can be held financially responsible. You might think about this the next time you consider how your policy protects you beyond just collisions or liability.
What Uninsured Motorist Coverage Includes
Uninsured motorist coverage (also known as uninsured automobile coverage in Canada) pays for your injuries and related costs when the other driver is at fault but unable to pay.
It can apply in these situations:
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A driver hits you and doesn’t have any insurance
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A hit-and-run driver leaves the scene and isn’t identified
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The at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your injuries (in some provinces)
Coverage typically includes:
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Medical bills and rehabilitation expenses
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Lost wages due to injury
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Funeral costs in fatal cases
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Potential compensation for pain and suffering
Note: Some provinces also allow coverage for vehicle damage in uninsured driver situations, though this isn’t standard everywhere.
Who Is Protected
This coverage extends beyond just you, the driver. It often includes:
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Passengers riding in your vehicle at the time of the accident
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Family members living in your household, under some policies
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In some cases, pedestrians or cyclists injured by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver
| Scenario | Does Coverage Apply? |
|---|---|
| You are hit by an uninsured driver | Yes |
| A hit-and-run causes injury | Yes |
| The other driver is underinsured | Sometimes (depends on province) |
| You caused the accident | No |
Tip: This is not the same as liability insurance or collision coverage. It protects you from others’ actions, not your own.
Why This Coverage Matters
Even though auto insurance is mandatory across Canada, uninsured drivers still exist. And hit-and-run accidents remain a reality, especially in urban areas. Without this coverage, you could be left covering medical expenses out of pocket—even if you did nothing wrong.
This type of protection is particularly important if:
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You live in a city with a high rate of hit-and-runs
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You don’t carry private health insurance and rely on your auto policy for injury costs
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You want peace of mind knowing your coverage includes scenarios beyond your control
Caution: Policy limits for uninsured motorist coverage can be lower than you expect. Review your policy to ensure your protection matches your financial needs.
It’s Quiet, But It’s Critical
Uninsured motorist coverage often gets overlooked because it’s not as visible as collision or liability insurance. But when it’s needed, it’s one of the most valuable protections in your policy. It helps ensure that you’re not financially stranded just because someone else failed to follow the rules.