Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)

What is uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD)?

Uninsured motorist property damage, often shortened to UMPD, is a type of car insurance that protects you when your vehicle or property is damaged by a driver who doesn't carry auto insurance. Think of it as a financial safety net for situations where the at-fault driver can't pay for the damage they caused. In some states, this coverage may even apply to hit-and-run accidents, though rules vary depending on local laws.

This coverage is separate from uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI), which pays for medical costs. UMPD is especially valuable in areas with high rates of uninsured drivers or if you don't carry collision coverage.

What does UMPD cover?

If another driver is legally at fault and uninsured, UMPD can help cover the cost of getting your car back on the road. Typical protections include:

• Car repairs – This coverage pays to fix your vehicle after an accident caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver who damaged your car.
• Vehicle replacement – If the damage is severe and your car can't be repaired, UMPD covers your vehicle's value so you can replace it.
• Property damage – Damage to personal property like a fence, garage door or mailbox is covered when an uninsured driver causes the destruction.
• Hit-and-run accidents – If the other driver can't be identified and flees the scene, UMPD may cover your repair costs, though availability varies by state.

Your insurance company will usually pay up to your UMPD limit, minus the deductible. These limits often match your property damage liability coverage but can vary by state and insurance company.

What does UMPD not cover?

While UMPD fills an important gap, it's not all-encompassing. Exclusions often include:

• Medical expenses – These are handled by UMBI or personal injury protection (PIP).
• Damage you cause – UMPD doesn't cover damage you're responsible for.
• Non-accident losses – Incidents like theft, vandalism, or storm damage aren't covered.
• Underinsured drivers – If the at-fault driver has some coverage, UMPD won't apply; underinsured motorist coverage might.

Another key limitation: UMPD may not help in hit-and-run accidents if your state doesn't allow it.

UMPD vs collision coverage

Both UMPD and collision insurance can help repair your car, but they work differently. UMPD only applies when the at-fault driver is uninsured. Collision, on the other hand, covers your car no matter who caused the accident.

Collision is broader, but it often comes with a higher deductible and higher premiums. If you don't carry collision, UMPD can be a cost-effective way to protect yourself. Some drivers choose to carry both for extra peace of mind.

State requirements and availability

Not every state offers UMPD, and where it is available, the rules can look very different. Some states make it mandatory, others list it as optional and a few don't offer it at all. For example:

• Required – Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and District of Columbia (DC)
• Optional – Alaska, Indiana, Ohio, Washington, Arkansas, Illinois, Oregon, California, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Colorado, Mississippi, Tennessee, Delaware, New Jersey, Texas, Georgia, New Mexico and Utah
• Unavailable – Certain states where collision serves as the main alternative. The VIU by HUB Advisory Team can help you understand your options here.

If you live in a state where UMPD is optional, it's worth considering, especially if you often drive in areas with a high number of uninsured drivers.

Filing a UMPD claim

If you're in an accident and suspect the other driver is uninsured, you'll need to take a few steps to protect your claim:

• Call the police – A report is usually required to file a claim.
• Gather evidence – Take photos, speak to witnesses and document the other driver's details.
• Contact your insurance company – Let them know about the accident as soon as possible.
• Submit documentation – Include repair estimates, proof of ownership and the police report.

If the accident was a hit-and-run, make sure the police report notes it. Whether UMPD applies will depend on your state and policy.

Coverage limits and deductibles

Every UMPD policy includes a limit, the maximum your insurance company will pay for property damage. This often mirrors your property damage liability limit. A deductible also applies, typically between $100 and $500.

If you carry both collision and UMPD, compare the deductibles and limits so you know which coverage makes the most sense for you in different scenarios.

When UMPD is useful

UMPD isn't always top of mind when people think about car insurance, but it can make a big difference in certain situations. If you're wondering whether it makes sense for you, here are a few scenarios where this coverage can really shine. You may find UMPD especially valuable if:

• You don't carry collision coverage – UMPD can help fill that gap.
• Your state includes hit-and-run under UMPD – You'll have coverage even if the driver flees.
• You live in a high-risk area – Regions with more uninsured drivers see more claims.
• You drive a vehicle that's costly to replace – UMPD adds financial protection without the higher cost of collision.

Even if you have solid coverage already, UMPD can be an affordable way to add another layer of financial protection.

Frequently asked questions

What is UMPD in car insurance?

UMPD is coverage that steps in to pay for property damage when the at-fault driver has no insurance. For example, if your car is damaged in a crash caused by someone without insurance, your UMPD coverage can help cover the repair or replacement costs. It's designed to give you peace of mind in situations where you'd otherwise be left paying out of pocket. By having this protection, you're not left financially stranded after an accident with an uninsured driver.

Is UMPD required?

Whether or not UMPD is required depends entirely on your state. State laws vary widely; some require UMPD coverage, some offer it as an optional add-on, require UMPD coverage, some offer it as an optional add-on and others don't provide it at all. Knowing your state's rules is important so you're not caught off guard after an accident. Even in states where it isn't required, many drivers choose it because it provides an affordable safeguard.

Is UMPD the same as UMBI?

No, these coverages serve different purposes even though they sound similar. UMPD pays for property damage, such as repairs to your car or even damaged structures, while uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) covers injuries to you and your passengers. Together, they address both physical and financial impacts after an accident caused by an uninsured driver. Having both can create more complete protection, depending on your state and policy options.