On This Page
- What Is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?
- What Is the Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
- Does Massachusetts Require Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
- How Does a UM Claim Work in Massachusetts?
- What Damages Can You Recover Through UM Coverage?
- What Should You Do After Being Hit by an Uninsured Driver?
- How DiBella Law Can Help
Being hit by an uninsured driver in Massachusetts puts you in a difficult position. The at-fault driver has no insurance to pay your medical bills or lost wages. That is where uninsured motorist (UM) coverage comes in. This FAQ explains what UM coverage is, how it works in Massachusetts, and what to do if you are hit by a driver with no insurance.
What Is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?
UM coverage is a type of auto insurance that pays for your injuries and damages when you are hit by a driver who has no insurance at all. It is also often used when the at-fault driver flees the scene (hit-and-run) and cannot be located. In Massachusetts, uninsured motorist coverage is required as part of every auto insurance policy.
Related Reading: Massachusetts Minimum Insurance Policy Limit Change 2025
What Is the Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
| Coverage Type | When It Applies |
|---|---|
| Uninsured Motorist (UM) | The at-fault driver has no insurance at all, or it is a hit-and-run |
| Underinsured Motorist (UIM) | The at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your damages |
Does Massachusetts Require Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
- Yes, Massachusetts requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage as part of their auto insurance policy
- UM/UIM is separate from Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which is also mandatory in MA
- Drivers can choose to purchase higher limits than the minimum required
Related video: What’s Included in Your Car Insurance Policy? – Video
How Does a UM Claim Work in Massachusetts?
- You are in a crash caused by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver
- You file a UM claim with your own insurance company
- Your insurer steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver and is responsible for your damages, up to your own UM policy limit
- Your insurer may dispute the claim or offer a low settlement
- A personal injury attorney can negotiate on your behalf or take the case to arbitration if needed
What Damages Can You Recover Through UM Coverage?
Damages, or money, recoverable through your own UM coverage, vary depending on the policy you chose. Most UM policies will typically cover:
What Should You Do After Being Hit by an Uninsured Driver?
- Call 911 and get a police report documenting the other driver’s lack of insurance
- Get medical care right away, even if you feel okay
- Do not accept a cash payment from an uninsured driver
- Contact your own insurance company to report the accident
- Call a personal injury attorney before giving any recorded statement to your insurer
Related Reading: What Should I Do After a Hit-And-Run Accident?
How DiBella Law Can Help
The legal team at DiBella Law handles UM and UIM claims against insurance companies in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It is important to work with a car accident attorney familiar with scenarios when the other driver is uninsured because Insurers do not always act in good faith. We negotiate to get you the compensation you deserve. In fact, we’ve helped past clients obtain compensation in these complex situations. For example:
- $100,000 — Swampscott, MA. A woman suffered broken legs and ankles in a hit-and-run accident. DiBella Law recovered the full policy amount.
- Confidential — A motorcycle driver was thrown 30 feet from his motorcycle when cut off by a car. The responsible party fled and was never located. DiBella Law pursued available insurance coverage on behalf of the client.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation. Our team is available to answer any questions and provide legal options for your particular case. We operate on a contingency basis, meaning that you don’t pay any legal fees unless you sign up with us and we settle your case successfully.