Posted April 14, 2026 - by Law Offices of J.Chrisp
Founding Attorney
When you’re involved in a car accident, you may need to file a claim with your insurance company. One important consideration when filing a claim is whether you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. There are two types of coverage that fall under this category: Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. While they may sound similar, they are actually different types of coverage.
UM coverage provides protection in the event that you’re involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or is a hit-and-run driver. In other words, if you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have insurance, your UM coverage will provide compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
UIM coverage provides protection if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who has insurance, but their insurance coverage is not enough to cover the damages sustained in the accident. In this case, your UIM coverage would provide additional compensation to cover the difference between the other driver’s insurance coverage and the total amount of damages sustained.
The main difference between UM and UIM coverage is that UM coverage applies when the other driver does not have insurance, while UIM coverage applies when the other driver does have insurance, but their coverage is not enough to cover the damages sustained in the accident.
It’s important to note that UM and UIM coverage are not required by law in all states, so it’s important to check with your insurance company to see if this coverage is available and to determine the level of coverage you need.
In addition, insurance policies and coverage vary widely, so it’s important to read your policy carefully and understand your coverage before you need to file a claim.
In conclusion, UM and UIM coverage are both important types of insurance coverage that provide protection in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Understanding the difference between these types of coverage can help you make informed decisions when selecting insurance coverage and filing a claim after an accident. If you have questions about UM or UIM coverage or need assistance with an insurance claim, contact a personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the complex insurance process.
A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. Click here to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled California lawyers to learn more about your options. Or call our offices at 877-J-CHRISP.
Since founding his law firm in 2010, Jesse Chrisp has built a reputation as a dedicated personal injury trial attorney serving Northern California’s Bay Area.
He has represented thousands of injured clients and holds the record for the highest personal injury verdict in Lake County. Mr. Chrisp was selected to Northern California Rising Stars from 2013 to 2019, an honor awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys in the state.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Jesse Chrisp, who has been continuously recognized as a leader in personal injury law since starting his law firm in 2010.
Key Takeaways Pain and suffering are non-economic damages covering physical discomfort and emotional distress tied to injury. Physical injuries can cause ongoing pain and...
Key Takeaways Compensatory damages aim to restore the injured person to their pre-incident position. Economic damages cover documented financial losses tied directly to the...
Key Takeaways Most California personal injury settlements pay within 4 to 6 weeks after signing the agreement. Insurers must issue payment within 30 days...
Simply fill the form out below to request your free consultation and we will be in touch within 24 hours.
or call us at
Message Us 
Call Now