You do everything right. You stop at the light on Murfreesboro Pike, you’re wearing your seat belt, and someone slams into you from behind. Then you find out the other driver has no insurance, or only the state minimum. That’s exactly what uninsured motorist coverage is for. Here’s how UM works in Tennessee and how to choose the right limits.
Quick takeaway
- Tennessee law says auto liability policies must include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage at limits equal to your bodily injury limits, unless you reject it or choose lower limits in writing.
- UM helps protect you and your passengers when an at-fault driver has no insurance, too little insurance, or can’t be found.
- A signed rejection generally carries forward on renewals with the same insurer, so check what you signed.
- Choosing UM limits that match your liability limits is a common, simple approach.
What uninsured motorist coverage does
Uninsured motorist coverage protects *you*. Liability coverage pays for damage you cause to others. UM works in the other direction. It helps pay for your injuries, and your passengers’ injuries, when someone else is at fault and can’t pay.
UM typically comes into play when:
- The at-fault driver has no insurance.
- The at-fault driver has too little insurance to cover your injuries. This is often called underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, and many policies combine the two.
- It’s a hit-and-run and the other driver can’t be identified, subject to your policy’s rules.
Depending on the policy, UM can help with medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering that you’re legally entitled to recover from the at-fault driver.
What Tennessee law says about UM
Tennessee’s uninsured motorist statute, Tennessee Code § 56-7-1201, sets out a few key rules:
- UM is built in. Every auto liability policy delivered, issued, or renewed in Tennessee for a vehicle registered or principally garaged here must include uninsured motorist coverage.
- Limits match your liability limits. The UM limits are equal to the bodily injury liability limits in your policy.
- You can reject it or lower it, but only in writing. A named insured can reject UM completely, or choose lower limits that are not less than the state minimums, through a signed document.
- Your choice carries forward. A written rejection or lower selection binds everyone insured under the policy. It generally carries over to renewals and replacements with the same insurer unless you later ask for the coverage in writing. A new application restarts the process.
- Umbrellas are different. The statute says excess or umbrella policies don’t have to provide UM or UIM coverage.
That last point matters more than many people realize. If you have a large umbrella policy, don’t assume it will step in when an uninsured driver hurts you. Ask your agent.
How much uninsured motorist coverage do you need?
Tennessee’s minimum liability limits are 25/50/25, according to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. That’s $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, plus $25,000 for property damage. Our Tennessee car insurance guide explains why many drivers carry more than the minimum.
When it comes to UM, a common and simple approach is to match your UM limits to your liability limits, which is what Tennessee law sets as the default. Consider:
- Your health coverage. High deductibles or limited coverage make UM more important.
- Your income. If you couldn’t work for months, could you cover the bills?
- Your passengers. Family members and friends riding with you may rely on your UM coverage.
- Your commute. More miles on busy roads like I-24, I-65, and I-40 means more exposure to other drivers.
Lowering or rejecting UM can save a little premium. But think about who it protects before you sign that form.
Uninsured motorist property damage
Some policies also include uninsured motorist property damage, which can help repair your car when an uninsured driver is at fault, usually subject to a deductible and the policy’s terms. Many drivers also rely on collision coverage to repair their own car after an uninsured driver hits it. Collision pays regardless of fault, minus your deductible. Ask your agent how UM property damage and collision work together on your policy so you know which would respond.
Real-world situations where UM helps
- A driver runs a red light in Antioch, injures you, and has no insurance.
- A driver with state-minimum limits causes a serious crash on I-24 near Smyrna or La Vergne, and your medical bills exceed their $25,000 per-person limit.
- You’re hit on Vietnam Veterans Boulevard near Hendersonville and the other driver leaves the scene.
- You’re a passenger in a friend’s car, or a pedestrian, and an uninsured driver injures you. Many policies extend UM to these situations. Check yours.
How a UM claim works
- Get medical care and call police. A police report is important, especially after a hit-and-run.
- Collect information on the other driver, witnesses, and the scene.
- Notify your own insurer promptly. UM claims are made to your own carrier, and policies often have notice requirements, especially for hit-and-run accidents.
- Keep records of medical bills, missed work, and how the injury affects your daily life.
- Cooperate with your insurer. Because UM claims involve your own policy, your carrier will usually investigate fault and damages.
Serious injury claims can get complicated, so many people also consult an attorney.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Signing a UM rejection without reading it. Under Tennessee law, that signature generally carries forward.
- Assuming your umbrella covers UM. It may not.
- Lowering UM to save money but keeping high liability limits. That protects strangers more than your own family.
- Waiting to report a hit-and-run. Prompt notice matters.
Frequently asked questions
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Tennessee?
Tennessee law requires auto liability policies to include UM coverage at limits equal to your bodily injury limits, but the named insured can reject it or choose lower limits in writing. So it’s included by default, but it can be declined.
Does uninsured motorist coverage cover hit-and-run accidents?
Many policies treat a hit-and-run driver as uninsured, subject to specific conditions such as prompt reporting. Check your policy and report the accident quickly.
Does UM cover my car’s damage?
It depends on your policy. Many drivers rely on collision coverage for their own car’s repairs. Ask your agent how UM property damage and collision apply on your policy.
How do I know if I rejected UM coverage?
Look at your declarations page and the signed application or selection form. If UM is missing or lower than your liability limits, ask your agent to show you what was signed.
Next step
UM is one of the few coverages that protects you from other people’s choices. Learn more about car insurance with Eric Henry, Insurance Agent, and ask Eric to check your UM limits against your liability limits and price a few options side by side.
Coverage descriptions are general information only; your policy documents determine actual coverage. Availability varies by carrier.
