Picking a Number That Actually Protects You
"How much uninsured motorist coverage do I need?" is the right question — and the honest answer is *more than the minimum*. The goal is limits high enough that a serious crash caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver doesn't wipe out your finances. Here's how to think about it.
Why State Minimums Fall Short
Many states set minimum UM/UIM limits at $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident — the same low numbers as minimum liability. Those figures were set long ago and haven't kept pace with the cost of medical care. A single ER visit, surgery, or a few weeks off work can exceed $25,000 easily. Minimum limits leave you exposed exactly when you can least afford it.
Understand How Limits Are Written
UM/UIM limits appear as two numbers, like 100/300:
- The first number ($100,000) is the most one injured person can recover.
- The second number ($300,000) is the most paid out per accident, across everyone injured.
So "100/300" means up to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per crash.
The Simplest Rule: Match Your Liability Limits
A widely recommended approach is to set your UM/UIM limits equal to your liability limits. The logic is clean: you're then as protected from other drivers as you are protecting them. If you carry 100/300 in liability, carry 100/300 in UM/UIM.
When to Go Higher
Consider limits above 100/300 if you:
- Have significant income or assets to protect
- Support a family that depends on your earnings
- Drive in high-traffic or high-uninsured-rate areas
- Want maximum protection for serious, life-changing injuries
For multi-vehicle households, stacking (where allowed) can multiply your effective limits further.
The Cost Is Lower Than You'd Guess
Because severe claims are statistically less frequent, UM/UIM premiums climb far more slowly than the coverage. Moving from state-minimum to 100/300 often adds only a modest amount per month — you're buying a large ceiling for a small premium.
Get a Recommendation for Your Situation
The right limit depends on your income, assets, state, and risk tolerance. We help drivers compare options and quote them across multiple carriers. [Check your coverage](/quote) and we'll help you choose.