Auto
What does underinsured motorist coverage do in Washington?
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage pays for your injuries — and, depending on the policy, damage to your car — when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough. Washington law requires insurers to offer it; you can only reject it in writing.
An example
Short answer: If an at-fault driver with the $25,000 minimum injures you and your costs reach $120,000, UIM pays the difference up to your UIM limit.
Washington's minimum bodily-injury limit is $25,000 per person. Serious injuries routinely exceed that, so your own UIM coverage is what protects you from someone else's low limits.
How much UIM should you carry?
Short answer: Most advisers suggest matching your UIM limits to your own liability limits.
Frequently asked questions
Does UIM cover hit-and-run accidents?
Generally, yes — Washington UIM coverage typically applies to hit-and-run drivers, subject to the policy's reporting conditions.
Sources
Explanations on this page are general. Your policy documents control what is and isn't covered.
Keep exploring
- Auto insuranceWashington auto insurance explained: the 25/50/10 legal minimum, why most drivers need more, underinsured motorist and PIP, and how to get a car insurance quote locally.
- Car insurance quotesGet a car insurance quote from a local agent in Federal Way. What to have ready, how to compare auto quotes fairly, and what happens after you ask.
- How much car insurance do I need in Washington?Washington's 25/50/10 minimum vs. what homeowners actually need: liability, UIM, PIP, collision and comprehensive, explained with a simple rule of thumb.
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