Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Maryland: The Protection People Forget
Updated: Sep 3
A serious car accident is bad enough. But it gets worse when you learn the at-fault driver:
has no insurance, or
has minimum limits that won’t come close to covering your medical bills and lost wages.
That’s where UM/UIM coverage may come in.
UM/UIM stands for Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage. It’s coverage on your own policy that may help pay for injuries when the at-fault driver can’t.
This post explains how UM/UIM works in Maryland, when it applies, and common mistakes that can cost you.
Important: This is general information, not legal advice.
Difference Between Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage
What Is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage may apply when the at-fault driver:
has no insurance
fled the scene (hit-and-run)
has coverage that doesn’t apply (some scenarios)
UM is designed to put you in a similar position as if the at-fault driver had valid insurance, subject to your policy terms.
What Is UIM Coverage?
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage may apply when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover the full value of your claim.
Example:Your damages are significant, but the at-fault driver’s policy limits are low.
UIM may fill the gap up to your UM/UIM limits, depending on how the policy is structured.
Why UM/UIM Claims Feel Different
Even though UM/UIM is your own insurance, these claims can still be adversarial because:
the carrier is evaluating how much money it must pay
it may dispute injury severity or causation
it may raise liability issues, including Maryland’s contributory negligence rules that can affect how an accident claim is evaluated.
Building a strong UM/UIM claim requires careful documentation, evidence collection, and knowledge of Maryland insurance laws. An experienced Maryland car accident lawyer can help evaluate available coverage and protect your rights during the claims process.
Common UM/UIM Pitfalls
1) Not identifying all available policies
UM/UIM can sometimes exist on multiple policies (household, vehicle, employer, etc.). This is extremely fact-specific, but it’s one reason early investigation matters.
2) Settling the at-fault claim without protecting UM/UIM rights
Some policies require certain procedures before you settle with the at-fault driver’s insurer. If you skip steps, you can create avoidable coverage disputes.
3) Delaying treatment or having gaps in care
Insurance companies - yes, even your own often use gaps to argue your injuries weren’t caused by the crash. Medical documentation plays an important role in proving injuries after a Maryland car accident, especially when insurance companies question the severity of your condition.
4) Posting on social media
UM/UIM carriers can still review public content and litigation discovery can expand access. Keep your claim clean.
What Should You Do If You Suspect the At-Fault Driver Has No (or Not Enough) Coverage?
Get the policy limits from the at-fault insurer
Notify your own insurer that you may have a UM/UIM claim (without speculating about fault).
Preserve evidence early (photos, witness info, BWC/911, surveillance when possible).
Document your medical timeline carefully and treat consistently.
Talk to counsel before signing releases or accepting a limits tender.
Falodun Law Can Help You Identify Coverage and Protect Your Claim
UM/UIM cases are often winnable, but they require disciplined documentation and careful handling of releases, notice, and negotiation strategy.
FAQs
1. What is uninsured underinsured motorist coverage in Maryland?
Uninsured underinsured motorist coverage in Maryland protects drivers when the at-fault motorist has no insurance or insufficient coverage. This policy may help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other accident-related damages.
2. Does Maryland require uninsured motorist coverage?
Yes, Maryland requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. This coverage helps protect you financially when another driver causes an accident but lacks enough insurance to cover your losses.
3. Can I file a UM/UIM claim with my own insurance company?
Yes, you may file a UM/UIM claim with your own insurance company after an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver. However, insurers may still investigate, evaluate, and challenge the value of your claim.
4. What evidence helps support an underinsured motorist claim in Maryland?
Evidence such as medical records, accident reports, insurance documents, witness statements, and proof of damages can strengthen an underinsured motorist claim. Proper documentation helps demonstrate the severity of injuries and financial losses. For additional guidance on protecting evidence after a crash, see our related information about steps after a Maryland car accident.
5. What happens if the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance?
If the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance coverage, your UM/UIM policy may help cover remaining damages depending on your policy limits and Maryland insurance rules. Reviewing your coverage early can protect your options.
