Posted on Monday, January 5th, 2026 at 8:00 am
If you drive in Alabama, you face a significant risk. Approximately 19.5% of drivers on Alabama roads don’t carry insurance. This makes it one of the highest uninsured rates in the nation. More than one in five vehicles you encounter could leave you without compensation if an accident occurs. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you when the other driver can’t pay for your injuries. Understanding how this coverage works helps you make informed decisions about your insurance and your rights after an accident. At Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP, we help Alabama residents navigate these complex claims.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is insurance protection that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when an uninsured driver injures you. It also covers hit-and-run accidents where the other driver flees the scene. In Alabama, insurance companies must offer this coverage to all policyholders under Ala. Code § 32-7-23. You can decline it in writing.
Think of UM coverage as a safety net. When an uninsured driver causes an accident, your own insurance steps in to cover your losses. This prevents you from pursuing a claim against someone who likely has no assets to recover from. Unlike dealing with an at-fault driver directly, UM coverage provides a path to compensation.
Types of UM Coverage (Bodily Injury vs. Property Damage)
UM coverage comes in two main types. Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) coverage pays for your medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering from injuries caused by an uninsured driver. Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage pays for damage to your vehicle and other property.
Most Alabama drivers focus on UMBI because injuries typically result in much higher costs than property damage alone. However, UMPD provides valuable protection if an uninsured driver hits you. You won’t have to pay out of pocket for repairs. Understanding the difference between these two types helps you choose the right coverage limits for your situation.
How Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP Can Help
Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP understands Alabama’s insurance laws and the challenges clients face when dealing with uninsured motorist claims. Our team works with clients to navigate the claims process. We challenge denials when necessary. We pursue the compensation you deserve. We focus on protecting your rights. We ensure insurance companies treat your claim fairly. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, our experienced car accident attorneys can review your case and explain your options.
Alabama’s Minimum Coverage Limits
Alabama law sets minimum uninsured motorist coverage limits. Insurance companies must offer these minimums to all policyholders. The minimums are $25,000 per person for bodily injury. The total per accident for bodily injury is $50,000. Property damage coverage is $25,000 minimum.
These limits often fall short of actual medical expenses and lost wages from serious accidents. If you’re injured in a significant accident, medical bills can quickly exceed $25,000. Hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment add up fast. Many Alabama drivers choose higher coverage limits. Options include $100,000 per person or $300,000 per accident. These higher limits ensure adequate protection for catastrophic injuries.
Understanding Coverage Stacking
Alabama allows coverage stacking. This means you can combine UM coverage from multiple vehicles you own. If you have two cars with $25,000 UM coverage each, you can stack them to reach $50,000 in coverage for a single accident. This option provides valuable additional protection for families with multiple vehicles. Coverage stacking can be crucial when dealing with serious injuries or spinal cord damage.
Who Is Covered Under UM Insurance?
UM coverage protects you and your family members living in your household. It covers anyone else in your vehicle with your permission when an accident occurs. If you’re a pedestrian or cyclist hit by an uninsured driver, your own UM coverage applies. Coverage also extends to hit-and-run accidents where the other driver never stops.
Underinsured motorist coverage works similarly. It applies when the at-fault driver has insurance that doesn’t cover all your damages. For example, if the other driver has only $25,000 in coverage but your medical bills total $75,000, underinsured motorist coverage bridges the gap. This distinction is important when pursuing personal injury claims.
What Does UM Coverage Pay For?
UM coverage compensates you for several types of losses. These losses result from an accident with an uninsured driver. Medical expenses include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgery, medications, and ongoing treatment. Lost wages cover the income you miss while recovering from your injuries. Pain and suffering compensation addresses physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
If you have UMPD coverage, it also pays for vehicle repairs or replacement. Some policies include coverage for rental car expenses while your vehicle is being repaired. This helps you maintain your daily routine during recovery. Understanding what your policy covers is essential before filing a claim.
How to File an Uninsured Motorist Claim
After an accident with an uninsured driver, take these steps to protect your claim:
- Call the police and get a report number
- Document the scene with photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and the other driver’s information
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine—some injuries appear hours or days later
- Report the accident to your insurance company promptly
- Provide all documentation, including the police report, medical records, repair estimates, and proof of lost wages
- Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses and communications with your insurance company
Your insurance company will investigate the claim and either approve it or request additional information. If they deny your claim, you have the right to appeal or pursue legal action. This documentation becomes crucial if disputes arise about your claim. For guidance on what to do after a car accident, Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP‘s attorneys can walk you through each step. Many people don’t realize that reporting a car accident to insurance properly can make or break your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to accept uninsured motorist coverage in Alabama?
No. Alabama law requires insurance companies to offer UM coverage. You can decline it in writing. However, rejecting this coverage leaves you vulnerable to significant financial losses. An uninsured driver could hit you and leave you without compensation. Most insurance professionals recommend keeping UM coverage. The cost is relatively low compared to the protection it provides. If you’ve already declined coverage and been hit by an uninsured driver, you may still have options. Contact Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP to discuss your situation.
What if the hit-and-run driver is never found?
UM coverage applies to hit-and-run accidents even if the other driver is never identified. You must report the accident to police. Provide your insurance company with all available information. Your insurer will investigate and determine whether to approve your claim. They base this decision on the evidence available. Understanding your rights after a hit-and-run is critical. Learn more about what evidence is needed to convict a hit-and-run.
Can I stack UM coverage across multiple vehicles?
Yes. Alabama allows UM stacking. This means you can combine coverage from multiple vehicles you own. This increases your total available coverage for a single accident. You get greater protection for serious injuries. If you own multiple vehicles, review your policies to understand your stacking options.
What happens if my claim is denied?
If your insurance company denies your UM claim, you can appeal the decision. You can also file a lawsuit. Many claims are denied incorrectly. You have the right to challenge the denial. An attorney can review your case. They can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Don’t accept a denial without exploring your legal options. Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP has successfully challenged many wrongful denials.
How long do I have to file a UM claim?
Alabama’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, you should report the accident to your insurance company immediately. Delays in reporting can complicate your claim. They may result in denial. Learn more about how long after an accident you can sue in Alabama. Time is critical in these cases, so don’t delay in taking action.
Get Help With Your Uninsured Motorist Claim
If an uninsured driver has injured you in Alabama, Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP can help. Our uninsured motorist accident lawyers handle UM claims from start to finish. We work with insurance companies and pursue litigation when necessary. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Our results speak for themselves, and we’ve recovered millions for injured Alabamians.
Call (205) 324-1212 or visit our contact page to schedule your free consultation. We’re here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Learn more about how car accident settlements work and what to expect from your claim. Whether you need help with pain and suffering calculations or understanding lost wages compensation, our team is ready to assist.
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