Question 1

Does Medicare cover injuries from car accidents caused by uninsured drivers?

Accepted Answer

Medicare covers auto accident injuries, but you'll still pay Part A and Part B deductibles, 20% co-insurance, and costs for services Medicare doesn't cover such as private nursing care or upgraded medical equipment. Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage pays these gaps — which can easily reach $8,000–$15,000 for a serious injury — plus pain and suffering damages Medicare never covers. Medicare may also seek reimbursement from any settlement you receive, further reducing what you keep without UMBI coverage to fill the gaps.

Question 2

How much does Uninsured Motorist Coverage cost for a 70-year-old driver?

Accepted Answer

For a 70-year-old driver with a clean record, UMBI with $100,000/$300,000 limits typically costs $10–$16 per month ($120–$192 annually), varying by state uninsured driver rates and your coverage limits. Adding UMPD for vehicle damage costs another $3–$8 monthly. This modest cost protects against medical bills that routinely exceed $40,000 for injury-related complications common in senior accident victims, making it one of the most cost-effective coverages available.

Question 3

What's the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?

Accepted Answer

Uninsured Motorist Coverage pays when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all or flees the scene (hit-and-run). Underinsured Motorist Coverage pays when the at-fault driver has insurance but their limits are too low to cover your medical costs — for example, they carry only $25,000 in liability but your injuries cost $60,000. Many insurers bundle both as UM/UIM coverage, and senior drivers should carry both given that age-related injury costs frequently exceed minimum state liability limits that many drivers carry.

Question 4

Does my Uninsured Motorist Coverage apply if I'm a passenger in someone else's car?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your UMBI coverage typically follows you as a passenger in another vehicle, as a pedestrian, or even while riding a bicycle if you're struck by an uninsured driver. This matters for senior drivers who frequently ride with friends or family — your own policy provides protection even when you're not driving. Your coverage pays after the vehicle owner's insurance is exhausted, providing a second layer of protection for serious injuries.

Question 5

Should I carry Uninsured Motorist Coverage if I have collision coverage?

Accepted Answer

Yes — collision coverage only repairs your vehicle, while UMBI pays for your medical bills, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and other injury-related costs that collision never covers. Even seniors who drop collision on older paid-off vehicles should strongly consider keeping UMBI, as it protects your health and financial assets rather than just your vehicle's diminishing value. The two coverages serve completely different purposes.

Question 6

Can I reject Uninsured Motorist Coverage to lower my premium?

Accepted Answer

In the 22 states requiring this coverage, you can reject it only by signing a written waiver, and insurers often discourage this given the high risk. In states where it's optional, you can decline it, but this is rarely advisable for senior drivers — the $10–$18 monthly cost is modest compared to the $40,000–$80,000 in potential medical costs from a single accident with an uninsured driver. If premium cost is a concern, reduce coverage limits rather than eliminating the coverage entirely.

Question 7

What happens if the uninsured driver who hit me has no money or assets?

Accepted Answer

Without Uninsured Motorist Coverage, you would need to sue the at-fault driver personally, and even if you win a judgment, collecting from someone with no assets or income is often impossible — leaving you responsible for all medical costs and vehicle repairs. UMBI coverage eliminates this problem by having your own insurer pay your claim immediately, regardless of the at-fault driver's financial situation. This is precisely why this coverage exists and why it's especially valuable for senior drivers on fixed incomes who cannot absorb unexpected five-figure expenses.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Senior Drivers

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance?

How Much Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance Cost?

See How Much You Could Save

Who Needs Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance?

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Coverage Types

Get Your Free Uninsured Motorist Coverage Quote