What does "uninsured motorist coverage" protect against?

Uninsured motorist coverage is designed specifically to protect policyholders from bodily injury claims when they are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have any insurance coverage. This type of coverage ensures that if an insured individual suffers injuries due to the negligence of an uninsured motorist, they can still seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs, much like they would if the at-fault driver were insured.

While claims from hit-and-run accidents may sometimes be covered under uninsured motorist provisions, the focus of this coverage is primarily on bodily injury rather than property damage or non-collision-related incidents. Similarly, while property damage from an uninsured driver can be a concern, it typically falls under a different type of coverage known as uninsured motorist property damage coverage, which is not the specific focus of this question. Severe weather damage is clearly outside the scope of what uninsured motorist coverage addresses, which centers on vehicle accidents involving uninsured drivers.