Uninsured motorist rates rise across the United States

Uninsured motorist rates in the United States have seen an increase since 2017, reaching 15.4% in 2023 according to the Insurance Research Council. This trend places financial burdens on injured individuals, insurers, and public systems.

Regional disparities are significant across the country. Mississippi reported the highest uninsured rate at 28.2%, followed by New Mexico at 24.1% and the District of Columbia at 23.1%. Conversely, Maine, Utah, and Idaho reported the lowest rates, ranging from 5.7% to 6.4%.

In California, where approximately one in six drivers lacks insurance, victims may seek recovery through Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage or by suing the driver directly. However, legal experts note that many uninsured drivers lack the assets necessary to satisfy court judgments. While state laws require financial responsibility for damages, economic conditions and varying state regulations contribute to the high rates of non-compliance.