Uninsured Motorist Rates by State 2026
See what percentage of drivers in each state lack auto insurance. Understanding uninsured motorist rates helps you make informed decisions about your coverage.
Key Statistics
Data by State
| Rank | State | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi(MS) | 29.4% |
| 2 | Michigan(MI) | 25.5% |
| 3 | Tennessee(TN) | 23.7% |
| 4 | New Mexico(NM) | 21.8% |
| 5 | Washington(WA) | 21.7% |
| 6 | Florida(FL) | 20.4% |
| 7 | Alabama(AL) | 19.5% |
| 8 | California(CA) | 16.6% |
| 9 | Arizona(AZ) | 15.9% |
| 10 | Texas(TX) | 14.1% |
Key Insights
States with higher insurance costs tend to have more uninsured drivers
Mandatory insurance verification programs help reduce uninsured rates
Economic downturns correlate with increases in uninsured motorist rates
States without insurance verification systems have higher uninsured rates on average
Uninsured motorist rates have declined 2% nationally since 2020
Methodology
Uninsured motorist rates are estimated using insurance industry claims data, comparing the number of uninsured motorist claims to total accidents, combined with state vehicle registration and insurance verification data.
Sources
- Insurance Research Council (IRC)
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
- Federal Highway Administration
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if an uninsured driver hits me?
If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, your own insurance will pay for your injuries and damages. Without UM coverage, you may need to sue the at-fault driver personally, though collecting may be difficult.
Should I get uninsured motorist coverage?
Yes, UM coverage is strongly recommended and required in many states. Given that 1 in 8 drivers is uninsured nationally, UM coverage provides essential protection at relatively low cost.
Why are uninsured rates so high in some states?
High insurance costs, lack of enforcement, and economic factors contribute to high uninsured rates. States like Mississippi have high rates partly due to low incomes relative to insurance costs.
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