Drivers in Ontario are mandated to have auto insurance before they can legally drive. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop some irresponsible motorists from driving without it. Fortunately, uninsured automobile coverage (also known as uninsured motorist coverage; often shortened to UM coverage) is there to protect you in accidents involving an uninsured driver.
Is uninsured automobile coverage mandatory? Does UM coverage protect you from hit-and-runs? Do you need additional coverage in your policy if you have UM coverage? Read on to learn exactly what uninsured motorist coverage protects you against and what it doesn’t.
What Exactly Does Uninsured Automobile Coverage Include?
Uninsured motorist insurance mainly triggers when you’re injured in a collision caused by a motorist who was driving without valid auto insurance. However, it also kicks in when the driver who caused the accident flees the scene and can’t be identified, which is known as a hit-and-run.
Keep in mind that this is not limited to an accident where you’re in a vehicle as well. If you get injured by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run while walking as a pedestrian, UM coverage will still apply.
Here’s what UM coverage usually includes in Ontario:
- Injury compensation for you and passengers in your vehicle (including funeral benefits, if applicable).
- Damage to your vehicle, but only if the uninsured driver is known and identified at the scene.
- Up to $200,000 in total coverage. This includes both injury and property damage claims combined.
And here’s what UM coverage does not cover:
- Vehicle damage from hit-and-runs where the driver is never identified.
- Collisions where the at-fault driver has some insurance, but does not have enough coverage to pay for all damages.
- Incidents where you are found at fault, even if an uninsured driver was involved.
Hit-and-Run Cases Are Increasing Across Canada
Unfortunately, hit-and-run collisions are becoming more common throughout the country, especially in urban areas like Toronto and Ottawa. According to Statistics Canada, around 8% of pedestrian fatalities involve a hit-and-run. Almost half of those fatalities involved a passenger vehicle, but about 13% of them involved heavy or commercial vehicles, with the driver often not noticing that they hit someone.
What Happens If An Uninsured Driver Hits You?
If you’re involved in a collision with an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run incident, there are specific steps you need to take right away:
- Call 911 immediately. If there are injuries or extensive damage, you may need the assistance of emergency medical personnel or the police.
- Document the scene. Take photos of your car, any injuries, and the surrounding conditions.
- Gather any witness statements you can, along with their contact info. Their accounts may be vital, especially in a hit-and-run.
- Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible.
- Check for identification. If the driver is present but uninsured, your UM coverage will kick in.
- If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, you’ll need to file a police report within 24 hours and provide that report to your insurance company.
- File a claim through your insurer under the UM portion of your PLPD coverage. If the driver is unknown, vehicle damage will not be covered unless you have collision coverage.
A vehicle collision is a scary event that can shake up even the most stoic drivers. However, if you’re relatively uninjured or the damage was minor, it’s best to proactively strengthen your insurance claim by following the step-by-step guide above.
Uninsured vs. Underinsured vs. Hit-and-Run Scenarios
The circumstances behind every accident are unique, and it may be difficult to tell whether UM coverage will be sufficient in a specific situation. Here’s a table of different scenarios and what kind of coverage you need to be fully protected:
| Scenario | Covered by UM | Needs OPCF 44R | Collision Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hit by uninsured driver (identified) | Yes | Optional | No |
| Hit-and-run with | Yes (injury only) | Yes | Yes (for vehicle damage) |
| Hit by driver with minimum coverage | No | Yes | Yes (for vehicle damage) |
| Bicycle/pedestrian hit by uninsured driver | Yes (injury only) | Optional | N/A |
| Passenger injured in your vehicle by uninsured driver | Yes (injury only) | Optional | No |
| Vehicle damaged while parked by hit-and-run driver | No | No | Yes |
How to Strengthen Your Protection
Accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers are not exactly common, but if it does happen to you, you don’t want to be on the hook for medical and repair bills because your coverage was lacking. Here are some ways you can enhance the protection your insurance policy provides:
Key Advice from MyChoice
- Relying on basic uninsured automobile coverage may leave you paying out of pocket for more serious incidents. Consider adding collision coverage and OPCF 44R to your policy for more protection.
- Many insurance professionals recommend increasing your basic liability protection from the minimum $200,000 limit to at least $1 million.
- If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver or experience a hit-and-run incident, it is best to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Hit-and-runs will also need a police report to be filed within 24 hours of the incident.