Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage is a common type of car insurance coverage that you’ll probably encounter when you’re shopping for auto insurance.

It might be a mouthful, but it’s actually a very simple concept. Like all types of car insurance, uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage is designed to help protect you in the event of an accident.

So what exactly is it, and what does it cover? When will you use it, and do you need it? And how much does it cost? Read on to find out.

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What is uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage?

Simply put, uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage helps protect you in the event that you're in a car accident with an at-fault driver who does not have car insurance.

Usually when you’re involved in an accident, the damage is covered by the at-fault driver’s insurer. But if the person who causes the accident doesn’t have coverage, then the costs fall to you. That’s where

uninsured motorist coverage

comes into play.

What does it cover?

Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage can cover anything that has to do with physical damage you sustain when you’re involved in a car accident caused by an uninsured driver. That primarily means medical bills, but it can also cover things like funeral expenses, lost wages, and even emotional damage.

However, it doesn't cover damage to your car. You’ll need uninsured motorist property damage coverage for that, though they’re often sold together as a package by auto insurance companies.

MORE:

Explaining uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance

Is it a mandatory type of car insurance coverage?

The answer depends on where you live. In some states, all drivers are required to have uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage. In other states, it’s only required that all insurers offer this type of coverage. And in some states, it’s not required at all.

How much does uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage cover?

Most insurers will offer varying packages of uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage, so you can find one that’s best for you. Coverage is sold with two figures: The dollar amount that it protects each person, and the dollar amount that it protects all of the people in the car.

For instance, if your uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage is listed as "$50,000/$100,000," then the coverage will protect you up to $50,000, and it will protect all of the people in the car up to $100,000 total.

In most packages, the second figure is double the first figure.

MORE:

Explaining uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance

How much does it cost?

Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage is usually a fairly small portion of your insurance bill. In most cases it’s

about five percent of your total car insurance bill

. This usually means just a few extra dollars a month, making it a very smart purchase.

This type of car coverage is relatively low cost, and can protect you in the unfortunate event of a car accident with an uninsured driver. Given

how many drivers on the road are driving without insurance

, it’s always a good idea to opt for uninsured motorist coverage.

When do you not need uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage?

In general, uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage is always a good thing to have. However, if you have a very comprehensive medical insurance package, it may not be necessary.

MORE:

Bodily injury liability