It happens more than people think. The good news: there's usually still a path to recovery. And it runs through your own policy.
You did everything right. You got hit, you weren't at fault, the police came, you got medical attention. Then the call from the other driver's insurance never comes. Because there isn't one. About one in eight Missouri drivers and one in nine Illinois drivers carry no auto insurance, despite both states requiring it.
The good news: your case isn't over. The bad news: you're now relying on your own policy to pay for someone else's mistake.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. What it is
Both Missouri and Illinois require auto insurers to offer uninsured motorist coverage by default. Most policies include it. UM coverage steps into the shoes of the at-fault uninsured driver: it pays your bodily injury damages up to your policy's UM limit, as if the other driver had insurance.
Pull your declarations page right now. Find the line that says 'UM' or 'Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury.' That number is what's available to you. Missouri minimum is $25,000 per person; many policies carry $100,000 or more.
How a UM claim works
It feels weird to file a claim against your own carrier. People worry their rates will go up. They generally don't. UM claims aren't your fault, and most carriers can't surcharge for them under state insurance regulations.
But the carrier is now on both sides of the table. They issued your policy, but they're also defending against the claim. Because every dollar they pay you comes out of their pocket. Their job is to pay as little as possible. Yours is to prove the damages.
That's why UM cases usually look more like a contested liability case than a friendly transaction. The carrier may demand recorded statements, dispute the injury, or lowball the offer. The same investigation, demand letter, and (sometimes) lawsuit framework applies.
Underinsured motorist (UIM). When their policy isn't enough
Distinct concept. UIM kicks in when the at-fault driver does have insurance, but not enough to cover your damages. If the at-fault driver has $25,000 in coverage and your damages are $80,000, your UIM (if you carry it) can cover the gap up to your UIM limit.
Missouri allows UIM stacking in some policy structures. Meaning if you have multiple vehicles on a policy, you may be able to add the UIM limits together. Illinois has similar provisions but with different mechanics. This gets technical and is one of the most common areas where unrepresented claimants leave money on the table.
What about going after the driver personally?
Legally yes. Practically rare. People who don't carry insurance are usually people who don't have collectable assets. Even with a winning judgment, collecting requires garnishment proceedings, asset searches, and time. For most cases, the realistic recovery is what UM/UIM coverage provides.
Exceptions: at-fault drivers with significant assets (homeowners, business owners), commercial vehicles where there's an employer to pursue, or scenarios where a third-party liability claim exists (a defective vehicle, an alcohol provider, a property owner whose negligence contributed).
What to do today
- Pull your insurance declarations page. Find your UM and UIM limits.
- Don't give a recorded statement to anyone. Including your own carrier. Without understanding what you're saying.
- Get medical treatment if you're hurt. The case still needs treatment records.
- Don't sign a release or settlement until you understand what's actually available.
- Call to discuss. UM/UIM claims are technical enough that getting them wrong costs real money.
Your own UM/UIM coverage is the case when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Knowing what's in your policy is the first step.
This post is general information, not legal advice. Coverage and recovery depend on your specific policy, the facts of your case, and applicable state law.