What is uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD)?
If another driver hits your car and they don’t have insurance, you might worry about who will pay for the repairs. This is where Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage can help. It is a part of your own auto insurance policy that pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged by an at-fault driver who has no liability insurance.
How UMPD works in North Carolina
When you use your UMPD coverage, you will have to pay a $100 deductible. After a policyholder pays the specified out-of-pocket deductible for a covered loss, the insurance company is responsible for the remaining costs up to the policy's coverage limit.1
As of July 1, 2025, the state requires a minimum of $50,000 in property damage liability for all policies. Your UMPD coverage limit is typically set to match this amount.2 If repair costs are higher than your UMPD limit, you would be responsible for the difference. UMPD is different from collision coverage, which pays for damage to your car regardless of who is at fault but often has a higher deductible.3
Is UMPD coverage required?
In North Carolina, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which includes a property damage component, is required.4 It is automatically included in your policy, and the limits usually match your liability limits.5 You can choose to select different limits or reject certain parts of the coverage, but you must do so in writing.6
What to do after a crash with an uninsured driver
After any accident, your first step is to make sure everyone is safe and call 911 to report the crash. An official police report is very important for an uninsured motorist claim.
While waiting for the police, gather what information you can. Take photos of the scene. Be sure to document the position of the vehicles and the other car's license plate. Important details to photograph at an accident scene include skid marks, which can help provide information about a vehicle's speed or braking, as well as any relevant traffic signs and road conditions.7 You should also get the other driver's name and contact information, but do not argue about who was at fault.
Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible to report the damage. Explain that the other driver may be uninsured. Upon receiving notice of a claim, an insurer in California must, within 15 calendar days, acknowledge the claim and provide the claimant with necessary forms, instructions, and reasonable assistance.8
Legislative background
North Carolina's insurance laws are updated periodically to adapt to changing conditions on the road.
When you and your insurer disagree
Sometimes you may have a disagreement with your insurance company about your claim. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.
Sources
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N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-279.21(b)(3) - https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-279.21.html
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N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-279.21 - https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-279.21.html
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Uninsured motorist property damage vs. collision coverage, 2023 - https://www.progressive.com/answers/uninsured-motorist-property-damage-vs-collision/
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Maynard, C. Douglas Jr, Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance in North Carolina (2013) - https://openlibrary.org/works/OL22341593W
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George L Simpson, North Carolina uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance (1996) - https://openlibrary.org/works/OL9499793W
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North Carolina General Statute § 20-279.21(b)(4) - https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-279.21.html
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Cobb v. N.C. Farm Bureau Mut. Ins. Co., 370 N.C. 545 - https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/4481090/cobb-v-nc-farm-bureau-mut-ins-co/
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North Carolina General Statute § 20-279.5 - https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-279.5.html