TDCI’s Glossary of Insurance Terms gives a clear definition of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that East Tennessee drivers can check against their declarations page. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is auto insurance coverage that pays for the policyholder's injuries and property damage caused by a hit-and-run driver or a motorist without liability insurance.
The same glossary entry adds that UM/UIM will also pay when medical and car repair bills are higher than the other driver's liability coverage. That underinsured scenario matters when the at-fault driver carries only state-minimum liability.
Separately, TDCI’s Auto Insurance 101 page states that the minimum limits of liability required in Tennessee are 25/50/25. Those minimums are the floor for an at-fault driver’s liability — not a substitute for the UM/UIM limits you choose on your own policy.
| Coverage idea | What TDCI’s materials say |
|---|---|
| UM/UIM trigger | Hit-and-run driver or motorist without liability insurance. |
| Underinsured gap | Pays when medical and car repair bills exceed the other driver’s liability coverage. |
| State liability minimum | Auto Insurance 101: Tennessee minimum liability limits are 25/50/25. |
| Consumer step | Confirm UM/UIM limits on your declarations page with a licensed agent. |
Informational only — this post does not say every policy includes UM/UIM or that any claim will pay. Read your contract and ask questions before you assume a gap is filled.
For the liability-minimum primer, see Tennessee’s auto liability minimum is 25/50/25 — here is what TDCI’s Auto Insurance 101 page says. To look up carrier filings later, use How Tennesseans look up insurance rate filings on SERFF Filing Access and TDCI’s monthly tables.
Seasons change. So should your coverage. For a free personal policy review with All Seasons Insurance Group, call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/.
What is UM/UIM coverage in TDCI’s glossary?
TDCI defines uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as auto insurance that pays for the policyholder's injuries and property damage caused by a hit-and-run driver or a motorist without liability insurance.
Does UM/UIM help when the at-fault driver’s limits are too low?
Yes. TDCI says it will also pay when medical and car repair bills are higher than the other driver's liability coverage.
Is UM/UIM the same as Tennessee’s 25/50/25 liability minimum?
No. 25/50/25 is the state’s minimum liability requirement for the at-fault driver. UM/UIM is optional coverage you buy on your own policy to protect yourself.
Does liability-only insurance include UM/UIM automatically?
Not necessarily. Ask your agent whether UM/UIM is on the declarations page and at what limits.
Why do East Tennessee drivers ask about UM/UIM after an accident?
Hit-and-run crashes and drivers with only minimum liability can leave medical and repair bills above the other driver’s limits — the exact gap TDCI’s definition describes.
Where can Tennesseans read the TDCI definition?
TDCI publishes the UM/UIM definition in its Glossary of Insurance Terms under Consumer Education.
Should drivers also keep comprehensive for animal collisions?
Animal-collision vehicle damage is a separate comprehensive question. UM/UIM addresses uninsured, hit-and-run, and underinsured motorists.
How can All Seasons help after reading this?
Call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/ for a free personal policy review. Informational only.
