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Uninsured motorist benefit

Uninsured motorist cover protects you from losses if an uninsured driver hits you.

Uninsured motorist benefit is an option provided by many car insurance providers. It provides cover if an uninsured motorist is involved in a collision with your vehicle and is 100% at fault.

What is an uninsured motorist benefit?

While all car insurance policies provide cover if you should be at fault in a collision with another car, covering the majority of costs from damage, unless you have comprehensive car insurance you have no protection if someone else damages your vehicle. Most drivers generally have some level of insurance, but if they don't there may be no way to recoup the costs involved in an accident.

This is where an uninsured motorist benefit comes in — it can cover you for damages, from injuries sustained in the accident to car repairs.

When does this type of cover come into effect?

If you're in a collision and the other driver is totally at fault and doesn't have insurance, you can contact your insurance provider and make a claim for the damage or injury. The benefit doesn't apply if you're in any way at fault.

Which policies have this benefit?

Cover will vary from insurer to insurer. However, uninsured motorist benefit is typically included in comprehensive cover or available as an optional extra. TPPD and TPFT policies usually offer uninsured motorist benefit as additional cover and often increase your premium. This is due to the added risk of another motorist being at fault in a collision with you, rather than only your personal risk of an at-fault collision being assessed.

How much cover do these policies offer?

Cover varies depending on your policy and any additional cover. On average, insurance providers offer up to $5,000 to cover any damage and towing costs. However, this amount can be higher for comprehensive cover. If you have this benefit through a TPPD or TPFT policy, this amount can be negotiated if your car has a higher value. Be sure to discuss cover limits for uninsured motorist benefit with your insurance provider before you take out a policy.

What are your options when claiming this benefit?

Unless you have comprehensive cover, your options are limited. As standard, the insurer offers the limited amount no matter the extent of damage, additional charges or if your car is considered a total loss.

What should you do following an accident?

If you're involved in an accident where the other driver is at fault and uninsured, first take any possible measures to get to a safe distance from traffic, prevent any further damage or injury and contact any emergency services required. Collect the details of the driver(s) involved, including names, addresses, contact numbers, email addresses, driver's licence and registration numbers. If there are any witnesses to the accident, collect their information as well. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to lodge your claim and access any additional benefits your policy gives you.

For more details, read our guide to what to do after a car accident.

Bottom line

We all feel like competent drivers. We all do the right thing and get appropriate car insurance to protect against accidents and unexpected bumps on the road. But there are some still on the roads without insurance and unless you have comprehensive cover, you'll be naked against the cost of a collision with an at-fault uninsured driver. Be sure to ask your insurance provider about their uninsured motorist benefit and consider if it's right for you.

Want to protect your car? Get comprehensive car insurance

Comparing car insurance will not only make sure that you get the right price, but also, that you get the right product. When choosing a policy, don't forget to check out the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure it suits your needs.

Name Product Roadside assistance Accidental damage Storm Choice of repairer Agreed or market value
Budget Direct Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: The 2023 winner of our Best Value Car Insurance award. It's cheaper than most, plus you can lower costs by adding age restrictions.

⭐ Current offer: 15% off your first year's premium when you take out a policy online. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: Anyone who wants a good value policy.
Youi Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: The 2023 winner of our Best Features Car Insurance award. Plus, it's one of the only insurers to automatically include roadside assistance.

Who it might be good for: Those who want good customer service with lots of inclusions.
Australia Post Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Covers a little more than other insurers. You don’t need to pay an excess for windscreen repairs and cover applies to anyone who uses your car.

⭐ Current offer: Get $100 off your first year's comprehensive car insurance premium when you buy online. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: Multiple people using one car.
Bingle Comprehensive
Market
Finder's summary: Our data shows it’s the cheapest comprehensive policy. It just covers the basics such as damage to your car, theft and storms – it doesn’t go in for add-ons and extras.

Who it might be good for: Those wanting a low-cost, no-frills policy.
QBE Comprehensive
Green Company
QBE Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Our best-rated Car Insurer for Customer Satisfaction in 2021/2022 and Green Insurer for the last 3 years.

⭐ Current offer: Save $75 when you purchase a new comprehensive policy online. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: Those who want a trustworthy insurer and more cover than other brands, such as 3-year new car replacement (e.g. they'll give you money for a new car for up to 3 years if yours is written off).
Kogan Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Kogan comes with all the perks that most comprehensive car insurance policies include, but you'll also be entitled to some benefits from its online store. This usually comes in the form of a gift voucher or discount if you buy online.

⭐ Current offer: Get $115 off first year premiums when you purchase Kogan Comprehensive Car Insurance online + $10 monthly kogan.com credit. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: Kogan shoppers and those after a good range of policy options.
Qantas Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: You need car insurance so why not get one that lets you earn Qantas Points? It's good value too (it's underwritten by the same insurer as Budget Direct). .

⭐ Current offer: Earn up to 30,000 Qantas Points with every Qantas Car Insurance policy you take out by 7 February. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: People who want more bang for their buck with Qantas Points.
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2 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    DMAugust 19, 2021

    I have liability with uninsured motorist insurance on my vehicle. My 16 year old daughter back up into a car and caused damage to the other vehicle. Will my insurance cover the damages to the other vehicle?

      AvatarFinder
      JamesAugust 22, 2021Finder

      Hi,

      It’s best to get in touch directly with your insurer with regards to what will or won’t be covered by your insurance policy. They should be able to give you more details.

      Regards,
      James

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