What is the significance of a hit-and-run driver in uninsured motorist coverage?

In the context of uninsured motorist coverage, a hit-and-run driver is considered uninsured. This designation is significant because uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect policyholders when they are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance. Since the hit-and-run driver leaves the scene, the victim cannot file a claim with that driver’s insurance, as it is not possible to identify the driver or enforce their liability.

The classification of a hit-and-run driver as uninsured ensures that victims of such incidents have a means of recovering damages, like medical expenses or lost wages, through their own insurance policy. This function of uninsured motorist coverage is especially crucial for hit-and-run cases, as it allows for compensation despite the absence of a liable party who can be held accountable.

Understanding this concept helps clarify the role of uninsured motorist coverage in safeguarding individuals against risks posed by drivers who do not have insurance or flee the scene of an accident.