Getting into a car accident is stressful—and more so when the other driver has no insurance. In Massachusetts, every driver is required to carry insurance, yet accidents with uninsured or hit-and-run drivers still happen. Here’s how to protect yourself, and how John A. Pierce Insurance Agency can help.
Understanding Uninsured Drivers in Massachusetts
Massachusetts law mandates uninsured motorist (UM) coverage—also called “Bodily Injury Caused by Uninsured Auto”—with minimum limits of $20,000 per person/$40,000 per accident, soon increasing to $25,000/$50,000 as of July 2025. Despite this, some drivers still go without insurance, exposing victims to unexpected costs.
UM protection extends to hit-and-run accidents, guaranteeing coverage even when you can’t identify the other driver.
Legal & Financial Implications
Massachusetts is a no-fault state with Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covering medical expenses and lost wages up to $8,000 per person, regardless of fault.
If another driver causes an accident and lacks insurance, your UM coverage handles your bodily injuries. You cannot stack coverage from multiple vehicles or policies—your recovery is capped at your own UM limit.
How Your Coverage with John A. Pierce Insurance Helps
At John A. Pierce Insurance, we can review and customize these protections for you:
Mandatory Coverages:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) – Bodily Injury coverage covers you, household members, and passengers for injuries caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – Covers medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation up to $8,000 per person.
Optional Enhancements:
- Increase UM limits above the state minimum for stronger protection.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) – Steps in when an at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient. Coverage fills the gap up to your policy limit.
- Collision & Comprehensive – Protect your own vehicle against damage, regardless of the other driver’s coverage.
After an Accident: What to Do
✓ Ensure Safety & Call 911 – Follow standard safety protocols.
✓ File a Police Report – Crucial for uninsured accidents or hit-and-runs; the report supports your UM claim.
✓ Document Everything – Collect driver info, take photos, capture statements, and note if the other admitted being uninsured.
✓ Contact John A. Pierce Insurance – Report the accident, and we’ll guide you through your UM, UIM, PIP, and collision coverage.
✓ Seek Medical Help – Even if you feel fine, hidden injuries may develop—PIP can cover your treatment.
Filing a Claim & Getting Help
When you submit a claim:
- We’ll review your policies and documentation (police report, photos, medical records).
- We’ll coordinate with insurers to seek compensation up to your UM, UIM, and any collision coverage. While insurers may try subrogation (asking the uninsured driver to pay), your claim focuses on your policy.
Can You Sue the Uninsured Driver?
Yes—but most uninsured drivers lack assets, making legal recovery unlikely. Instead, you rely on your own coverage, and having higher UM/UIM limits is key.
Protect Yourself with the Right Coverage
- Verify you have proper UM with limits well above minimums.
- Add UIM to support gaps if at-fault drivers have low liability coverage.
- Assess collision coverage, especially if you’d be financially hit by repair costs.
- Book regular policy reviews with our team to adjust for new cars, teen drivers, or residency changes.
Why Choose John A. Pierce Insurance?
Located at 934 Main Street, Winchester, and serving your community since 1923, John A. Pierce Insurance Agency is an independent, family-run agency. We partner with top carriers—like Travelers, Safety, Progressive—to customize auto coverage to your needs.
Whether it’s understanding UM/UIM options, coordinating claims, or fine‑tuning coverage, our agents provide personalized support every step of the way.
In Massachusetts, every driver must carry UM and PIP. But if you’re hit by an uninsured driver, your own UM/UIM and collision coverage can offer critical protection. At John A. Pierce Insurance, we help you pick the right coverage and guide you through claims—so you’re covered, no matter who’s on the road.
Call us today at 781‑729‑8770 or stop by 934 Main St, Winchester, for a policy check-up or a quote—protect yourself and your loved ones before the unexpected occurs.
Sources:
www.jasonranallolaw.com/understanding-no-fault-and-pip-insurance-in-ma
www.insurancejournal.com/news/east/2025/01/10/807563.htm
www.plymouthrock.com/insurance/auto/ma/coverage-policy-options/uninsured-motorist-coverage