"What is uninsured motorist coverage?"

Uninsured motorists policies and coverage pay your damages when an auto accident is caused by a driver who doesn't have liability insurance. Uninsured motorists is probably the most complex part of an auto policy and is probably one of the most important parts to an insurance policy. This is especially true in the state of Mississippi, where it is estimated that 30% of the drivers on the road are not insured. Some states require every driver to have an uninsured motorist policy in their insurance coverage, but Mississippi does not. Many people don't understand that there are quite a few parts to this policy, and that it covers more people then just the policy holder, or person paying for the car insurance.
Uninsured motorist covers everyone in your household. That means for instance if you were in a car accident and you live with your father, your father's uninsured motorist would cover you for that accident. So it really is not understood that uninsured motorists doesn't rely upon the automobile, it relies on the family members.

This policy goes into effect if the person who hit you does not have a car insurance policy. Uninsured motorist coverage pays for many, but not everything that the other person’s insurance would have paid for if it existed. What exactly is covered relies on the insurance company and the specific policy, but usually Uninsured motorists policies covers the following:
Medical bills and wage loss
Pain, suffering and disfigurement
Emotional distress
Loss of future earning capacity

Usually, uninsured motorist does not pay for the damage to your vehicle, or punitive damages. Punitive damages are charges against the person in the wreck that include malice, oppression, or fraud. Usually punitive damages are not even involved in car accident cases unless the person who hit you was legally under the influence at the time of the wreck. Another good thing to know is that your insurance price will not go up after you've made an uninsured motorist's claim. Most states restrict and do not allow insurance increases if the wreck was not the fault of the policy holder. So as one can see, the insured motorists policy is very complex, and it is always recommended that you seek legal advice before trying to file a claim with your insurance company.