What type of coverage provides protection if the insured is struck by an uninsured motorist?

Uninsured Motorist coverage is specifically designed to protect the insured in situations where they are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have any insurance. This coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages the insured may incur as a result of the accident, similar to how liability insurance would operate if the other party were insured.

In many states, this type of coverage is optional, but it is highly recommended because it provides essential financial protection against the risks associated with uninsured drivers. The underlying rationale is that if someone is injured by a person who is unable to pay for damages due to lack of insurance, the injured party would still have a way to recover compensation for their losses through their own policy.

Other types of coverage, such as liability coverage, are designed to cover damages the insured may cause to others, collision coverage focuses on damage to the insured's own vehicle regardless of fault, and comprehensive coverage provides protection against non-collision-related incidents. Thus, these do not address the specific need for protection from uninsured motorists.