February 24, 2026 1:00 PM, EST
Key Takeaways:
- Eckert argues that uninsured and underinsured motorist property damage insurance coverage is increasingly important for fleets, as nearly 1 in 7 drivers on U.S. roads has no insurance at all.
- She says insufficient coverage by at-fault passenger car drivers leaves trucking companies exposed to repair costs, downtime losses and other expenses.
- Fleets are urged to review policies with agents to ensure coverage limits match exposure and to pair protections with broader downtime recovery plans.
Every fleet owner knows the importance of physical damage insurance. But there’s one area of related coverage that’s often overlooked — Uninsured Motorist Property Damage and Underinsured Motorist Property Damage. With more uninsured and underinsured drivers on the road than ever — about 1 in 3 nationally fell into either bucket in 2023, according to the Insurance Research Council — these property damage coverages can make the difference between a quick recovery and a devastating financial setback for a trucking business.
A Growing Problem on America’s Roads
According to IRC, nearly 1 in 7 drivers on U.S. roads has no insurance at all. In some states, that number is closer to 1 in 4. Even among drivers who have insurance, many carry only the minimum limits required by law — small insurance limits that don’t come close to covering the real-world costs trucking businesses experience, including vehicle repairs, diminished value, downtime and out-of-pocket expenses relating to safely putting equipment back on the road.
For fleets, these costs equate to significant financial exposure. When one of your trucks or trailers is hit by a car or other vehicle with little to no insurance, you’re left bearing the burden for repairs, towing, storage and lost income. Unless you have UMPD or UIMPD coverage in place for the unit struck, there’s little chance those losses will be recovered.
What UM and UIM Property Damage Coverage Does
UMPD pays for damage to your commercial equipment when an at-fault driver doesn’t have any liability coverage. UIMPD fills the gap when the other driver’s insurance doesn’t have enough liability coverage to cover your losses.
Depending on your insurance policy, your property damage coverage can help pay for:
- Repairs to or replacement of your damaged vehicles
- Towing, cleanup and recovery expenses
- Diminished value after repair
- Lost income, downtime losses or rental costs while your equipment is out of service
- Out-of-pocket costs directly related to incidents like getting drivers home, moving cargo to other units, etc.
Why Fleets Should Take Notice
For large and small fleets alike, even a single accident involving an uninsured driver can ripple through operations. A disabled unit means missed deliveries, frustrated shippers and idle drivers. The cost of a truck sitting still — even for a few days — can quickly outpace the price of this additional property damage insurance coverage.
ALSO BY ECKERT: Helping Contract Drivers With Insurance Claims
In my law practice, I’ve seen too many trucking companies blindsided by accidents where the at-fault driver had little or no insurance. The frustration is real: You did nothing wrong, yet you’re left absorbing the loss. UMPD and UIMPD coverage helps level the playing field and get your trucks — and your business — moving again faster.
Reviewing Your Policies
Talk with your insurance agent or risk manager about your coverage. Not all states or policies offer UMPD or UIMPD automatically, and the limits can vary. Make sure the coverage extends to all vehicles in your fleet and that the limits reflect your actual exposure. Consider pairing these coverages with comprehensive downtime loss recovery strategies so that your business can withstand even the worst-case scenarios.
Protecting Your Fleet’s Future
Trucking is already full of uncertainties — don’t let another driver’s lack of insurance be one of them. Uninsured and underinsured motorist property damage coverage isn’t just another line item on your policy; it’s a vital safeguard for your assets, drivers and bottom line.
Fleet owners who plan ahead, understand their policies and invest in the right coverage can keep their operations running smoothly — no matter who’s sharing the road.
Kelsea Eckert is an attorney who helps truckers and fleet owners with insurance and downtime claims.
