Caleb Meriwether, Haven Insurance Partners, visits with Dan Reaves, host of ‘The Dan Reaves Show,’ today, and each Wednesday at 3:30 p.m., to discuss all things insurance.
A recent national study by Montana Capital Car Title Loans revealed troubling trends in fatal hit-and-run crashes across the United States. Drawing from 2023 NHTSA data, the report ranked all 50 states based on the prevalence and per capita impact of fatal hit-and-run incidents.
Tennessee ranked third in the country.
In 2023, Tennessee recorded 102 fatal hit-and-run crashes. That equates to 1.40 per 100,000 people—one of the highest rates in the nation. Perhaps more concerning, 8.37 percent of all fatal crashes in the state involved a driver who fled the scene.
These numbers are not just statistics. They represent families left without justice, victims left without compensation, and survivors often left with significant medical expenses and lost income. When the at-fault driver disappears—or lacks insurance—there is often no one to hold financially responsible. Unless the victim has planned ahead.
That’s where Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage comes in.
On your primary auto insurance policy, UM coverage provides protection when you’re injured by a driver who either has no insurance or who flees the scene and cannot be identified. UIM coverage kicks in when the other driver’s insurance limits are too low to cover your actual losses.
In Tennessee, the minimum required auto liability limits are $25,000 per person. That amount can be exhausted quickly in a serious accident.
If you carry an umbrella policy, it is essential to ask your agent whether uninsured motorist coverage is included. In many cases, it is not—and must be specifically added. A UM endorsement on your umbrella policy can provide an additional $1 million or more in protection, offering peace of mind for you and your family if the worst occurs.
As hit-and-run rates continue to rise, and with Tennessee now ranked among the top three most dangerous states for fatal hit-and-runs, the importance of this coverage has never been clearer.
