In which situation would uninsured motorist coverage NOT apply to an owner of an insured vehicle?

Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect insured drivers in the event they are in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or whose coverage is inadequate. However, there are specific conditions under which this coverage may not apply.

In the situation where the other driver left the scene but was later identified, the fundamental condition for uninsured motorist coverage typically hinges on the other driver being uninsured at the time of the accident. If the other driver can be identified and has insurance, even if they fled the scene initially, the insured would not be able to claim under their uninsured motorist coverage since the other driver’s insurance status has changed upon identification. If the other driver was identified as having valid insurance, the claim would be directed at that driver's insurance company rather than using the insured's own uninsured motorist protection.

In contrast, if the other driver was intoxicated or driving a rental vehicle, or if they had no insurance at all, the coverage would generally apply, as these circumstances affirmatively demonstrate a lack of valid insurance coverage, fulfilling the purpose of uninsured motorist protection.