Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Apply to a Bicycle Accident?

Bicyclists face unique risks on the road. Even when wearing proper safety gear and obeying traffic laws, they remain vulnerable to careless, reckless, and distracted drivers. If you’ve been hit by a car while riding your bike, your injuries may be severe—and the situation becomes even more complicated when the at-fault driver has no insurance or flees the scene. So, what happens next?

Many cyclists are surprised to learn that uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may apply to bicycle accidents. If you carry a car insurance policy with UM coverage, you could be protected—even though you weren’t in a car when the accident happened. In this blog, we break down how that works, when it applies, and how you can protect yourself if you’re injured in a bicycle crash caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is a part of your auto insurance policy that kicks in when you’re injured in an accident caused by:

A driver with no insurance
A driver who flees the scene (hit-and-run)
In some cases, a driver with insufficient coverage (this is often covered under underinsured motorist or UIM coverage)

UM coverage is typically offered in two main categories:

Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI): Pays for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when you’re injured by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): Pays for damage to your property—like your bike—caused by an uninsured driver (not available in all states).

UM coverage is usually associated with car accidents, but it may apply more broadly, including when the policyholder is injured outside of a vehicle—such as while riding a bike.

Does UM Coverage Apply to Bicycle Accidents?

Yes, it can. If you’re hit by a car while riding your bike, and the driver is uninsured or flees the scene, you may be able to file a claim under your own auto insurance policy’s UM coverage.

As long as:

You have a valid UM policy in place
You are considered a “covered person” under the policy (usually the named insured, spouse, or household relative)
The injury was caused by a motor vehicle

Then your UM coverage can apply—even though you were on a bicycle, not in a car.

This coverage exists to protect you, not just your vehicle. And in cases where the driver can’t or won’t take financial responsibility for the accident, UM coverage can be critical to ensuring you’re not left footing the bill.

How Does It Work in Illinois?

In Illinois, auto insurers are required by law to include uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) coverage in all standard auto policies. The minimum required coverage is $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident, but many drivers opt for higher limits.

If you’re struck by a car while riding your bike in Illinois and the driver either doesn’t have insurance or leaves the scene, you may file a claim with your own insurance company under the UM provision.

Even if you don’t own a vehicle yourself, you may be covered under a family member’s policy—such as a parent or spouse—if you live in the same household.

What About Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage?

Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is closely related to UM and comes into play when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover the full extent of your injuries.

For example, say your medical bills and other damages total $100,000, but the driver only has the minimum $25,000 in liability insurance. If you have UIM coverage with a $100,000 limit, you could recover the additional $75,000 through your own policy.

Like UM, UIM coverage can also apply to bicycle accidents in many cases. It provides a critical safety net when a negligent driver’s policy doesn’t go far enough to make you whole.

What If the Driver Flees the Scene After Hitting Your Bike?

Sadly, hit-and-run accidents involving cyclists are not uncommon. Many drivers panic and leave the scene, making it impossible to collect their insurance info—or even identify them.

This is where uninsured motorist coverage is especially valuable. Most policies treat a hit-and-run driver as an uninsured motorist, so long as the injury was caused by a motor vehicle and there is some form of physical evidence or witness testimony supporting your claim.

To protect your ability to file a UM claim after a hit-and-run:

Report the accident to the police immediately
Seek medical attention
Notify your insurance company promptly
Preserve any evidence, such as witness statements, video footage, or photos

What Compensation Can You Recover Through a UM Claim?

If your bicycle accident was caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver, a UM claim can help you recover compensation for:

Emergency medical care
Hospital stays
Surgeries and rehabilitation
Lost wages or future earning potential
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent injury or disfigurement

The amount you can recover will depend on your policy limits, the severity of your injuries, and whether you have stacked coverage (i.e., multiple vehicles with UM coverage).

What About Damage to the Bicycle?

UMPD (Uninsured Motorist Property Damage) coverage may compensate you for damage to your bicycle—but only if your state and policy offer it. Not all states or insurers include UMPD, and some limit coverage to damage involving a vehicle, not a bike.

If UMPD isn’t available, or doesn’t apply, you may still be able to pursue bike damage compensation through homeowners or renters insurance, depending on the situation.

Common Challenges with UM Claims

Even though you’re filing a claim with your own insurance company, it doesn’t always mean the process will go smoothly. Insurers may:

Deny the claim outright
Dispute that a vehicle was involved
Minimize the value of your injuries
Delay resolution to push you into a low settlement

This is why it’s often wise to consult with a Chicago personal injury attorney—especially if you’ve suffered serious injuries or face long-term recovery.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

If you’re hit by a car while biking, take these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

Call 911 immediately. Even if you think you’re okay, get checked by medical professionals.
File a police report. This is essential for documenting what happened, especially in a hit-and-run.
Gather evidence. Take photos of the scene, the car that hit you, your bike, injuries, and get contact info from any witnesses.
Notify your insurance company. Report the accident and mention the possibility of a UM claim.
Consult an attorney. A skilled bike accident lawyer can guide you through the process and handle negotiations on your behalf.

Final Thoughts: Cyclists Deserve Protection Too

If you’ve been hit while riding your bicycle and the driver was uninsured or fled the scene, you’re not powerless. Uninsured motorist coverage exists to protect you in exactly this kind of situation. Don’t assume that just because you weren’t in a car, you don’t have rights.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand how devastating bicycle accidents can be. The injuries are often serious. The bills pile up fast. And when the driver can’t or won’t pay, you need someone in your corner to make sure your insurance company does the right thing.

John J. Malm & Associates is Here to Help After Your Chicago Bicycle Accident

At John J. Malm & Associates, our Chicago injury attorneys have more than 90 years of combined experience fighting for injured victims across Illinois. With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, we are a premier personal injury law firm known for securing millions in compensation for our clients throughout Illinois.

Our team of six award-winning attorneys specializes in auto and bicycle accident claims, including cases involving uninsured and underinsured motorists. We’ll work tirelessly to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially—so you can get back on the road to healing.

“Cyclists have every right to be safe on the road. When a negligent or uninsured driver causes serious harm, uninsured motorist coverage can be a lifeline. We fight to ensure our clients are protected and compensated—no matter where or how the accident happened.” — John J. Malm, Chicago bicycle accident attorney

Call us today at 844-MALMLAW or visit our website to schedule a free consultation.