Stacking (Uninsured Motorist Coverage)
Plain English
Stacking means adding up your uninsured motorist coverage for each car you insure. If you have two cars with $25,000 of uninsured motorist coverage each and your state allows stacking, you may be able to claim up to $50,000 after a crash with an uninsured driver. Many states limit or ban it.
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On this page
Definition
Stacking is a way of combining uninsured motorist limits across more than one insured vehicle, so the amount available for one claim is multiplied by the number of vehicles or added together across policies. Whether it's allowed depends on state law and policy wording.
Why It Matters
For a household with several cars, stacking can make a big difference after a serious crash with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. Stacked coverage usually costs more.
Real-World Example
Imagine a family with three cars, each with $20,000 of uninsured motorist coverage, in a state that allows stacking. One of them is seriously injured by an uninsured driver. Stacking can make up to $60,000 available for the claim, instead of $20,000.
Common Misconceptions
- Assuming stacking applies everywhere.
- Assuming it applies to liability coverage; it usually concerns uninsured motorist coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Triple-I: in states where stacking isn't prohibited, "liability limits under the uninsured motorist coverage may be multiplied by the number of cars insured."
- Triple-I gives the example of a three-car family with $20,000 limits having $60,000 available.
- "About half of the states prohibit stacking," Triple-I says.
- Policies may include anti-stacking provisions where allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my state allow stacking?
Ask your insurer or state insurance department; rules vary.
What's it commonly confused with?
Adding liability limits across cars, which isn't how liability works.
Related Terms
Related Coverages
- Auto Insurance
Related Scenarios
Explore the rest of the Auto Insurance category.
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The factual claims on this page were checked against these sources. Rules and figures change, so check the source itself if you need to confirm the current version.
- Background on: Compulsory auto/uninsured motoristsInsurance Information Institute (Triple-I)
Educational information, not advice: This page is for general education only, not legal, financial, or insurance advice. Actual coverage, discounts, and requirements depend on your policy’s wording, your insurer, and the laws of your state. Confirm specifics with your own insurer or a licensed agent before making a decision. Insurpedia does not sell insurance and does not recommend specific insurers.