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Auto insurance can be a complicated and confusing matter. Many customers are familiar with insurance terms for products such as collision coverage or property damage liability. Less familiar terms such as uninsured motorist property damage insurance coverage may cause confusion for consumers. In very simple terms, this insurance product is designed to protect insured motorists from the threat of loss presented by uninsured motorists.

The rates of drivers without insurance vary by state, but the risk of colliding with an uninsured motorist is substantial and can be costly. Without insurance, a person's only recourse for recovery may be to take the other party to court.

Insurance companies offer the product known as uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) insurance coverage to their customers to protect the insured vehicle owner from loss. Commonly, this coverage would be carried when an insured does not have collision coverage on their auto insurance policy.

Under UMPD insurance coverage, an insured's vehicle's damage due to a collision is covered up to the policy limit. The limit may be an amount such as $3,500, but it will vary both by state and insurance company. If the insured's policy does not list collision coverage, then UMPD insurance coverage would pay for the deductible. This insurance product is intended as a replacement for collision coverage.

Very specific criteria determine when an insured's property damage is covered under uninsured motorist property damage insurance coverage. First and foremost, the other driver must be uninsured. Secondly, uninsured motorists must also be liable (at fault) for the accident. Such liability determinations are reached by the insurance claims adjuster following a liability investigation.

Consumers should be aware that this insurance may also cover damage to personal property aside from the insured vehicle damaged in the accident. Such objects may include glasses, cell phones, planters or mailboxes. It is always advisable to consult your insurance company when such a loss arises. Report your loss and open a claim so a proper investigation into your loss can be made.

Finally, customers should be aware that this coverage will not pay for the injuries or medical bills of anyone in the insured vehicle. In the event of injuries to the insured driver and passengers, another insurance product called uninsured motorist bodily injury insurance coverage, Medpay or personal injury protection would need to be added to the policy.

Customers benefit from being aware of the terms and definitions of some of the more obscure insurance products available. An auto insurance policyholder should check with their agent or insurance company's customer service representative to find out the specifics of uninsured motorist property damage insurance coverage offered by their insurer.