Isn't uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage a duplication of auto liability, personal injury protection and medical insurance?

Let's talk about the different types of car insurance coverage you mentioned.

Liability coverage, which every state except New Hampshire requires drivers to carry, pays for the property damage you cause if you're at-fault in an accident. Liability also pays for the treatment of injuries you cause other drivers and their passengers.

Personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments insurance pays for the treatment of your injuries and those of your passengers regardless of who was at fault. PIP can also cover lost wages, work-loss expenses and funeral costs.

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If you live in a state with a no-fault auto insurance system, PIP is required. No-fault allows you to be reimbursed for medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault in an accident. It also limits when people can sue for pain and injury from car accidents.

Medical payments insurance is optional coverage if you live in a state that doesn't require PIP. If you have a good health insurance plan, then you may not need medical payments coverage.

If you have PIP or medical payments and health insurance, your health plan will pay out after you've exceeded the medical coverage under the car insurance policy.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

If you, a family member or someone you've allowed to borrow your car is hit by an uninsured driver or are a victim of a hit-and-run accident, uninsured motorist coverage will reimburse you. Underinsured motorist kicks in if the driver at fault doesn't have enough auto insurance to pay for your total costs.

Uninsured property damage is a separate coverage available in some states that pays for repairs to your car if you're hit by an uninsured driver.

Some states require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage. Check with your insurance agent. If your state doesn't require this coverage, you might still think about carrying uninsured motorist coverage even if you have health insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage covers lost wages and pain and suffering--advantages you can't find in a health plan.