Q. A client called recently who had been involved in a hit-and-run car crash. The identity of the driver who was at fault was never discovered. The client asked whether there was any recovery he could make under his own policy for his injuries.

 A. In most instances, a person who purchases automobile insurance in Iowa has uninsured motorist coverage. The purpose of this coverage is to provide compensation for injuries caused by an uninsured driver. In essence, a person who is hit by an uninsured driver can make a claim against their own automobile insurance for the injuries they suffered. The injured person's own insurance company then is obligated to pay the damages just as if that insurance company had insured the uninsured driver. The amount of coverage available under uninsured motorist insurance depends on the amount purchased.