Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Texas: What You Should Know About Your Auto Insurance

Did you know that almost a quarter of all Texans on the road are uninsured or under insured? What does that mean for you? Probably not anything good and unless you carry the appropriate coverage on your Texas Car Insurance policy, it could end up costing you your hard earned money. So what do you need to know to protect yourself?

Uninsured Versus Underinsured Motorist

First of all, an “uninsured motorist” can be defined as a couple of different things. Someone driving a vehicle that's not covered by any insurance is considered an uninsured motorist. Also, the driver of a “hit and run” accident or someone whose insurance company denies coverage is also considered an uninsured motorist. An under insured motorist is someone who actually has liability insurance, but not enough to cover the expenses caused by an accident. National statistics cite that you have about a 14 percent chance of being hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist. But in Texas- 9th in overall numbers of uninsured motorists- the odds are a bit higher.

Liability Insurance: Required Coverage On All Texas Drivers

As most of us know, Texas has mandatory liability insurance laws. It's liability coverage that pays for damages if you cause an accident. That means costs to repair the other vehicle and any medical bills that occur as a result. Texas law holds you responsible for these costs and if you're not insured, you can be sued. Unfortunately, if you did not cause the accident, and the driver who did is not carrying liability insurance, expenses to cover your medical and or vehicle damage typically come out of your pocket.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Since 1977, every car insurance company doing business in Texas must offer uninsured (UM)and under insured (UIM) motorist protection. And while it's not required, it just makes good sense. Typically, UM and UIM coverage pays for damages to your vehicle, medical bills, lost wages, even pain and suffering. UIM coverage will pay damages to you or your passengers that exceed the limits of the insurance coverage limits of the driver at fault.

Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage gives you peace of mind that in the event someone hits your vehicle, you and your loved ones are protected. After all, you can practice safe driving and you can avoid hitting another vehicle- but you cannot prevent another driver from hitting you- and there's a very good chance, they're not insured.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Texas: What You Should Know About Your Auto Insurance

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