What Every Texan Should Know About Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Before you set out on Texas’ open roads, you may have to consider the possibility of getting into a collision with an uninsured driver. About 14% of Texas drivers are behind the wheel without any type of coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you from the unthinkable: being financially vulnerable in the event of a crash. 

With uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, your policy pays for your injuries in the event that a motorist leaves an accident scene without exchanging information, doesn’t have the financial means to pay for your medical bills or other losses, or has inadequate coverage to pay for your injuries. Working with a car accident lawyer at The Law Firm of Chaile Allen can help you understand your policy and how to pursue the full extent of the compensation you deserve.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage? 

Uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance coverage is additional coverage you can include in your personal auto insurance plan. It’s designed to be your safety net if you ever get into an accident where the other driver either doesn’t have liability insurance or doesn’t have enough of it to take care of your losses. For drivers in Texas, there are two types of safety nets you can opt for:

• UM/UIM Bodily Injury (BI) Coverage: This kicks in to cover medical bills for you or anyone else in your vehicle if injured.
• UM/UIM Property Damage (PD) Coverage: This helps pay for repairs or replacement of your stuff, like your car, with a deductible of $250.

UIM coverage steps in to cover both injury and property damage, offering a layer of security for those worrying about accidents where the other driver either lacks adequate insurance or has none at all. It’s a practical approach to ensure you’re covered in situations where you might be hit by someone who’s skirting the state’s requirement for liability insurance. 

How Much Does This Insurance Cover? 

In Texas, this minimum liability coverage breaks down as follows:

• $30,000 for injuries per individual
• A total of $60,000 for injuries per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

UIM is designed to fill in the gaps if you’re hit by someone whose insurance doesn’t cover all the damages. Initially, the insurance of the driver at fault will pay out up to its limit. If your damages go beyond that, you can then turn to your own insurance to claim against your UIM policy.

Why Uninsured Motorist Coverage is Necessary for Texas Drivers 

You don’t need a major accident to quickly go beyond the basic coverage limits set by the state. Whether it’s fixing your car or covering medical expenses, hitting that $30,000 threshold can happen faster than you think. Just stepping into an emergency room can set you back thousands, even before any specific treatments or tests. Add to that the potential need for surgery or ongoing medical care, plus the damage to your vehicle, and the costs can skyrocket.

Now, imagine a scenario where several drivers are caught up in an accident caused by one person. The responsible driver’s insurance isn’t going to offer more money just because more people were involved; it simply means that the available insurance money has to be divided among all affected parties. Once the liable driver’s insurance maxes out, that’s your cue to turn to your UIM coverage for help.

Choosing to add UIM coverage to your policy is entirely up to you, including how much coverage you want. This decision is usually made when you’re discussing your policy details with your insurance provider, often every six months. While UIM isn’t mandatory and doesn’t have a set minimum, a good practice is to secure as much coverage as you realistically can afford.

Speak With the Car Accident Lawyer at The Law Firm of Chaile Allen 

Navigating the roads of Texas comes with its own set of risks, so understanding the intricacies of uninsured motorist coverage is crucial for every Texan driver, as it offers a layer of protection that no one should overlook. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to make a claim, having an experienced lawyer by your side at The Law Firm of Chaile Allen can make all the difference. As a small, local firm, we can guide you through the claims process, ensuring you maximize your compensation and obtain a favorable resolution. 

Call us for a free consultation at (325) 670-9282 or by filling out our contact form today.