Texas has one of the higher uninsured-driver rates in the country, and many insured drivers carry only the state minimum of 30,000 dollars per person. Those minimums rarely cover a serious injury. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your own auto policy fills that gap.
Why UM/UIM Matters So Much in Texas
Insurers must offer UM/UIM coverage in Texas, and you can only reject it in writing. Many drivers do not realize they have it.
How These Claims Work
A UM claim applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance or flees the scene. A UIM claim applies when the at-fault driver's coverage is too small to cover your losses; your own insurer pays the difference up to your policy limit.
Texas UIM claims have a quirk: you generally must establish the other driver's fault and the inadequacy of their coverage, and your insurer can become an adversary even though it is your own company.
Don't Settle Before Checking Your Own Policy
Accepting the at-fault driver's limits without protecting your UIM rights can cost you dearly. A free policy review can identify every layer of coverage available to you.
Have questions about your own situation? Get a free, confidential case review. You pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Texas attorney.