What's Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance Coverage? Here's the Short Answer -
The short answer is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist insurance is optional coverage that protects you and your loved ones when involved in a wreck with a driver who doesn’t have insurance, or who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage is also called UM Insurance
Uninsured motorist kicks in when injured by an uninsured and at-fault driver. Uninsured motorist also helps when you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run. Even though it's the law, 20% of all drivers in Texas don't have insurance. If you are in a wreck with an uninsured driver then you may only have your own policy to help cover the damages you suffer. This coverage is often the difference between having insurance to cover medical bills and repairs, or having to pay out of your own pocket (check out our article on What Happens If The Other Driver Doesn't Have Car Insurance to learn more about these situations).
Underinsured Motorist Coverage is also called UIM Insurance
Underinsured motorist comes into play when you are injured by an at-fault driver that doesn't have enough insurance to cover the damages. In Texas, drivers are required to have a minimum of $30,000 per person $60,000 per incident of coverage. If the at-fault driver has a minimum policy, Underinsured coverage on your policy will help provide for the your damages.
Why Have Unisured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage on Your Policy?
Often times, the at-fault driver’s policy is not enough to cover the damages – especially when dealing with serious injuries like an amputation, a broken bone, or traumatic brain injury.
I get why you might hold out on adding insurance. You’re a good driver and you never imagine getting in a wreck. But every day I see lives turned upside down by drivers who drive while impaired, distracted, or while making reckless choices. Insurance coverage is important because your safety is not just dependent on your driving skills – it is dependent on the driving skills of others. Adding insurance coverage may cost you a bit extra (the price will depend on a number of factors), but if you are in a serious wreck with an underinsured or uninsured driver, that extra money can cover the equivalent of hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical treatment.
Unsure About Uninsured and Underinsured Insurance?
The Button Law Firm Can Help!
Because it’s optional, insurance agents may not mention UM/UIM coverage when you get your policy. Be your own best advocate and call up your auto insurance company to let them know you'd like to add UM/UIM coverage.
We know how complex insurance is. That’s why we offer free policy reviews. Contact us to get a free policy review and get on the road to knowing you and your loved ones are covered.
