Do I need uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage in Texas?

1. Does my regular auto policy help?

Most auto policies sold in Texas include some coverage for uninsured and underinsured motorists, but it may not be enough, especially if you have an expensive vehicle or if you ever need long-term medical care. Insurance companies must offer uninsured motorist coverage when you buy auto insurance. If you don’t want it, you have to turn it down in writing.

2. Will my other insurance help?

If you’re in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your auto policy’s collision coverage pays for damage to your car. If you have a health plan, it should help cover your injuries. If an accident leaves you with long-term care needs or you aren’t able to work, your health plan probably won’t cover those costs.

3. Who needs uninsured motorist coverage?

Anyone who drives could need it. You never know when the person who hits you will have insurance or enough insurance to pay for your injuries and damage to your vehicle. Uninsured motorist coverage also pays if you’re in a hit-and-run accident and the other driver can’t be found to pay for damages.

4. How much coverage can I get?

You can usually add more uninsured and underinsured coverage in increments. A rule of thumb is to add at least enough property damage coverage to replace your vehicle. Ask your agent what coverage would work best for you.

There are two main types of uninsured motorist coverage:

• Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage (UMBI): This coverage pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering after an accident. It also covers those costs for any of your passengers at the time of an accident. This coverage usually comes in two limits: per person and per accident. As an example, limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident would be written as 25/50. Some states allow drivers to combine limits into a single amount.

• Uninsured motorist property damage coverage (UMPD): This coverage pays for repair costs to your car or other property after someone without insurance causes an accident. In some states, this coverage also pays for hit-and-run accident damages. You may have a deductible of up to $300 for this coverage.

How much does uninsured motorist coverage cost?

Compared to other types of coverage, uninsured motorist insurance can be cheap. The cost of uninsured motorist coverage usually fluctuates depending on the percentage of uninsured drivers in a state. On average, uninsured motorist coverage costs much less than standard liability coverage. In some states, it might add as little as $5 or $10 to your monthly premium.