Importance of Having UM/UIM coverage
Auto insurance is a requirement for every driver in Texas. Each state is different, but in Texas, you are required to have 30/60/25 coverage. This means you need to have a minimum of $30,000 of coverage per person for injuries sustained in an accident, up to $60,000 per accident, as well as $25,000 in coverage for property damage.
While this is state law, not every driver meets these requirements. Many drivers are behind the wheel without any insurance at all. This is likely due to the cost. For full coverage, you can expect to pay, on average, more than $1,800 a year for one vehicle. This is a huge expense for many families.
This means that they drive uninsured, so if they are involved in a car accident, you are pretty much on the hook for any damages. You can try to sue them, but chances are, if they can’t afford insurance, then they likely don’t have any money or assets you could take from them in a lawsuit.
So what can you do? Talk to your insurance agent about adding uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to your policy. This insurance protects you in the event of an accident caused by an uninsured motorist. If you finally purchase your dream car and you get hit by someone the next day, you’re not out all the money you just spent on your new vehicle. Your insurance company will cover you so you don’t have to rely on the other party.
UM/UIM coverage is beneficial in many ways. It gives you extra protection for a small cost. It costs about 5% of your insurance premium. This would depend on how much insurance coverage you want. For more expensive vehicles, expect to pay more. So if you’re the average Texan and pay $1,800 a year for insurance, UM/UIM UM/UIM would add on an extra $90 per year. That’s a small amount of money to pay for extra peace of mind, considering that nearly 30 million Americans drive without adequate insurance.
UM/UIM coverage is also helpful in the event of a hit and run accident. Can’t find the driver who hit you? No worries. If you have the right coverage, your auto insurer will compensate you for the damages. This coverage can also protect you when you’re not driving. It follows you wherever you go, so if you’re riding in a friend’s vehicle or hit by an uninsured driver while walking down the street, you’ll still be able to get your damages paid for. Purchasing UM/UIM coverage is a responsible way to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Do you have uninsured motorist coverage? If not, it’s something you should consider now—before a serious accident totals your car and leaves you on the hook for financial damages.
If you have been involved in a car crash, the Houston auto accident lawyers at The West Law Office, PLLC can ensure you receive all the compensation you deserve. Schedule a consultation today. Call 281-347-3247 or fill out the online form.
Resources:
insurance.com/auto-insurance/coverage/uninsured-underinsured-motorist-coverage.html
tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb020.html
