A crash is harder to resolve when the driver who caused it has no insurance or not enough insurance. Texas auto buyers are offered uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for that situation, but the coverage is often misunderstood as a replacement for every part of an auto policy.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can help pay for covered losses caused by an at-fault driver who has no insurance or insufficient limits. TDI also identifies hit-and-run crashes as a situation where this coverage may help [1]. The exact benefits, exclusions, limits, and claim requirements come from the policy.
What the coverage is designed to address
The coverage is connected to the other driver’s responsibility for the crash. It is different from collision coverage, which protects your vehicle for a covered collision subject to its own terms and deductible. It is also different from medical payments or personal injury protection, which may address injuries under their own provisions.
Ask how the policy handles vehicle damage, bodily injury, medical bills, lost income, rental transportation, and hit-and-run claims. One coverage may address a loss another does not. The distinction becomes important when a claim includes both vehicle damage and injuries.
Texas offer and rejection rules
Insurance companies must offer uninsured motorist coverage when you buy auto insurance in Texas [1]. If you reject it, or choose limits different from the policy’s other liability limits, keep the signed documents and ask the agent to explain what was rejected and what remains available.
Do not treat a signed rejection as proof that you do not need the coverage. Treat it as a decision about which crash costs you are willing to carry yourself.
Questions to ask before a claim
Ask what limits apply, whether a deductible applies, how the carrier defines an uninsured vehicle, what evidence is needed after a hit-and-run, and whether the coverage follows you in another vehicle. Also ask how it coordinates with health coverage, medical payments, collision, and the other driver’s policy.
If a crash happens, document the scene, exchange information, report the incident promptly, and preserve medical and repair records. Do not sign a release or settle an injury claim before confirming your carrier’s requirements and, when appropriate, getting legal advice. Do not make a settlement decision before understanding which parts of your own policy may respond.
Ashford note: Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage varies by policy, limits, exclusions, and claim facts. This article is educational and does not determine coverage. Ashford can review the coverage selections on your Texas auto policy.