Getting hit by an uninsured driver is every motorist’s worst nightmare.
You’re doing everything right. You’re paying your premiums month after month. Then — CRASH — some policyless driver smashes into you. Now you’re saddled with medical expenses, repairs and a huge headache.
The good news?
You bought uninsured motorist coverage for times just like this. When you have the appropriate coverage, you can:
- File a strong car accident claim
- Cover your medical bills
- Get your vehicle repaired fast
Here’s everything you need to know to stay protected on the road…
What’s Inside:
- What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
- Why Every Driver Actually Needs It
- The Two Types Of UM Coverage Explained
- What It Covers After A Crash
- Common Mistakes Drivers Make
- How To File A Claim After Being Hit
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage, or UM coverage, refers to coverage on your auto policy that kicks in when the other driver is uninsured — or underinsured.
Pretty simple, right?
Consider it your safety net. If the other driver is unable to pay for the damage they caused, your policy will ensure the costs are covered. This can cover medical expenses, lost wages and (depending on your policy) property damage as well.
Uninsured motorist coverage is more important for Texas drivers than many realize. Texas drivers have one of the largest percentages of uninsured drivers in the United States. If you’re hit by a hit-and-run driver tomorrow, your ability to recover financial damages in a car accident claim often hinges on whether you had UM coverage on your insurance policy. An experienced Houston auto accident law firm can help ensure you recover every penny you’re owed — but you must have the coverage before the collision occurs.
You are completely on your own. Go ahead and try to get money from an uninsured driver out of pocket.
Why Every Driver Actually Needs It
The numbers don’t lie…
As recently as 2023, 15.4% of motorists nationwide were uninsured. That means more than one in seven drivers have NO ability to pay for the damage they cause if they wreck.
And here in the Lone Star State?
Wait, it’s worse than that. The state keeps stats and they say around 20% of Texas drivers have zero insurance. Translation: if you’re driving on a Houston freeway, 1 out of every 5 vehicles you pass could financially ruin you.
So why are so many drivers skipping coverage?
It boils down to money. Auto insurance rates have soared in recent years. Some drivers can’t afford to pay them, so they gamble and drive without insurance. Either way, the cost is shouldered by every insured driver.
That just leaves everyone else holding the bag. Unless you plan ahead with UM coverage.
The Two Types Of UM Coverage Explained
Most people don’t realise there are two parts to uninsured motorist coverage.
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI): Covers medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering if you or your passengers are injured by an uninsured driver.
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): Covers damage to your car and personal property if your vehicle is struck by an uninsured driver.
Some states bundle them. Some sell them separately.
Texas does provide it, and Texas auto insurers must provide you the option to carry — but drivers routinely decline coverage without realizing the potential consequences.
Big mistake.
What It Covers After A Crash
If you add UM coverage to your policy, it applies more times than you may realize.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what UM coverage typically pays for:
- Hospital and emergency room bills
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Lost wages from missed work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Vehicle repair costs (with UMPD)
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Accidents caused by underinsured drivers
That last point is huge.
Even motorists who carry only the minimum amount required by law frequently don’t have sufficient coverage to cover a major accident. Texas requires only $30,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person. What happens when you have $80,000 in medical expenses? You’ll be glad you bought UM coverage (aka underinsured motorist coverage).
That’s where so many car accident claim cases fail. The other driver “had insurance”… Just not enough.
Common Mistakes Drivers Make
Many drivers unknowingly make mistakes with uninsured motorist coverage. Avoid these common errors:
Mistake #1: Skipping coverage to save money. Sure, you save $10 a month. GREAT!….UNTIL some uninsured driver rams into you and you have $50,000 in medical bills.
Coverage Mistake #2: Not purchasing enough UM coverage. If you have liability limits of $100,000, you should also have UM limits of $100,000. Don’t skimp here.
Mistake #3: Failing to report the accident promptly. Insurance companies usually have a deadline by which you must notify them of an accident. If you miss that deadline your claim for car accident injuries may be denied.
Mistake #4: Speaking with the other driver’s insurance company before yours. This damages your case before you even file it.
Mistake #5: Avoiding medical treatment. Visit your doctor, even if you feel ok. Injuries can take days or weeks to manifest themselves after a crash. It’s important to have documentation to support your car accident claim.
How To File A Claim After Being Hit
So what should you actually do if an uninsured driver hits you?
Follow these steps:
- Call the police and file an official accident report
- Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and any visible injuries
- Get contact details from any witnesses
- Seek medical attention right away
- Notify your insurance company about the crash
- Contact a qualified accident attorney before talking to adjusters
Having the proper legal representation can mean the difference between a huge payout and pennies. Don’t expect the insurance company to cut you any breaks. They will fight aggressively to minimize your payout… even on your own UM claim.
Having someone in your corner is critical.
Bringing It All Together
You can’t waive uninsured motorist coverage. Not in 2026. Not anywhere — and certainly not in Texas.
To quickly recap:
- Texas has one of the highest uninsured driver rates in the country
- UM coverage protects you when others can’t (or won’t) pay
- The two types — UMBI and UMPD — cover injuries and property damage
- Skipping this coverage leaves you exposed to massive out-of-pocket costs
- Making a claim for a car accident is simple with UM coverage
Spend 10 minutes this afternoon reviewing your policy. Ensure your UM limits equal your liability limits.
If ever an uninsured driver hits you…You’ll be thankful you did. It can mean the difference between quick recovery and financial ruin. Literally just depends if you checked that little box.
