Who Is Considered an Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist? 

If you are involved in a crash with a driver who has no auto insurance or low limits, you may be responsible for much of the cost. Liberty Auto Insurance can help Texas drivers find coverage that can address this risk.

Defining Underinsured and Uninsured Motorists

An uninsured motorist is someone who drives without auto liability insurance, despite the law requiring it. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you may pay out of pocket for losses. An underinsured motorist, on the other hand, is a driver whose liability policy limits may not be high enough to pay all injury or damage costs after a crash.

Why This Matters for Drivers

Collisions with uninsured or underinsured drivers may result in bills your standard policy does not fully cover. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may help with:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages if you cannot work
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs

Policy details can vary, so talk to your broker to learn more.

How Much UM/UIM Coverage Should Texas Drivers Consider?

Texas drivers may carry only the minimum liability limits required by law, leaving gaps after a serious crash. When you review uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, consider the following:

• Usual driving routes: If you often drive on busy highways or in heavy traffic, the chance of a serious crash may be higher.
• Vehicle value: If your car is costly to repair or replace, higher limits can address more of the damage.
• Household income and expenses: Lost wages and medical bills may strain your budget if an uninsured or underinsured driver causes a crash.
• Existing health coverage: Health insurance may not address all accident-related costs, such as deductibles, copays or certain treatments.

Get Started Today

Contact Liberty Auto Insurance to review your current coverage and request a free custom quote.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.