Everything Texans Need to Know About Car Insurance Requirements in Texas
It can be tempting for motorists to buy only the minimum car insurance requirements in Texas.
We understand it seems like a great way to save costs!
However, we’re here to help you understand the intricacies of the insurance world and why you should consider taking on UM insurance, UIM coverage, and PIP insurance to round out your policy.
The Different Types of Car Insurance You Need to Know About
The more basic plans often exclude essential types of car insurance such as uninsured motorist (UM) insurance, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. Lacking additional coverage can expose you to major financial and physical hardships in the event of an accident.
UNINSURED MOTORIST (UM) COVERAGE
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM insurance coverage) is an additional policy that protects people involved in accidents with drivers who do not have any insurance. This helps to cover the costs of injuries and damages from the accident, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
While UM insurance coverage is not legally required in Texas, the state DOES require this type of coverage to be offered by insurance companies. If you have UM insurance, you can even submit a claim if the other driver flees the scene of the accident. You can’t beat that kind of protection.
UNDER-INSURED MOTORIST (UIM) COVERAGE
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is designed to help recover damages when you’re involved in an accident with a driver whose liability insurance limits are too low to cover the costs you’ve incurred from the accident.
UIM coverage helps you bridge the gap between what is covered by the at-fault driver’s policy and the full costs from the accident, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Suppose you want to submit a UIM claim. In that case, you must prove the at-fault driver was underinsured by gathering evidence, documenting the damages, comparing insurance policies, and assessing the damages in relation to their coverage limits.
PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION (PIP) INSURANCE COVERAGE
PIP insurance coverage is an additional policy that covers your physical health in the case of an accident. This allows you to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Funeral expenses in the devastating event of a fatal accident
- Essential services such as household or childcare
- Passenger coverage
This type of comprehensive coverage is often called “no-fault” coverage because it tends to pay out claims regardless of who is considered at fault in the accident. It is vital to note that PIP insurance is subject to specific limits set by the state and your policy.
What are the Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Texas, and Do I Need UM, UIM, and PIP Insurance?
The minimum car insurance requirements in Texas are often referred to as “30/60/25” coverage.
That means drivers must carry a minimum of the following liability coverage limits:
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $60,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability coverage
While these are the minimum state-mandated liability coverage limits set by Texas law, we highly recommend considering higher coverage limits to better protect yourself and your family in the event of an accident.
Skipping the additional UM insurance, UIM coverage, and PIP insurance can save you a few bucks per month, but it can cost you big time in the long run. Liability insurance only covers those involved in an accident you caused, not your own injuries or property damage. Having the right coverage can make a major difference in the financial burden you take on after a car accident.
A study by the Federal Highway Administration shows that Texas has the second-highest number of licensed drivers in the US and over 2.6 million vehicles on its roads that don’t have matching insurance policies. That equates to about one in 10 cars on Texas roadways that are underinsured or uninsured altogether.
The more coverage you have, the more protected you are in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured at-fault driver. The last thing you want is to have to pay out of pocket for astronomical medical bills or property damages at the hands of another driver.
Partner with the Amazing Car Accident Lawyers at Angel Reyes & Associates for Your UM, UIM, or PIP Insurance Claims
Even with all of these coverage options available to you, accidents will still happen.
When they do, it is your best bet to hire a dedicated car accident attorney who has your interests in mind as they fight on your behalf to get the compensation you deserve.
A compassionate Dallas car accident lawyer from Angel Reyes & Associates will be your biggest advocate when you’ve fallen victim to a car accident in Texas. They will work tirelessly to help you clarify your insurance policy details, decipher complex insurance terminology, file claims, deal with insurance adjusters, represent your interests, gather evidence, and build a strong case to help maximize your payout.
When you have UM insurance, UIM coverage, and PIP insurance, you are essentially protecting yourself against the unknown. Together with your dedicated personal injury lawyer, you may be able to recover full damages for medical bills, lost wages, and more when you are involved in a vehicular accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
In the case that your insurance company tries to underpay you, your car accident lawyer will fight for your rights. Research shows that if you hire a skilled attorney to help win your case, you are likely to receive 3.5x more than you would if you tried to represent yourself. The compassionate team at Angel Reyes & Associates is fully committed to helping you navigate these challenges with skill and empathy.
With over 30 years of experience handling auto accident cases in the Lonestar State, we have the ability and the passion to help you through any challenge you face. Our impressive case results speak for themselves—so give yourself the gift of peace of mind by scheduling a free consultation with one of our exceptional car accident attorneys.
Contact us today or stop by one of our offices in Dallas, Fort-Worth, Houston or Austin so we can discuss your case face-to-face. You’re in good hands with Angel Reyes & Associates.
