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What is UIM and UM Insurance?

Despite the fact that Texas law requires every motorist to carry some type of auto insurance, the reality is that thousands of drivers on Texas roads are not insured at all. Oftentimes, motorists who are insured only carry the bare minimum coverage required by law which is currently only $30,000.00 for liability. As a result, victims of motor vehicle accidents may have to use their own insurance to seek compsensation for medical bills, lost wages, lost of earning capacity, and other consequential damages. This is why it is imperative for Texas drivers to protect themselves and their families by considering the purchase of underinsured motorist (UIM) and uninsured motorist (UM) coverage with their auto insurance policy.

The purpose of the UM/UIM coverage is to protect insureds in the event that an at-fault driver who causes their injuries and damages does not have any or enough liability insurance to pay for their losses. Usually, UIM and UM coverage only costs a few extra dollars a month and gives the victims of auto accidents and their attorneys the ability to pursue compensation when the other driver has little or no insurance. Currently, Texas state law requires minimum bodily liability limits of $30,000 per injured person up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and property damage liability coverage with a minimum limit of $30,000. Insurance companies often list this as 30/60/30 coverage.

Although the minimum liability policy limits are intended to be adequate compensation, considering the cost of ambulance transportation, emergency room care and any possible further medical expenses, drivers without UM/UIM are sometimes left upside down in medical bills and other damages as a result of being a victim of a vehicular wreck.

The Texas Insurance code requires a minimum of $30,000 in UM/UIM coverage to be offered in every automobile liability policy issued in the State of Texas. The minimum amount is set forth in the Texas Motors Safety Responsibility Act which specifies that UM/UIM coverage will be provided as a matter of law unless the named insured expressly rejects the coverage in writing. The Amaro Law Firm seriously encourages any Texas motorist to consider the full implications of their decision before rejecting UM/UIM coverage. If you should have any questions or concerns abour your UM or UIM policy or coverage, please do not hesitate go contact our team of experienced lawyers.