Most auto policies sold in Texas already include some uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Insurers must offer it to you when you buy car insurance, and if you don’t want it, you have to turn it down in writing.
If you’re in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your auto policy’s collision coverage will pay for damage to your car. If you have major medical health coverage, it should pay for your treatment if you’re injured. If an accident leaves you with long-term care needs or limits your ability to work, your health policy probably won’t cover those costs.
Uninsured and underinsured coverage picks up some of the costs after that. You might consider adding more coverage if you have an expensive vehicle or want to be covered if you ever need long-term medical care. One way to think of it is that you are buying an extra insurance policy to cover the driver who caused the accident – in case he or she doesn’t have enough insurance.
Injury, property damage, or both. Bodily injury coverage helps with medical bills, and property damage coverage pays for damage to your vehicle or other possessions. In some cases, bodily injury coverage might also help replace lost wages or cover pain and suffering.
You can usually add more uninsured and underinsured coverage in $5,000 increments. An insurer might sell additional bodily injury and property damage coverage separately, or as a combination. Consumers often add at least enough property damage coverage to replace their vehicles. Check with your agent to see what coverages would work best for you.
