If you've been injured in a car accident, you may be wondering how you're going to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the other driver was at fault, their insurance company should be able to help, since Texas is considered a “fault” state. But what if the other driver doesn't have insurance? Or what if their insurance doesn't cover all your losses?
This is where uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) insurance coverage comes in. These types of insurance can help you pay for your losses if you're injured in a car accident by a driver who doesn’t have enough—or any—coverage.
What Are UM and UIM Insurance?
UM and UIM insurance are two types of optional coverage that you can add to your auto insurance policy. UM insurance covers you if you're injured in a car accident by a driver who doesn't have any insurance. UIM insurance covers you if you're injured in a car accident by a driver who has insurance, but it’s not enough to cover all your losses.
How Much UM and UIM Insurance Should I Buy?
The amount of UM and UIM insurance you should buy depends on your individual needs and financial situation. However, it's a good idea to buy enough coverage to protect you from financial ruin if you're injured in a car accident.
Why Are UM and UIM Insurance Important?
UM and UIM insurance are important because the coverage can help you pay for your losses if you're hurt in a car accident by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Without UM and UIM insurance, you could be responsible for paying for your own medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering—even if you weren’t at fault for the wreck.
How Much Do UM and UIM Insurance Cost?
The cost of UM and UIM insurance varies depending on your insurance company, your driving record, and your state of residence. Thankfully, it’s typically affordable. In fact, it may only cost you a few dollars a month to add this coverage to your auto insurance policy.
How to File a UM or UIM Insurance Claim
If you're injured in a car accident by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you'll need to file a UM or UIM claim. To do this, you'll need to contact your insurance company and provide them with the following information:
- The date, time, and location of the accident;
- The names and contact information of the other drivers involved in the accident;
- The police report number;
- Your medical records; and
- Any other documentation that supports your claim.
Your insurance company will then investigate your claim and determine whether you're entitled to benefits. If your claim is approved, your insurance company will pay for your losses up to the limits of your coverage.
Discuss Your Claim with a Car Accident Attorney in Houston
If you were hurt in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, turn to Chelsie King Garza, P.C. for help navigating the subsequent claims process. For more than 18 years, Chelsie has been helping injured parties put their lives back together. Call 713-893-8808 or fill out her Contact Form to schedule a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Houston.
