You do everything right. You carry insurance, you drive carefully, and then someone runs a red light and hits you. Now imagine that driver has no insurance at all, or only the bare minimum. Who pays for your medical bills and your car? According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, an estimated 11.87% of Texas drivers were uninsured as of September 2025. That is roughly 1 in 8 drivers on the road. That is where uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, often called UM/UIM, comes in. Here are five things every Texas driver should know.
1. Uninsured and Underinsured Are Two Different Problems
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage helps when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. It can also help in many hit-and-run accidents where the other driver is never found. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage helps when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your damages. In Texas, these coverages are offered together as UM/UIM.
2. Texas Minimum Limits Do Not Go Very Far
Texas only requires drivers to carry liability limits of 30/60/25:
- $30,000 for injuries to one person
- $60,000 for all injuries in one accident
- $25,000 for property damage
With today’s medical costs and vehicle prices, a single trip to the hospital or a newer truck being totaled can blow past those limits fast. If the driver who hits you only carries the minimum, you could be left with the rest of the bill. Underinsured motorist coverage helps fill that gap.
3. It Protects You, Your Family, and Your Car
UM/UIM coverage can help pay for:
- Medical bills and lost wages for you, family members on your policy, and passengers in your car.
- Pain and suffering and other damages you could have claimed from the at-fault driver.
- Damage to your vehicle through uninsured motorist property damage coverage. If you do not carry collision coverage, this can be especially important.
4. You May Have Turned It Down Without Realizing It
Texas insurance companies are required to offer UM/UIM coverage, and you only go without it if you reject it in writing. The same is true for Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which helps pay medical bills and lost wages no matter who caused the accident. The problem is that a rejection form is easy to sign without a second thought when you are trying to lower your premium. Check your declarations page. If you do not see UM/UIM or PIP listed, you may have rejected them at some point.
5. Choose Limits That Actually Protect You
A common rule of thumb is to match your UM/UIM limits to your own liability limits. If you carry enough coverage to protect other drivers, it makes sense to carry the same protection for yourself and your family. UM/UIM is often one of the more affordable parts of an auto policy, and it can make a big difference after a serious accident.
Need a Texas Auto Insurance Quote?
Not sure if you have UM/UIM or PIP on your policy, or whether your limits are enough? TWFG Harrell Insurance can review your current auto policy with you and explain exactly what you have. As an independent agency, we shop multiple carriers to find the right coverage at a competitive price, whether you are adding a new driver, buying a new vehicle, or just tired of rate increases. We are a local Midlothian agency serving families and businesses across the DFW area and the Lone Star State.
Request your free auto insurance quote today. Call us at 817-839-2848 or visit twfgharrellinsurance.com. We would be glad to make sure you and your family are protected on the road.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not modify or replace the terms of any insurance policy. Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.