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What
is UM and Why Do I Need this Insurance?
Texas law requires that all drivers have at least $20,000
in automobile liability insurance coverage. But, what happens
if your personal injuries and medical bills are more than
the offending driver’s $20,000 policy? Unless the person
causing the wreck has significant personal assets, you will
not be able to recover the full extent of your damages. This
loss can be devastating to you and your family. That is why
UM Coverage is so important. In fact it may be the most important
insurance coverage you can buy.
 Essentially,
Uninsured /Underinsured Motorist Coverage (“UM Coverage”)
provides compensation to you, (your family members and anyone
occupying your vehicle) if you are injured by a careless driver
who has no insurance, or not enough insurance to cover your
loss. UM coverage allows you to collect any additional compensation
from your own insurance company, up to the limits of your
UM coverage. Unless you have UM coverage, you may not be able
to collect for your personal injuries, medical bills, wage
loss and other damages, if the other driver did not have enough
automobile liability insurance.
If you already have automobile liability coverage, then you
automatically have UM coverage up to the limits of your liability
limits, unless you sign a document called an UM Waiver Form.
The UM Waiver Form allows you to waive UM coverage, or select
UM coverage at limits lower than your liability limits. We
strongly suggest that you do not waive UM coverage and purchase
the highest limits available in order to protect you and your
family. We have seen families financially ruined when the
“major bread winner is injured by an uninsured or underinsured
driver. DON'T LET IT HAPPEN TO YOU!!!
Finally, do not rely on an insurance agent’s representation
that you have “full coverage.” Full coverage does
not necessarily mean you have UM coverage. We encourage you
to pull out your insurance policy and check to see that you
have adequate uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If
you do not have UM coverage, then contact your agent, pay
the additional premium and “protect yourself first!
If you have a question concerning UM coverage, or need additional
information, feel free to contact our Dallas law offices.
We will be happy to answer your question without charge. Drive
safe, and be smart.
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