He Came Out of Nowhere.
Picture this: you’re driving down the highway with your family one evening. The kids are giggling in the back, your wife sits in the passenger seat, seemingly care-free and in the moment. Like a flash of light, a reckless driver going 100 MPH side swipes your car and you begin spinning out of control. The car comes to a screeching halt, and you are immediately consumed with worry for your family’s well-being. The impact was so hard, your wife hit her head on the window and your kids are screaming and crying from sheer terror. When you look around for the car that hit you, it’s gone. The driver sped off without taking any accountability for their actions. There is little to no chance the police will ever find this driver and serve justice. What do you do in this situation? This is when Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage can save you and your family from unnecessary stress and financial debt.
Protect You and Your Family from Unexpected Tragedy.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage, or UIM, is available at your discretion with a wide range of coverage options. This part of your policy is optional, but it may be the most beneficial coverage you can pay for. UIM goes into effect when the at-fault driver does not have insurance, commits a hit-and-run, or if their insurance coverage is not adequate to pay your bills.
Accidents can cause a significant amount of medical expenses including, but not limited to hospitalizations, chiropractic care, radiographic imaging, and pain management. Additionally, the cost of lost wages, future medical care, and emotional stress can significantly impact both your wallet and day-to-day activities. Without adequate coverage, you may be liable for thousands of dollars of medical expenses, but with proper UIM coverage in place, you can ensure that you’re not left financially struggling due to the actions of a negligent driver.
Adding UIM to Your Policy.
Not sure if you have UIM coverage? Call your insurance agent today and ask them to send you a copy of your declarations page if you do not have one already. A declarations page will show your full policy limits and what specific coverages you have. If UIM is denied on your policy, communicate with your insurance agent that you would like to add UIM. Your insurance agent can go over all coverage options to choose from. We recommend reviewing your policy periodically to ensure it remains sufficient as your circumstances change.
Use It When You Need It.
You may be asking yourself, “Will using UIM raise my insurance premium?” In essence, possibly. Most insurance companies do not raise premiums when a claim is filed for a no-fault auto accident. They may, however, raise your rate if you were found partially at fault and, unfortunately, Texas does not have any protections in place to keep Insurance Companies from raising premiums when a claim is filed. If they do raise your rate, you can either negotiate for a better premium or begin the search for a new insurance company. Do not let this scare you away from using UIM. You pay monthly premiums for extensive coverage, use it when you need it!
The Bottom Line.
According to the Insurance Research Council, it is estimated that about one in seven drivers are uninsured. In fact, the rates of Uninsured Motorists have steadily increased from 11% in 2019 to 14% in 2022. This increase in Uninsured Motorists is enough to show how critical it is to be protected at all costs. UIM coverage is a critical component of a comprehensive auto insurance policy, offering valuable protection in tough situations. UIM can safeguard you and your family from unexpected financial burdens caused by auto accidents. If you are a victim in a no-fault accident, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office. We can help ease the burden of stress caused by reckless drivers and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Toni Marie Chavez, Paralegal
West& West, LLP
