Navigating the roads in San Antonio, TX or the busy streets of Laredo, TX requires more than just a reliable vehicle; it requires the right auto insurance to protect your financial future. While Texas law requires all drivers to carry basic liability coverage, a significant number of motorists remain uninsured or carry policies that don’t fully cover the costs of a serious accident.
This is where Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage become essential components of your car insurance policy.
What is UM/UIM Coverage in Auto Insurance?
In Texas, UM/UIM coverage covers the bodily injury to you and your passengers if you are involved in an accident where the other driver is at-fault, is uninsured or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your damages.
- Uninsured Motorist (UM): Covers you if the other driver is at-fault and has no insurance at all or if you are the victim of a hit-and-run.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM): Steps in when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover your medical bills or vehicle repairs.
Why Drivers in San Antonio and Laredo Need UM/UIM on the Auto Insurance
Texas consistently ranks high for the number of uninsured drivers. Whether you are commuting on I-35 in San Antonio or navigating the international trade hubs in Laredo, the risk of encountering an uninsured driver is a statistical reality.
Without this coverage, you could be left paying out-of-pocket for medical expenses and the cost to repair your vehicle.
How Much Coverage Do You Need?
By default, Texas insurers must offer you UM/UIM coverage beginning at the minimum liability limit up to the policy liability limits. While you can opt-out in writing, doing so leaves a massive gap in your protection. When shopping for car insurance, consider how you would pay for medical expenses if you were a victim of an accident involving an uninsured driver to determine the right coverages for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What will be the new minimum car insurance requirements in Texas House Bill (HB 4178) for 2026?
If Texas HB 4178 passes and is signed into law, the new minimum liability limits will increase to $50/100/40. This means you must carry at least $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and $40,000 for property damage. If your policy currently meets the minimum liability limits of $30/60/25, then once the bill becomes law, your liability limits will be raised to comply with the new minimum requirements. Typically, this adjustment will occur when your policy renews after the law is implemented.
2. Is UM/UIM coverage required by law in Laredo or San Antonio?
While auto insurance companies in Texas are legally required to offer you Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage, you are not required to keep it. However, you must reject it in writing. Given that roughly 1 in 7 drivers in Texas are uninsured, our agents strongly recommend keeping this protection for commutes in high-traffic areas like San Antonio and Laredo.
3. Does Uninsured Motorist cover in the event of a hit-and-run accident?
Yes. In Texas, UM coverage applies to hit-and-run incidents, provided there was actual physical contact between the vehicles and your vehicle was legally parked or driving lawfully. It is crucial to file a police report immediately in these cases to verify the claim with your insurance provider.
4. Can I use my UIM coverage if the other driver has insurance?
Yes, that is the “Underinsured” part of the policy. If you are in a major accident in San Antonio, TX, and the at-fault driver only has the current state minimum, their $30,000 limit may not cover a lengthy hospital stay. Your UIM coverage kicks in to pay the difference up to your own UIM policy limits. In certain circumstances, UM/UIM will not kick in, for example in accidents where there are no witnesses. In this case, since liability is undetermined, UM/UIM will not kick in. This is why some experts recommend installing a dashcam in their vehicles to record daily driving. A dashcam video may help determine liability, and thus help an insurance adjuster determine fault. Make sure to check with local or state law enforcement to confirm if your dashcam does not violate any laws.
5. What can I do to help me get the best price for auto insurance?
When shopping for car insurance, be sure to include a local independent insurance agent, such as AlphaSure Affordable Insurance Services, to help you in finding an affordable policy. You can also go online to the agency’s website and start a quote.