You have important choices to make when you purchase auto insurance. Certain amounts of basic insurance are required for all residents driving in Texas. However, other policies are optional.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage is Optional
Yet, it's also vital.When you purchase car insurance in Texas, your insurance company is required to offer you uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. If you wish to reject this policy, you must do so in writing.
While it may be tempting to reject this coverage so you can lower your premiums, you may be putting yourself at significant risk. A lack of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage could you leave you financially vulnerable.
What Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance Covers
An uninsured or underinsured motorist policy pays for your injuries if you're hurt by someone who:
- Leaves the scene of the wreck and cannot be found or identified later.
- Doesn't have insurance or the financial means to pay for your injuries.
- Has insurance but doesn't have enough coverage to pay for your injuries.
You never know when one of these situations will arise. The insurance coverage in place at the time of your crash is what applies to your recovery. Once you're hurt in a collision, you can’t go back and purchase additional insurance to compensate for what already happened. Therefore, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is important to consider every time you purchase or renew your car insurance policy.
How Uninsured or Underinsured Insurance Claims Work
A personal injury claim under an uninsured or underinsured motorist policy is similar to a personal injury claim made directly against the other driver. Both claims are often pursued simultaneously.
The car accident attorneys at Samples Ames PLLC can work with you to maximize recovery under your policy, and avoid the many pitfalls that allow an insurance carrier to pay you less than you're entitled to receive. Please contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation and to learn more about your rights and potential recovery.
