What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Why Do You Need It?

Learn how uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you in Texas, Kansas, and Missouri—especially when the at-fault driver can’t pay for your injuries or damages.

🚘 Why This Coverage Matters More Than Ever
​Imagine getting into a serious accident—only to find out the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance or has too little to cover your medical bills and vehicle repairs.
It happens more often than you might think.

According to the Insurance Research Council, approximately 1 in 8 drivers in the U.S. is uninsured. In Missouri, that number is even higher at 16.4%, and in Kansas, about 10.9% of drivers go uninsured. Even in Texas, where stricter penalties apply, over 8% of drivers are not properly insured.

Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is your safety net in these situations.

🛡️ What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
These two types of coverage are designed to protect you when the at-fault driver can't pay:

• Uninsured Motorist (UM):
  Kicks in when you're hit by a driver who has no insurance.
• Underinsured Motorist (UIM):
  Applies when the at-fault driver's liability limits are too low to cover your expenses.

✅ What Does UM/UIM Typically Cover?

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral expenses
• Car repairs (if you have UM property damage coverage)

💰 How Much Coverage Should You Carry?
While minimum limits vary by state, most insurers allow you to match your bodily injury liability limits. Many drivers opt for:

• $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident for UM/UIM Bodily Injury
• $25,000 for UM Property Damage (where offered)

This ensures that your own protection is in line with what you’d be liable for if you caused the accident yourself.

💡 What If I Already Have Health Insurance?Health insurance might cover some of your medical costs, but:

• It won’t cover lost wages, pain and suffering, or vehicle repairs
• You may still face out-of-pocket deductibles or copays
• UM/UIM is often more cost-effective for accident-related coverage

⚠️ Without It, You Risk...

• Paying out of pocket for emergency room visits
• No compensation for time off work or long-term injuries
• Losing your car without funds for replacement if the other driver can’t pay

🧠 Tips from the Experts

• Review your auto policy to check if UM/UIM is included
• Never assume it’s standard—some carriers exclude it if declined at signing
• Ask your agent whether your limits align with your total financial exposure

🧾 Disclaimer:This article is for educational use only and does not provide legal or coverage advice. Insurance policy terms and state laws vary. Always consult a licensed insurance agent for coverage decisions tailored to your needs.