What If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, you can file a claim through your auto policy’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. The process of filing a UM claim is similar to filing a standard liability claim, except you file the claim with your insurance provider. Otherwise, the claims process will proceed similarly. If you purchased optional underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, you can claim money under that policy if the at-fault driver’s coverage is insufficient to cover your losses.

UM/UIM coverage is not mandatory in Texas, but it is highly recommended. Even though the law requires liability coverage, an estimated 12 percent of drivers in the Lone Star State don’t carry insurance. If you get into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver and don’t have UM/UIM coverage, it could severely limit your options for recovering financial compensation.