In most cases, yes. Texas uninsured motorist coverage actually comes in two parts, bodily injury and property damage, and carrying both gives you protection whether the other driver has no insurance at all, or not enough to cover what happened.
Why Texas has two separate uninsured motorist coverages
Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage helps pay for your medical costs and other injury-related losses if an at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your injuries. Uninsured motorist property damage coverage is a separate piece that helps pay for damage to your vehicle in that same situation. They’re priced and elected separately on most policies, which is why a lot of drivers end up with one but not the other without realizing it.
How common is driving without insurance in Texas
Texas has a real number of uninsured drivers on the road, and even insured drivers are sometimes underinsured relative to the cost of a serious accident. Your own liability coverage pays for the other driver’s damages if you’re at fault, but it doesn’t help you at all if the other driver is the one at fault and can’t pay.
What happens if you only carry one type
If you only carry uninsured motorist bodily injury and skip the property damage piece, a hit from an uninsured driver could leave you paying for your own vehicle repairs out of pocket, or relying on your collision coverage and deductible instead. Carrying both pieces closes that gap so you’re not choosing which kind of loss you’re protected against.
Where this fits into your overall policy
Uninsured motorist coverage works alongside your liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, it doesn’t replace them. Reviewing your full policy with your agent is the best way to see whether you’re carrying both pieces of uninsured motorist coverage and whether your limits actually match your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Texas?
It’s not required the way liability coverage is, but it’s commonly offered on most policies and many drivers choose to carry it given how often uninsured and underinsured drivers are involved in Texas accidents.
What’s the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. Underinsured motorist coverage applies when they have some insurance, but not enough to cover the full loss. Many policies combine both into one coverage.
Does uninsured motorist coverage apply if I’m hit as a pedestrian?
It can, depending on your specific policy. This is worth confirming directly with your agent since the details vary by carrier and policy terms.
Does my premium go up a lot by adding both coverages?
Pricing varies by carrier and driver, so the actual cost difference depends on your specific situation. Comparing quotes with and without the coverage is the clearest way to see the real cost for you.
How do I check what uninsured motorist coverage I currently have?
Call (210) 255-8191. We’ll pull up your current policy and tell you exactly which pieces you’re carrying and which ones you’re not.
Want your auto policy reviewed for gaps like this? See our Texas auto insurance requirements page or call (210) 255-8191 for a full policy review.
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice or a guarantee of coverage. Insurance policies vary based on individual circumstances, selected coverages, underwriting guidelines, and state regulations. The details discussed here may not apply to your specific policy and should not be relied upon as a representation of coverage provided by JAB Agency or any affiliated carriers. Reading this blog does not create an agent-client relationship, and coverage is not bound, altered, or confirmed based on the information provided. Always consult directly with a licensed insurance professional to review your policy and ensure it meets your needs. Policy terms, conditions, and availability are subject to change at any time. JAB Agency and its representatives are not responsible for any decisions made based on the content of this blog.