Hit-And-Run Drivers and Uninsured Motorist Insurance

All you need to drive in Texas is a valid driver’s license and mandatory minimum liability insurance, but that isn’t going to help you if you’re in a crash that was the fault of a hit-and-run driver. You might not know it, but if you have uninsured motorist insurance, it’s likely that you’re covered when a hit-and-run driver causes an accident. Uninsured motorist insurance is optional.  Here at Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX were always going to recommend it to you. It generally operates to cover you, any members of your family and your passengers for the following types of damages if you’re in an accident that was the fault of an uninsured driver:

• Medical and funeral expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost earnings
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Vehicle repairs and rental
• Replacement of damaged contents

You’re covered up to the amount of the policy limits that you purchased, and most insurance companies even provide coverage in the event that you or an additional insured person under your policy is injured as a pedestrian or bicyclist through the fault of a hit-and-run driver. If you’re riding on minimum liability coverage, you can buy uninsured motorist insurance with a limit of $25,000. If you’re at a higher liability limit, you should buy it at that amount.

The other advantage of uninsured motorist coverage is that it almost always includes underinsured motorist coverage. If  you’re riding on $50,000 of uninsured motorist insurance, and you’re hit by a driver with minimum coverage, you can make a claim for excess damages.

About one out of every nine drivers around you is uninsured, and many others are underinsured.  Protect yourself and your family. For uninsured motorist coverage in or around Austin, TX  contact Southwest Insurance Center at 512-280-6100.