Texas Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Coverage Guide

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on a Texas auto policy pays you when a driver who has no insurance, or not enough, causes a crash. The Texas Department of Insurance notes it also pays in many hit-and-run crashes. Texas insurance companies must offer it, and if you do not want it, you must reject it in writing.

It is built for

  • Your injuries when an uninsured driver is at fault
  • Your damages above an at-fault driver’s low limits
  • Hit-and-run crashes where the other car made contact
  • Damage to your car, if you bought the property damage part

It is not

  • Coverage for people you injure (that is liability)
  • A replacement for collision coverage
  • Available if you rejected it in writing and never added it back
  • Paid when you caused the crash
State minimum$30,000 / $60,000 / $25,000Texas liability minimum for injuries per person, per accident, and property damage
Personal injury protectionIncluded unless rejectedEvery Texas auto policy includes it unless you reject it in writing
Uninsured motoristMust be offeredInsurance companies must offer it; you can reject it only in writing

What Texas law requires

Texas Insurance Code Chapter 1952 says an auto liability policy must include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage unless a named insured rejects it in writing. Bodily injury limits must be offered in the amounts you want, up to your own liability limits. Property damage coverage is offered subject to a $250 deductible. A written rejection can carry over to renewals, so check your declarations page if you are not sure what you have.

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Uninsured versus underinsured

Uninsured means the at-fault driver has no liability insurance. Underinsured means the driver has some, but not enough. If the at-fault driver carries the Texas minimum of $30,000 per person and your injuries cost more, underinsured motorist coverage can pay the difference up to your limit. Texas law reduces that payment by what you recover, or could recover, from the other driver’s insurance.

Hit-and-run rules in Texas

For a hit-and-run driver who cannot be identified, Texas law requires actual physical contact between the other vehicle and you or your vehicle. A car that runs you off the road without touching you may not qualify. Call the police right away, get a report, and gather photos and witness names.

Texas tip: If you carry both collision and uninsured motorist property damage, Texas law lets you choose which one to use after an uninsured driver hits you, and use both if neither covers everything.
What happenedCoverage that helpsNotes
An uninsured driver runs a red light and hits youUninsured motorist bodily injuryGet a police report
At-fault driver has only $30,000 of coverageTheir liability, then your underinsured coveragePayment is reduced by what they pay
Hit-and-run with contactUninsured motoristPhysical contact is required
Uninsured driver damages your carUninsured motorist property damage or collision$250 deductible on property damage
You cause the crashYour liability coverageUninsured motorist does not apply

Choosing limits

Many drivers match their uninsured motorist limits to their liability limits so they protect themselves as well as they protect others. If you need to save money, raise your collision deductible before you lower this coverage. See Texas liability coverage, Texas personal injury protection, and Texas medical payments to see how the coverages work together.

Frequently asked questions

Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Texas?

Insurance companies must include it unless you reject it in writing. You are not required to keep it, but rejecting it leaves you exposed.

Does it cover my car?

Only if you have uninsured motorist property damage coverage, which has a $250 deductible. Collision also covers your car.

What if I was hit by a driver who drove off without touching me?

Texas requires physical contact for an unidentified hit-and-run driver, so the claim may not qualify.

Can I get uninsured motorist coverage on a liability-only policy?

Yes. You do not need collision to buy it.

Does my liability coverage pay me if I am hit?

No. The other driver’s liability (if any) pays you. Your liability pays others when you are at fault. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is your backup when the other driver cannot pay.

Can I stack uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on multiple cars?

It depends on your policy language and claim facts. Many Texas personal-auto forms are non-stacking. Ask your agent and read the uninsured and underinsured motorist section rather than assuming limits multiply. Choosing a higher limit up front is often a clearer way to add protection.

How common are uninsured drivers in Texas?

The Insurance Research Council estimated that 14.5% of Texas drivers were uninsured in 2023, 19th highest in the country, compared with 15.4% nationally (Insurance Information Institute).

What happens after an uninsured motorist claim?

Your company investigates the crash and pays you under your own coverage, minus any deductible that applies, and then may seek repayment from the at-fault driver.

Need help applying this to your policy? Get a quote or ask an agent.

Sources & next steps

Declarations pages, policy forms, and state rules control claim outcomes. Confirm limits, deductibles, and endorsements with a licensed agent before you rely on any summary.

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