I’m a good driver. Do I need insurance?

You may well be a good driver, but that does not mean others on the road are, nor does it mean they have insurance either. If you were to be involved in an accident and you did not have insurance, and the other driver did not either, seeking compensation would be incredibly difficult.

Another point to consider is that driving without insurance is not a victimless crime. An example would be if you were hit by an uninsured driver, but only carry liability insurance, you are not able to repair your vehicle unless you pay for it out of your pocket. Additionally, there are usually medical costs involved after a collision, minor or major. You would be responsible for those bills. 

To avoid situations like this the Texas Department of Insurance created a database to deal with uninsured drivers, called TexasSure. It links registered vehicles, liability policies, and vehicle identification numbers (VIN). Police officers can access the system and know immediately who is driving uninsured. 

It’s a good place to start, but in the meantime, each Texas driver needs to take care out there. The best place to start, barring accessing TexasSure, is to get the proper insurance when you get your vehicle insured. That means purchasing uninsured (UM) and underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage. Although the state does not mandate UM/UIM it makes a big difference if you are in a wreck. 

If you are in a collision with an uninsured driver basic liability insurance policy does not cover the accident. You would be responsible for your medical costs, property damage, and other related damages.

 Most drivers opt to go with the basic liability policy because it costs less. It may well save you money over time. However, if you are in a crash, your costs are astronomical without the right type of insurance. UM/UIM offers you protection if you are in a hit and/or if you were in a hit-and-run.

Other Uninsured Motorist Insurance FAQs:

• Are there minimum insurance requirements in Texas?
• Do I have to have uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance?
• Do I need to buy vehicle insurance in Texas?
• Do I need uninsured motorist coverage?
• Does every driver in Texas have insurance?
• Does my insurance company automatically pay my claim if I file a UM/UIM claim?
• How many uninsured/underinsured motorists are there in Texas?
• I got a letter from an insurance company talking about a credit they are entitled to for other payments. What are they talking about?
• I was involved in a car accident recently and was injured. I do not have vehicle insurance. Am I still able to file a claim?
• I’m a good driver. Do I need insurance?
• If I am injured by a hit-and-run driver without insurance or low insurance limits, what happens?
• Is uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance expensive?
• My best friend has uninsured/underinsured coverage and says I should get it. What does that mean?
• My car insurance premiums are pretty high. How does an insurance company decide what it is going to charge me?
• There is quite a significant difference between an underinsured driver and an uninsured driver.
• What is the difference between an uninsured motorist and an underinsured motorist?
• What is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
• Who does the insurance policies cover?
• Why does it matter if I do not have enough insurance?
• Why is an accident with an uninsured driver a big problem?