Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
Spanish: Cobertura de Motorista Sin Seguro (UM)
Definition
Uninsured Motorist Coverage, abbreviated UM, refers to optional Texas auto insurance that pays for the insured's medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. UM is particularly important in Texas because an estimated one in eight drivers on the road carries no coverage, meaning a crash with an uninsured driver would otherwise leave the insured paying out of pocket or attempting to collect via a civil lawsuit. Under Texas Insurance Code §1952.101, carriers must offer UM coverage on every auto policy at the same limits as liability, and the insured must reject it in writing if they choose not to carry it. UM is typically split into UM bodily injury and UM property damage, each with its own limit. For most DFW drivers, UM adds roughly $10–$30 per month and provides substantial financial protection.
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