Think You’re Fully Covered? Maybe Not.
- Leon Dacbert
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
Let me tell you something that too many drivers don’t realize until it’s too late: not everyone on the road is playing by the same rules. Even though Texas law says you need car insurance, millions of drivers are out there with nothing. No coverage. No backup plan. Nothing.
And if one of them hits you? That could cost you big time (not just vehicle damage)—unless you’re properly protected.
What “Full Coverage” Really Means (and What It Doesn’t)
A lot of folks hear “full coverage” and assume they’re good to go. But “full coverage” isn’t a single type of policy—it’s just a phrase people use for a bundle that usually includes:- Liability coverage – covers other people if you’re at fault- Collision coverage – covers damage to your car from a crash- Comprehensive coverage – handles non-crash stuff like theft, fire, or hail
Here’s the catch: “full coverage” doesn’t cover you if an uninsured or underinsured driver crashes into you. That’s where Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage—UM/UIM—comes in.
Real-World Example:
You’ve got “full coverage” on your car. An uninsured driver crashes into you, and you end up in the hospital. Your collision insurance helps fix your car.But who pays your hospital bills?Not your liability insurance (that only pays others you injure due to your own fault).Not collision or comprehensive coverage (they only pay for your car).
Without UM/UIM coverage, you’re likely stuck paying your medical costs yourself.
What UM/UIM Coverage Actually Does
This coverage steps in when the other driver can’t. It helps with:- Pay Medical bills for you and your passengers- Pay for Lost wages if you can’t work- If you get in a crash as a passenger in someone else’s vehicle. That’s right! That coverage follows you.
Think of UM/UIM like a safety net. It fills the gap left by drivers who don’t have enough insurance—or any at all. And without it, even “full coverage” can leave you vulnerable.
What the Law Says in Texas
In Texas, insurance companies have to offer you UM/UIM coverage when you buy a policy—you must decline it in writing. And trust me, a lot of people do just that without realizing what they’re turning down.
It’s optional—but it shouldn’t be. I always recommend buying it.
Don’t assume. Check your policy or talk to your agent to be sure.
Is It Expensive?
Nope. It’s actually one of the cheapest parts of a policy. You can usually add UM/UIM coverage for around $10–20 a month—less than a fast-food lunch. For that price, you’re getting peace of mind in case someone else’s bad decisions turn your life upside down.
If you’re not sure whether your policy includes UM/UIM coverage, now’s the time to find out. If you’ve been hit by a driver with no insurance—or not enough of it—give me a call. I’ll help you figure out your options and fight to get what you deserve.
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