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how-pip-and-u-uim-insurance-can-protect-you
03/05/2019

How PIP and U/UIM insurance can protect you if you get hit by an underinsured motorist

Vuk Vujasinovic

Vuk Vujasinovic

03/05/2019

Over 14% of Texas drivers don’t have car insurance according to a recent study conducted by the Insurance Research Council. This map shows how many drivers in each state are uninsured. 

Uninsured Motorists Insurance

And when a person without car insurance hits you, you are the one who suffers the consequences. Medical bills pile up. Money becomes tight because you can’t go back to work. You may not have the money to fix your car. And, on top of everything else, the person who caused your injuries has nothing to offer you.

The good news is that you be able to file a claim on with your insurance company. If you already have an insurance policy in place, you may also have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance or Uninsured Motorist/Underinsured Motorist (U/UIM) insurance.  

Protect yourself from uninsured drivers by purchasing two specific types of insurance on your own insurance policies: PIP and U/UIM

These insurance policies are how you protect yourself from dangerous uninsured drivers. If you don’t have these policies, you might not be able to recover any compensation if you get hit by an uninsured driver. 

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is a no-fault coverage for yourself and people in your vehicle who have been injured in a wreck.

Getting PIP on your insurance policy is a great idea because you have an extra fund of money available to you if you are ever injured in a car wreck.  

It does not matter what the insurance or financial situation of the other vehicle is, PIP is required to pay.  

Often, PIP claims can be resolved more quickly than liability claims against another insurance company.  This means you should be able to get some money to tide you over during the duration of your lawsuit. However, PIP alone may not be enough to protect you if you are hit by an uninsured driver. That’s why you should get uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as well. 

Uninsured/UnderInsured Coverage (U/UIM) protects you from uninsured drivers.

This policy covers you in two different scenarios:

  • First, if you are hit by a driver with no insurance, or the victim of a hit-an-run, your Uninsured Motorist Coverage provides compensation to you up to the amount you choose to be your limit.
  • Secondly, if you are in a serious car wreck caused by a person with minimum limits coverage, it is likely that your medical bills and other damages will exceed the $30,000 minimum that Texas requires its drivers carry.  In this case, your UnderInsured Motorist Coverage kicks in and provides compensation to you for your damages that exceed the other driver’s insurance policy.

Unfortunately, even if you have UM/UIM, sometimes your own insurance carrier will be reluctant to pay your claims.  In this case, you need to contact a personal injury lawyer with experience fighting these types of first-party insurance claims. When you contact our team of experienced attorneys, we will answer all your questions, analyze your case, and help you make an informed decision about your next steps. Our goal is to get you the best results possible as quickly as possible.

If you are facing a first-party insurance claim, call us immediately at 877-724-7800 to get help now.