Car accidents
Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Texas? What You Need to Know
Texas has one of the highest uninsured-driver rates in the country — roughly 14% of motorists carry no liability coverage. If an uninsured driver caused your crash, you can still recover compensation, but the money usually comes from your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, not the other driver. Here's how Texas UM claims work and what to do immediately. For city-specific resources, see our Texas accident guides. For a dollar estimate, see our uninsured motorist accident settlement calculator.
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Prepared by Texas Settlement Calculator Editorial Team · Published 2026-08-16 · Editorial standards
What uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for in Texas
UM/UIM coverage may apply when its policy terms and Texas legal requirements are satisfied. For an unknown hit-and-run vehicle, Texas Insurance Code § 1952.104 includes an actual-physical-contact requirement. Other notice, proof, exclusions, limits and coverage requirements should be evaluated from the actual policy and circumstances. Estimate your claim with our uninsured motorist settlement calculator.
What if you don't carry UM coverage?
UM/UIM availability depends on the policy, any valid rejection, and applicable Texas law. Other potentially relevant sources may include PIP, MedPay, health coverage, liability coverage if later identified, or a claim against a responsible party. Collectability and coverage should be evaluated from the actual facts rather than assumed.
Hit-and-run drivers count as uninsured
When an unknown driver leaves the scene, UM coverage may be relevant depending on the policy and Texas law. Texas Insurance Code § 1952.104 requires actual physical contact for recovery under UM coverage when the owner or operator is unknown. Other notice and proof requirements should be checked in the actual policy. For the full steps, read our Texas hit-and-run accident claim guide.
Does filing a UM claim raise your rates?
Premium and underwriting consequences can depend on the circumstances, policy, insurer practices, and applicable Texas insurance law. Do not assume a particular rate outcome from this educational guide; ask the insurer or a licensed insurance professional about the specific policy.
What to do right after an uninsured-driver crash
Police materials, available driver/vehicle information, medical records and policy notice may be relevant to a UM claim. Medical care should follow symptoms and healthcare-provider guidance, and policy notice/proof requirements should be verified from the actual policy and Texas law. The calculator provides only a broad educational preliminary range and does not determine whether an offer is fair.
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Related Texas guides
Frequently asked questions
How much can I get from a UM claim in Texas?
Your UM recovery is capped at your policy limit — commonly $30,000, $50,000, or $100,000 per person. The actual amount depends on your injuries, treatment, and lost income. Use our uninsured motorist calculator for an estimate.
What if the uninsured driver has no assets?
When an at-fault driver lacks liability insurance, potential recovery depends on collectability, applicable UM coverage and other legally available sources. UM benefits are policy- and law-specific and should not be assumed to substitute automatically for the uninsured driver.
Will my rates go up if I file a UM claim?
Texas law prohibits surcharges for not-at-fault UM claims. Since UM claims involve crashes you didn't cause, filing one should not raise your premiums.
What's the difference between UM and UIM?
UM/UIM coverage may apply in uninsured- or underinsured-motorist circumstances when the policy and Texas legal requirements are satisfied. Exact benefits, limits, offsets, exclusions and proof requirements should be verified from the actual policy and law.
This tool produces a preliminary, non-binding estimate based on the information you provide and general personal-injury valuation methods. It is not legal advice, not a guarantee of any outcome, and not a substitute for review by a licensed attorney. Actual settlements and verdicts vary widely based on evidence, jurisdiction, insurance coverage, and many other factors. Texas Settlement Calculator is not a law firm and does not practice law; use of this tool does not create an attorney-client relationship.