Will My Insurance Cover Damage During a Texas Winter Storm?
Winter storms in Texas create hazardous driving conditions that many drivers aren’t prepared for. Ice, sleet, and snow can cause vehicles to slide into trees, snowbanks, or other obstacles—even when no other cars are involved. If your car is damaged in one of these incidents, it’s important to understand how insurance coverage works in this situation.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Typically Doesn’t Apply
Uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage only applies when there is a collision with another driver. If you slide off the road during a Texas winter storm and hit a tree, guardrail, or snowbank, there is no other at-fault driver involved. Because of this, UM/UIM coverage generally will not pay for your damages.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) May Help
If you have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, it can cover medical expenses regardless of fault. PIP is a no-fault coverage, meaning you may be able to recover for injuries even if the accident was caused by road conditions or your own vehicle sliding on ice.
Collision Coverage Can Protect Your Vehicle
For property damage, collision coverage is the type of insurance that typically applies when you damage your car without another driver involved. If you only have liability coverage, your insurer will likely not cover the repair costs for a winter storm accident. On the other hand, collision coverage can help pay for repairs regardless of fault.
