Auto Insurance

Get the coverage you need to hit the road with auto insurance

Auto insurance in Texas is a type of financial protection that provides coverage for drivers and vehicle owners in the state in the event of accidents, property damage, injuries, or other covered incidents involving their vehicles. Texas law mandates that all drivers maintain a minimum level of auto insurance to legally operate a vehicle on public roads. Here are key aspects of auto insurance in Texas:

1. Minimum Coverage Requirements: Texas law requires drivers to carry at least the following minimum auto insurance coverage:

   • $30,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person
   • $60,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident
   • $25,000 property damage liability coverage per accident

2. Liability Insurance: Liability insurance provides coverage for injuries and property damage that you may cause to others in an accident for which you are at fault. It does not cover your own injuries or vehicle damage.

3. Optional Coverages: While liability insurance is required, drivers can also purchase additional types of coverage for their own protection, including:

   • Collision Coverage: Pays for damage to your vehicle in a collision, regardless of fault.
   • Comprehensive Coverage: Covers damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and falling objects.
   • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Provides protection if you’re in an accident with a driver who has insufficient insurance or no insurance at all.
   • Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments: Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers in the event of an accident, regardless of fault.
   • Towing and Rental Car Coverage: Pays for towing and rental car expenses if your vehicle is inoperable due to an accident.

4. Proof of Insurance: Texas drivers are required to carry proof of insurance and must provide it when requested by law enforcement or during vehicle registration and inspection processes.

5. Penalties for Lack of Insurance: Failing to maintain the minimum required auto insurance in Texas can result in penalties, including fines, license suspension, and impoundment of your vehicle.

6. Discounts and Incentives: Many insurance companies offer discounts for factors such as safe driving, taking defensive driving courses, bundling auto and home insurance, and more.

7. High-Risk Drivers: If you have a poor driving record or are considered a high-risk driver, you may find it more challenging to obtain affordable coverage. In some cases, you may need to seek coverage through the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA), which provides insurance to high-risk drivers.

8. State Regulations: Auto insurance regulations and requirements may change over time, so it’s essential to stay informed about current state laws and regulations.

Why Do You Need Auto Insurance?

It’s really all about protecting yourself financially.

• If you’re in an accident or your car is stolen, it costs money, often a lot of money, to fix or replace it.
• If you or any passengers are injured in an accident, medical costs can be extremely expensive.
• If you or your car is responsible for damage or injury to others, you may be sued for much more than you’re worth.
• Not only is having insurance a prudent financial decision, many states require you to have at least some coverage.

Questions To Ask Your Agent

Your Independent Agent is an advocate for finding auto insurance that meets your specific needs. Here are a few things to consider as you prepare for the discussion:

• How much can you afford to pay if you get in an accident? (To keep premiums low you may want to have a higher deductible and be willing to pay more for repairs.)
• What is the insurance company’s level of service and ability to pay claims?
• What discounts are available? (Ask about good driver, multiple policy and student discounts.)
• What’s the procedure for filing and settling a claim? (Ask who to call and what happens after you file a claim.)