When you think of Texas, you might picture wide-open spaces, vibrant cities, and friendly people. But what you might not think of is Texas’s specific requirements for auto insurance.
If you drive a vehicle, you may already have or are looking for a personal auto insurance policy. Having personal auto insurance is important because it can help cover certain damages to your vehicle depending on your coverage. This article can help guide you through the basics of Texas auto insurance requirements, including the minimum liability needs, risks of driving uninsured, and answers to vital FAQs.
Auto insurance requirements in Texas
Every state has different auto insurance requirements for drivers. In Texas, there are specific insurance needs that policyholders must follow before getting on the road. The state requires drivers to have a liability coverage policy, which is a type of coverage that can help pay for the other driver’s injuries or vehicle damage from a collision. Texas requires drivers to have liability coverage that’s 30/60/25, which means:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
While these minimum liability requirements are important, many drivers may choose to get full coverage to help pay for damages under a wider array of circumstances. Full coverage auto insurance in Texas does not mean everything is covered. It typically includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage can help cover damages to your vehicle regardless of fault and comprehensive coverage can help pay for damages to your vehicle from non-collision events like vandalism, theft, or natural disasters.
At Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA), we can offer additional coverage options alongside collision, liability, and comprehensive coverage. Personal injury protection (PIP), medical payments (MedPay) coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage may be important additions to a driver’s insurance policy. MedPay can help cover medical expenses after an accident, and PIP can help cover lost wages after an accident as well as certain medical costs. Uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for damages to your vehicle from a collision involving an underinsured driver. Having these policies may help you traverse specific accident situations without incurring costly expenses.
If you drive without proof of insurance in Texas, you may face serious penalties, including:
- Fines up to $350 for first offense
- Fines up to $1,000 and license suspension for second offense
- License reinstatement fee up to $100
- Increase in insurance premiums because you may be considered a high-risk driver
- An SR-22 requirement
In Texas, it’s required to have a SR-22 document in your vehicle if you have certain infractions on your record. An SR-22 can provide proof that you have the minimum liability coverage needed by the state. This document, though, isn’t a substitute for your auto insurance card or policy.
If you're caught driving uninsured and are in an accident, the penalties may be even harsher. You could face fines up to $1,000, a requirement for an SR-22, and potentially even jail time for up to six months. Other penalties may include the suspension of your vehicle registration or driver’s license and the possibility of having your vehicle impounded.
Is Texas considered a no-fault state?
No, Texas is not considered a no-fault state. Texas operates under an at-fault system, which means that the at-fault party is responsible for paying for vehicle damage or injuries after an accident.
How much does auto insurance cost in Texas?
Finding affordable auto insurance in Texas may vary due to a combination of factors. Some factors that may determine your insurance costs include:
- Your driving history: A clean driving record can lower your premiums, while having accidents on your record may raise them.
- Your age and gender: Younger drivers or men may pay larger rates because insurers may deem them as higher risk.
- The type of car you drive: Some cars, like electric vehicles, may be more expensive to insure than others due to high repair costs.
- Your insurance credit score: Insurers may look at your insurance credit score to determine higher or lower rates.
Why Choose Infinity Insurance Agency?
Choosing IIA means you can find competitive rates without sacrificing coverage.
Our agents can help you tailor a policy to your budget and assist you through the insurance journey. At IIA, you may also qualify for discounts offered by carriers we work with, if you pay your premium in full, own multiple vehicles, or maintain solid grades in school.
Our Spanish bilingual customer support team can also help Spanish speaking customers find the coverage they need.
For Texas residents, our agents are familiar with the auto insurance requirements that are specific to the state. Our team of experienced agents can assist you with difficult questions about Texas’s insurance laws.
Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. is committed to various communities in the state and actively participates in local events such as those hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
We can even offer non-standard insurance options for drivers like SR-22s or non-owner auto insurance.
If you’re a resident of Texas, you may be able to get covered by IIA.
- San Antonio
- Laredo
- Arlington
- Victoria
- Castle Hills
- El Paso
- Austin
- McAllen
- Pharr
- Lubbock
- Bryan
- Fort Worth
- Amarillo