Accidents can happen to anyone. When they do, they’re expensive. To protect drivers from unexpected costs, Texas requires everyone to prove they can pay for an accident. Most people do this with a car insurance policy that covers any damage you cause to someone else. These minimum requirements protect others, but you’ll want to consider purchasing more coverage to protect yourself, too.
Texas Insurance Requirements
Legally, Texas drivers must carry liability insurance in case of an auto accident. This type of insurance covers damages to other people’s cars and pays for their medical costs as well. This insurance covers your responsibility to pay for damages you cause in a car accident.
In Texas, there is a minimum coverage requirement. This is known as 30/60/25 liability coverage, which breaks down like this:
You must have at least $30,000 coverage to pay for each injured person in an accident.
You must have at least $60,000 coverage to pay for each accident which results in bodily injuries.
You must have at least $25,000 coverage to pay for property damage per accident.
You may also wish to consider extra liability coverage beyond the minimum. If you are in a multi-vehicle accident or injuries are extensive, you could be sued to cover any extra costs.
Additional Texas Auto Insurance Coverage
While a 30/60/25 liability policy will satisfy your legal responsibilities, most drivers will want extra coverage. Remember, liability policies protect others. If you’re in an accident that totals your car, you’ll need additional money to repair or replace it.
Other types of insurance and policy add-ons you can choose include:
Collision Coverage: Pays to repair or replace your vehicle when it is damaged in an accident; i.e., when you crash into something.
Comprehensive Coverage: Pays you for damage to your vehicle caused by anything other than an accident, such as weather events, fire, and vandalism.
Medical Payment Coverage: Pays medical bills if you and/or your passengers are injured in an accident.
Personal Injury Protection: Pays for costs related to bodily injury, such as lost wages if you can’t work after being injured in a car accident.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Pays for your damages if the other driver in an accident doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your costs.
Other popular add-ons include towing coverage and rental reimbursement. These are good if you can’t use your car while it’s being repaired.
How to Get Texas Car Insurance Discounts
It’s always a good idea to shop around to compare auto insurance rates. Many insurance companies offer discounts for a safe driving record and security features on your car. Most insurers offer a discount for driver education courses, including defensive driving classes. Be sure to ask your insurance agent about their menu of discounts when you compare prices to get the best deal.
Safe driving in Texas means following the rules of the road and making sure you meet state car insurance requirements. While the minimum 30/60/25 liability policy is a good start, most people will want to work with an agent to purchase additional coverage to protect themselves. Once you’re insured, you’re ready to drive off into the sunset.