Auto Insurance Guide

If you live in Texas, it is your responsibility to understand the auto insurance laws before you drive. Auto insurance is there to protect you, as well as other drivers that are on the road. If a situation arises where you are involved in an accident, having the correct auto insurance will be crucial.

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, we have experience handling hundreds of car accident cases and insurance claims. Our Houston car accident attorneys are dedicated to educating and guiding our clients through the legal process following an accident.

Keep reading to find out what auto insurance Texas requires and what happens if you don’t have the right amount of coverage.

Liability Insurance Requirements in Texas

Like many states, Texas requires all drivers to carry auto insurance in the case of an accident. Not only do you need to have the correct amount of insurance coverage, but you also need to carry proof of your coverage either on you or in your vehicle.

Liability coverage is specifically used to help pay for bodily injuries and property damage if you are involved in an at-fault accident. The liability coverage will help pay for the victim’s injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and damage to their vehicle. It’s essential to keep in mind that liability coverage is only meant for the other person if you are at fault; it will not help you cover your injuries or damages.

The minimum liability coverage in Texas is:

• $30,000 per person for bodily injuries
• $25,000 per accident for property damage
• $60,000 per accident for bodily injuries

The minimum coverage required in Texas is a rough estimate of the average accident costs. You should keep in mind that this is the absolute minimum liability you need to carry; it is even better if you can carry more liability coverage. For instance, if multiple people are injured in the accident, you most likely won’t have enough coverage unless you have extra coverage or have increased your liability limits.

Type of Auto Coverage

The only insurance coverage Texas requires is liability coverage, but there are many other types of coverage drivers should consider. Drivers should also ensure they have insurance coverage to protect themselves if they are the victim of an accident. Here are some of the best options Texas drivers should consider:

• Comprehensive coverage: This type of coverage helps to cover any damages caused by circumstances not involving a collision or crash. This includes things like theft or weather damage.
• Collision: This type of coverage can help you pay for damages as a result of a collision with an object or vehicle.
• Personal injury protection: This coverage option helps to pay for medical expenses related to you or your passengers. It can also help with related costs, such as lost wages. All auto policies in Texas include PIP coverage automatically unless you refuse it in writing.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This is a type of coverage that can help if you are the victim of an uninsured or underinsured driver.
• Roadside assistance: This coverage can help if you require roadside assistance due to a breakdown, flat tire, dead battery, etc.
• Loan/lease payoff: This is a type of coverage, also referred to as gap coverage, that helps you pay the difference between what you owe on a loan versus your car’s actual value. Loan/lease payoff coverage is helpful if you owe more on your vehicle than its overall cash value.
• Rental car reimbursement: If your car breaks down or is damaged after an accident, rental car reimbursement can help cover the expense of a rental car until your vehicle is fixed.

What Happens If I’m Uninsured or Underinsured?

Texas takes auto insurance very seriously, as this helps to keep everybody on the road safe and financially covered after an accident. Because of this, you will face serious penalties if you are caught driving uninsured or underinsured.

If you are caught driving without insurance for the first time, you will receive a ticket and a fine of up to $350. You could also receive a driver’s license surcharge of $250 a year for three years. If this is not your first offense, you can receive a fine of up to $1000 with an additional $250 a year for three years for your driver’s license surcharge.

There is also the risk of repeat offenders having their vehicle impounded or having their vehicle registration suspended. Drivers involved in an accident while uninsured may even face up to six months in jail.

Depending on the situation, you may face fines or tickets if you are involved in an accident while underinsured. You may also have to pay out-of-pocket for additional coverage if the victims of the accident file a lawsuit against you.

Why Drivers Need to Adhere to Texas Auto Insurance Laws

There are many reasons why drivers need to adhere to the Texas auto insurance requirements. Not only is this legally required for you to drive, but it also helps to protect your assets if you are involved in an accident. Liability coverage helps to protect you financially if you cause an accident and need to pay for the other driver’s injuries or property damage.

You should take time to shop around for different coverage options to find the best premiums and consider adding on additional coverage for more protection. You can always hire a Houston car accident lawyer to help you navigate what your options are.

Hire a Houston Car Accident Attorney at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, our Houston car accident lawyers are experienced in the Texas laws surrounding car insurance and accidents. We are dedicated to providing our clients with the best legal representation after they have been involved in an accident, whether they are the victim or at fault. Our auto accident lawyers can help you collect evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and decide on a settlement amount.

Have you been in a car accident or need to file an auto insurance claim? Call our Houston office today at (832)-745-4878 for legal assistance.