In order to drive a car legally in the State of Texas, you must carry specific car insurance minimums. As more and more motorists take to our roadways, traffic accidents are becoming more and more common. By acquainting yourself with Texas car insurance requirements, you can help ensure that you are both in compliance and adequately protected in case of an accident. If another motorist’s negligence leaves you injured, consult with an experienced Central Texas personal injury attorney today.
Car Accidents: The Statistics
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) shares statistics from 2017 that highlight just how common car accidents are:
- A reportable car crash happened on Texas roads every 59 seconds.
- Every 2 minutes and 4 seconds, a person was injured in a Texas car accident.
- Every 2 hours and 21 minutes, a person was killed in a Texas car accident.
Traffic accidents happen, and Texas car insurance requirements help address the issue.
Texas Liability Requirements
If you drive, the law in Texas requires that you have adequate liability insurance. If you cause an accident that injures someone else on the road, your liability insurance will cover the injured party’s damages (up to the policy’s maximum). Texas has specific minimums regarding liability coverage that are commonly referred to as 30/60/25:
- You must carry at least $30,000 of coverage per injured person.
- You must carry at least $60,000 of coverage per accident.
- You must carry at least $25,000 of coverage for any ensuing property damage.
Again, these are minimum requirements. The damages associated with serious accidents, however, add up quickly, and you are well advised to exceed these minimums.
Comprehensive and Collision Insurance
While Texas only requires motorists to carry liability insurance, your lender – if you have a loan on your vehicle – will likely require you to protect the vehicle by carrying collision and comprehensive insurance as well. Collision and comprehensive insurance offer distinct types of coverage, and they are most effective in tandem:
- Collision Insurance – Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle that is incurred in a covered accident with another car.
- Comprehensive Insurance – Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle that is caused by a covered event that isn’t related to a collision.
Uninsured Motorists
Although motorists are required by law to carry liability insurance, this does not alter the fact that many drivers do not. If you are injured by an uninsured motorist’s negligence, it complicates things significantly. Carrying uninsured motorist insurance on your car insurance policy helps.