more Articles

Texas Car Insurance Laws: Understanding Your Responsibilities as a Driver

As a driver in Texas, you're required by law to carry car insurance to operate a vehicle on public roads.

April 27, 2024

As a driver in Texas, you're required by law to carry car insurance to operate a vehicle on public roads. This insurance provides financial protection in the event of an accident and helps to ensure that you can cover the costs of any damages or injuries you cause to others.

Here's what you need to know about Texas car insurance laws:

Minimum coverage requirements

In Texas, you must carry liability insurance with at least the following coverage amounts:

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

These minimum coverage amounts are sometimes referred to as 30/60/25 coverage.

Proof of insurance

You're required to carry proof of insurance with you when you're operating a vehicle. This proof can take the form of an insurance card, a digital copy on your phone, or a certificate of insurance provided by your insurance provider.

Penalties for driving without insurance

If you're caught driving without insurance in Texas, you may face fines, license suspension, and other penalties. In addition, if you're involved in an accident without insurance, you'll be personally responsible for covering the costs of any damages or injuries you cause to others.

Uninsured motorist coverage

In Texas, uninsured motorist coverage is optional, but it provides coverage if you're in an accident caused by a driver who doesn't have insurance. This coverage can help protect you from financial responsibility if you're in an accident with an uninsured driver.

SR-22 requirements

If you're convicted of certain traffic offenses in Texas, such as driving without insurance, you may be required to file an SR-22 form with the state. This form certifies that you have the minimum liability coverage required by law and provides proof of insurance to the state.

Insurance fraud

Insurance fraud is illegal in Texas and is taken seriously by the state. Examples of insurance fraud include submitting false claims, providing false information on an insurance application, and staging an accident to collect insurance money.

Understanding Texas car insurance laws is an important aspect of vehicle ownership. By carrying the minimum liability coverage required by law, providing proof of insurance, and avoiding insurance fraud, you can ensure that you're in compliance with the law and that you're protected in the event of an accident.

Get a Texas auto insurance quote from a licensed insurance agent.

Spoudaios Insurance Articles Agent

Get an insurance quote in less than 5 minutes.

We shop and compare prices from up to 40+ insurance companies. Spoudaios searches the market and collects quotes on your behalf from multiple top rated carriers - making it easy for you to decide whether to renew or switch carriers.

We'll even cancel your current policy for you.