Texas Auto Insurance Requirements

Each vehicle you own in Texas may need to have Texas auto insurance coverage that meets or exceeds these standards:

• At least $30,000 for bodily injury or death to one person per accident.
• At least $60,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more people in an accident. – At least $25,000 for property damage in an accident.

Not from Texas? See auto insurance information by state.

Remember that if you finance your vehicle, you also may be required to carry complete comprehensive and collision auto insurance coverage. This may be required because your lien holder may want to be fully reimbursed in the event of a serious accident. This type of auto insurance coverage may be mandatory for someone who owns a car outright – but it can reduce the overall coverage you have in the event of a total loss of your vehicle.

If you fail to follow Texas auto insurance regulations, there may be penalties: Driving uninsured could result in a fine of at least $175. If you are fined again, the fees could increase exponentially, and if you commit a third offense, you could lose your driver’s license and vehicle. Texas may also have a category called “surchargeable violations” that could result in payment of penalties for consecutive years – it means a single offense could stay with you and your driving record for several years.

There may be very few exceptions, if any, to Texas insurance laws. If you have a vehicle, you may have to insure it. This includes a classic car that is never driven and a car for someone who is overseas for years. Even non-working vehicles may have to be insured.

It is important for those in the market for auto insurance policy in Texas or any other state, to weigh their options. The first step is to get quotes. You can get free, no-obligation quotes by filling out a simple form.