Under Texas law, every driver must carry minimum liability insurance in order to legally operate a motor vehicle in the state. It’s called the “Financial Responsibility Law” and it’s been put in place to make sure that any driver found liable in an ‘at-fault’ accident has the ability to cover the expenses for damages related to the incident.
The more you know about the auto liability insurance requirements in Texas, the easier it is to ensure full compliance with the law so you’re not left unprepared.
How Liability Coverage Works
All drivers must carry liability insurance because that is the coverage designed to pay the costs and expenses of any injuries and property damage sustained by other drivers in an accident where you are deemed at fault.
Liability DOES NOT cover the costs of your medical bills, repairs or replacement expenses for your vehicle, nor the loss of income for you or anyone else riding in your vehicle at the time of the accident
If you want those expenses covered at the time of an accident, you must carry policy options such as collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
30/60/25 Minimum Liability Coverage
Minimum liability coverage limits have been determined by the numbers, 30, 60, and 25.
In order to be in compliance with Texas auto insurance laws, you must carry the following limits on your policy:
$30,000 for bodily injury or death per individual who has been injured as the result of an accident in which you are at fault.
$60,000 total for bodily injury or death per accident in which you are at fault (this is important in the event more than one individual is injured)
$25,000 to cover the costs of property damage per accident in which you are at fault
These figures are the minimum amounts that are required by law for all drivers in the state of Texas to carry at all times. However, it is recommended that drivers carry higher limits to ensure more comprehensive protection in case of an accident.
Proof of Insurance
If you are stopped or get into an accident while operating a motor vehicle in the state of Texas, you will be asked for proof of insurance. You must have a valid insurance card demonstrating that you carry liability insurance at the above minimum limits at all times and surrender that card to law enforcement when requested.
Penalties for Failing to Carry Minimum Liability Coverage
Failing to carry legally mandated coverage in the state of Texas can leave drivers open to a variety of punitive risks. Operating a motor vehicle without carrying liability insurance is illegal and can result in fines, suspension of driver’s license and/or vehicle registration, and possible misdemeanor charges in the event you are found responsible for an accident.
Should You Carry More than the State Mandated Minimums?
Yes. Legal compliance mandates that all drivers carry coverage at the 30/60/25, however, these limits may not be sufficient to cover the entirety of the costs incurred due to a serious automobile accident. Medical bills, property damage expenses, even legal fees and judgements often exceed the minimum limits and guess who pays for the balance of those costs out of pocket? You do.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to carry liability insurance coverage that far exceeds the minimum limits in order to be completely insured and protect your personal finances should you be found at fault for a serious accident that involves injury and property damage or loss to other drivers.
Performance Insurance is Your One-Stop Coverage Shop
We are dedicated to safeguarding your financial future. You never know when an accident is going to happen and put everything important to you at risk.
Call us today to get a quote for auto liability insurance that is highly affordable and keeps your personal finances safe in the event something unfortunate and unexpected happens. Paying out of pocket to cover the costs of bodily injury and property damage in an accident in which you are at fault can be devastating.
Don’t chance it, let Performance help you keep your financial future secure.