laws require all drivers to buy an auto insurance policy that includes $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $60,000 of bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 of property damage liability coverage. That said, many Texan drivers upgrade to full coverage insurance for added financial protection.

Car insurance requirements in Texas

Texas’ minimum auto insurance requirements include the following coverage limits:

$30,000 of

bodily injury liability (BIL)

insurance for injuries you cause to a single person in an at-fault accident

$60,000 of bodily injury liability for injuries you cause in a single at-fault accident

$25,000 of

property damage liability (PDL)

coverage for damage you cause to other’s property

You don’t need to worry about making sure your auto insurance policy meets those minimum requirements—any car insurance policy sold in the state of Texas will include the coverage listed above as a default.

The only question you need to answer is whether it’s enough coverage for you.

Jerry

can help you match your state's minimum coverage!

Is minimum coverage the most cost effective option?

Texas minimum coverage is technically the cheapest, but it can leave you financially vulnerable if you are involved in a major at-fault accident or experience damage to your vehicle.

In terms of cost effectiveness, you can actually save money in the long term by purchasing higher liability limits and adding physical damage coverage to your policy for full coverage.

Fact: Carrying higher liability limits will protect your assets (including future income) from personal injury lawsuits—and you’ll likely pay lower premiums long-term, since insurance companies will see you as a valued customer.

Our recommendation: Purchase at least $50k/$100k/$50k liability limits—or enough to protect all your assets and income.

Fact:

Full coverage

offers financial protection from damages to your vehicle caused by an at-fault accident, severe weather, vandalism, theft, a collision with a non-moving object, and more.

Our recommendation: Buy a full coverage policy with comprehensive coverage and collision insurance to cover damages to your vehicle.

When using

Jerry

, you have the flexibility to choose higher liability limits based on your preferences and also the added convenience of incorporating a range of full coverage options to tailor your insurance plan according to your specific needs and preferences.

All of this can be done easily in the mobile app.

If you finance or lease your vehicle

Drivers who finance or lease their vehicles are typically required to carry full coverage car insurance with collision and comprehensive coverage. If your vehicle is leased or financed, be sure to speak with your lender about their insurance expectations.

Learn More:

Liability vs full coverage car insurance

Texas car insurance costs: Minimum liability and full coverage

The cost of car insurance in Texas varies from driver to driver and company to company, but the average expenses for Lone State auto insurance are as follows:

Minimum liability coverage costs Texans an average of $115 per month or $1,379 per year

Full coverage car insurance costs an average of $191 per month or $2,296 per year

When weighing your options for car insurance in Texas, it’s wise to compare quotes for different coverage levels and from various providers.

Quote comparisons can help you identify the cheapest rate for your coverage needs.

The

Jerry

app is a great resource for easily building your coverage and getting quotes from multiple different insurers.

Learn More:

Compare car insurance quotes (2023)

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Optional coverages in Texas

Purchasing a full coverage policy—including liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance—is always a good idea. Here are some additional coverages that can also be helpful:

Uninsured (UM)/underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage

: This car insurance coverage protects you financially if you’re involved in a hit-and-run or an accident with a driver who doesn’t have enough liability insurance to cover your costs.

Personal injury protection (PIP)

: PIP covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation services for you and your passengers after a car accident.

Medical payments coverage (MedPay)

: MedPay is similar to PIP coverage but is

more limited and costs less

Gap insurance

: Gap insurance pays the difference between your car’s

actual cash value

and whatever you own on its loan or lease.

Roadside assistance

: This type of coverage offers roadside services like jump starts, towing, flat tire changes, lockout assistance, and more.

Penalties for driving without insurance in Texas

If you’re caught driving without valid

proof of insurance

in Texas, you will face fines, and the state may impound your car.

Fines between $175 and $350
Potential SR-22 filing requirement

Fines between $350 and $1,000
180-day vehicle impoundment, including daily fees
SR-22 filing requirement

FAQs

What are the legal requirements for car insurance in Texas?

According to Texas state law, all drivers must purchase auto insurance coverage with $30,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 of property damage liability coverage. If you are involved in an accident or pulled over by a police officer, you will need to present your proof of insurance with these minimum limits.

Does Texas require auto liability insurance?

Yes—Texas law requires all drivers to maintain an auto liability policy, including liability limits commonly known as 30/60/25 coverage. That means all Texas drivers must purchase $30,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 of property damage liability coverage.

Can I have a car without insurance in Texas?

No—you cannot drive a car on public roads without insurance in Texas. Texas requires all drivers to purchase minimum amounts of liability insurance with policy limits of 30/60/25. If you are pulled over by law enforcement in Texas, you must present your insurance card with at least 30/60/25 liability limits.

Is Texas a no-fault state?

No—Texas is an at-fault state. This means that whoever is responsible for the accident must pay the medical costs and repair bills for the other parties involved.

Does collision cover uninsured motorists in Texas?

If you want to protect yourself from uninsured drivers in a not-at-fault accident, the best thing to do is purchase an uninsured motorist coverage policy. If you are at fault for the accident, you’ll need collision coverage and PIP to cover your repair and medical expenses.

What happens if you don’t have car insurance and get into an accident in Texas?

If you are the at-fault driver in an accident in Texas without insurance, you will be responsible for the other driver’s medical or vehicular expenses. If the other driver is found at fault, they will be responsible for your medical and car repair costs.

In addition, if you do not have insurance and you get into an accident, you may be ticketed and your car can be impounded by the police. To get your vehicle back, you’ll need to provide proof of insurance.

What are the rules for insurance claims in Texas?

As per the

Texas Department of Insurance

, when you file a claim with an insurance company in Texas, your provider has 15 days to acknowledge your claim. An adjust will then assess your damage and accept or reject your claim within 15 days of receiving all necessary documents and information. Once they agree to pay your claim, you should receive compensation or a reimbursement within five business days.