Every driver in Texas must carry a minimum level of auto insurance to legally operate a vehicle. These requirements exist to ensure that anyone who causes a crash can cover the financial losses of the victims. Failing to maintain proper coverage can potentially lead to serious financial consequences if you’re ever involved in a car accident.
Here’s what you need to know about car insurance minimums in Texas and how they work in practice. If you’ve been involved in an accident, reach out to a car accident lawyer in El Paso today for help.
Required Minimum Liability Coverage
Texas uses an at-fault auto insurance system, which means that the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for paying the damages. To comply with state law, you must carry at least the following minimum amounts of liability insurance coverage:
- $30,000 for bodily injury or death per person
- $60,000 total for bodily injury or death per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
These numbers are often referred to as the 30/60/25 limits. They represent the lowest level of coverage allowed under Texas law. This policy pays for injuries or property damage that you cause to others, not your own.
If you’re caught driving without this minimum insurance, you could face fines of up to $350 for a first offense and as much as $1,000 for subsequent violations. The state may also suspend your driver’s license for up to two years.
Optional Coverages You Should Consider
While the 30/60/25 limits satisfy the legal requirement, they may not be enough to cover all the expenses from a serious crash. Medical bills and vehicle repair costs can easily exceed the minimum coverage. That’s why many drivers choose to add optional coverages such as:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: Protects you if you’re hit by a driver who has no insurance or not enough to cover your losses
- Personal injury protection (PIP): Pays for your medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who was at fault
- Collision coverage: Pays to repair or replace your own car after an accident
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, and hail damage
By law, Texas insurance companies must offer UM/UIM and PIP coverage, but you can decline them in writing. Still, keeping these policies can provide crucial financial protection in the event of a crash.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and have questions about your insurance coverage or claim options, an experienced Texas car accident lawyer can help. A qualified El Paso injury attorney can review your policy, explain your legal rights and options, and assist you in seeking fair compensation after a crash.
Contact Cal Mundell Injury Law today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options and how our attorney can protect your interests. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win compensation for you.