Personal Auto Insurance in Texas

When you think of Texas, you might picture wide-open spaces, vibrant cities, and friendly people. But what you might not think of is Texas’s specific requirements for auto insurance.   

If you drive a vehicle, you may already have or are looking for affordable auto insurance in Texas. Having personal auto insurance may be important because it can help cover certain damages to your vehicle depending on your coverage. With Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA), we can help you compare rates to find the cheapest car insurance in Texas that works for your budget!

Here's what IIA can offer drivers in Texas:

• Guidance on Texas’ minimum liability requirements
• Same-day digital ID cards, once payment is issued.  
• Assistance with filing your SR-22
• Spanish-bilingual agents
• Access to reputable carriers who have discounts you may qualify for

Auto insurance requirements in Texas

Every state has different auto insurance requirements for drivers. Texas state requires drivers to have a liability coverage policy, which is a type of coverage that can help pay for a third-party’s injuries or vehicle damage you cause from a collision. Texas mandates drivers to have liability limits of 30/60/25, which means: 

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

While these minimum liability requirements are important, many drivers may choose to get full coverage to help pay for damages under a wider array of circumstances. Full coverage auto insurance in Texas does not mean everything is covered. It typically includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage can help cover damages to your vehicle regardless of fault and comprehensive coverage can help pay for damages to your vehicle from non-collision events like vandalism, theft, or natural disasters.  

IIA works with carriers that can offer additional coverage options alongside collision, liability, and comprehensive coverage. These auto insurance coverages include:

• Medical payments coverage: This can help cover medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident.
• Personal injury protection (PIP): This coverage can help pay for injuries that you and your passengers sustain after an accident, as well as lost wages, ambulance services, and rehabilitation therapy. Though PIP is not mandatory in Texas, you may have to sign a waiver if you’re planning to decline the coverage.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM): This can help pay for damage to your vehicle from a collision involving an at-fault underinsured driver. 

Driving without proof of insurance

If you drive without proof of insurance in Texas, you may face serious penalties, including: 

• Fines up to $350 for first offense 
• Fines up to $1,000 and license suspension for second offense 
• License reinstatement fee up to $100 
• Increase in insurance premiums because you may be considered a high-risk driver 
• An SR-22 requirement 

In Texas, it’s required to have a SR-22 document in your vehicle if you have certain infractions on your record. An SR-22 can provide proof that you have the minimum liability coverage needed by the state. This document, though, isn’t a substitute for your auto insurance card or policy.  

If you're caught driving uninsured and are in an accident, the penalties may be even harsher. You could face fines up to $1,000, a requirement for an SR-22, and potentially even jail time for up to six months. Other penalties may include the suspension of your vehicle registration or driver’s license and the possibility of having your vehicle impounded. 

Is Texas considered a no-fault state? 

No, Texas is not considered a no-fault state. Texas operates under an at-fault system, which means that the at-fault party is responsible for paying for vehicle damage or injuries after an accident.   

How much does auto insurance cost in Texas? 

Finding affordable auto insurance in Texas may vary due to a combination of factors. Some factors that may determine your insurance costs include: 

• Your driving history: A clean driving record can lower your premiums, while having accidents on your record may raise them.  
• Your age and gender: Younger drivers or men may pay larger rates because insurers may deem them as higher risk.  
• The type of car you drive: Some cars, like electric vehicles, may be more expensive to insure than others due to high repair costs.  
• Your insurance credit score: Insurers may look at your insurance credit score to determine higher or lower rates. 

With IIA, our agents can help you compare rates so you can locate the best insurance price for your budget!

Ways to save on car insurance

Looking to save on your car insurance premium? IIA’s carriers can offer discounts you may qualify for. Here are some discounts that may be available to you:

• Bundling multiple vehicles: If you have multiple cars in your household, bundling them on one policy may help you save on your premium.
• Paying-in-full: Paying your premium in full may reduce your overall car insurance payment.
• Prior coverage: If you can prove that you’ve had prior auto insurance, you may be able to save on your insurance costs.
• Good student: Maintaining good grades in school may lower your car insurance rate.
• Clean driving record: Keeping a clean driving record or installing a telematics device in your vehicle may help you reduce your insurance costs.

Our team of experienced, Spanish-bilingual agents can also assist you with your questions about Texas’s insurance laws. Contact us today to discuss your insurance needs with our experienced IIA team!