Do I Have to Have Car Insurance In Texas? Yes. In Texas, you are responsible for paying for accidents you cause. The easiest way to do this is by securing quality automobile insurance. Currently, the minimum liability coverage required is $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 total per accident, and $25,000 property damage. To drive legally on Texas roadways, you must carry car insurance with at least these minimum amounts of coverage. If you are involved in an accident, your insurance will pay for medical, and the costs to repair or replace the other driver’s vehicle. Liability insurance does not pay for damage to you or your vehicle. Back to TopWhat Happens If I Do Not Have Insurance?
Remember, driving without
insurance is against the law. If you are stopped while driving and cannot
provide proof of insurance, you will most likely receive a ticket. In Texas,
the first offence is a fine not to exceed $350. Subsequent offences may result in
a fine of up to $1000, having your license suspended or both. If you are
involved in an accident without insurance, you will be held liable for any and
all damages to people, vehicles and property. You may also be sued and if you
do not have the finances to pay what you owe, a court order may decide the
money owed can be taken from your pay.
Back to TopWhat determines how much I pay for car insurance?
There are many factors that go
into determining your car insurance premium. The three biggest are age, driving
record and sex. Depending on how much “risk” you present to the insurance
company, your rates will be adjusted. Some of these factors are within your
control, as in keeping a clean driving record free of tickets or accidents.
Others are not in your control, as in how old you are or if you are male or
female. Generally, young drivers under the age of 18 are considered higher risk
than those who have been driving for a longer time. Also, lifestyle choices
like marriage, and choice of vehicle make and model are factored into
determining risk.
Back to TopAm I Covered Under My Insurance If I Drive a Friend’s Car?
In the majority of cases, if you
are driving another person’s car and have an accident, the policy for the
vehicle owner pays for damages. If there are excess charges left over that are
not covered by your friend’s policy, your policy will pay. In addition, if your
friend does not have insurance, your insurance will pay.
Back to TopHow Can I Check My Driving Record With the State?
It’s important to monitor your
personal driving record to ensure the information is accurate because it is a
major factor in determining your premium rate. You can request a certified copy
of your record through the Texas Department of Public Safety where you can receive a printed
copy online for free. You will need to provide your current drivers license
number, the last four digits of your social security number and
a valid credit card number.
Back to TopWhat Kinds of Discounts am I Eligible For?
There are a variety of ways to
save money on Texas car insurance. From keeping a clean driving record for a
certain length of time to attending a safe driving course, you can save extra
money on premiums easily. The best way to find these discounts is through the actual
insurance company that provides your coverage. Some common discounts include:
·
Completion
of a Defensive Driving Course
·
Attending
Driver’s Education Classes for Young Drivers
·
“Bundling”
Two or More Cars on a Policy
·
Adding a
Homeowner’s Policy
·
Maintaining
Good Grades as a Student
·
Renewing a
Policy in Good Standing
·
Having a
Child Away at School
·
Having
Airbags and Automatic Seatbelts
·
Having
Anti-lock Brakes
·
Installing
Anti-theft Devices
Back to TopWhat if No Company Will Sell Me Car Insurance in Texas?
If you are having difficulty
finding a quality car insurance company willing to sell you a policy, you may
be eligible to receive basic liability coverage through the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA). If more than two
insurance companies refuse to offer you a policy, you qualify for help.
Currently, TAIPA only offers liability and personal injury protection at state
required levels. Collision insurance is not offered through the program and you
cannot add coverage over state required minimums. You can find out more
information on obtaining TAPIA coverage through a licensed insurance agent or
through the TAIPA website. TAPIA coverage will cost you more than a traditional
automobile insurance policy in Texas, but is an alternative if you cannot get
coverage elsewhere.
Back to TopCan My Insurance Company Cancel Me?
Yes. You are responsible for
keeping your policy in good standing and if for some reason you do not, the
company has the right to cancel your policy. In all cases, if your policy is to
be cancelled, the company must send you a written notice at least ten business
days before the cancellation takes effect. Standard reasons for cancelling a
Texas car insurance policy include:
·
Failure to
Pay a Premium
·
Filing a
Fraudulent Claim
·
Having Your
Driver’s License or Car Registration Suspended
Back to TopWhy Would I Use a Local Agent When I Can Use a Well Known National Company?
Local
Texas agents work with all the major carriers, giving them access to help you
find the best deal. Unlike most national
companies who place you in predetermined groups, a local agent works with you
to find the specific, tailored policy that works best for both your needs and
your budget. Besides, a local, Texas agent has access to the same great
discounts traditionally offered by national companies. Plus, a local
representative is more familiar with unique Texas rules and regulations and
getting an online car insurance quote is just as easy. So you are
still getting the same quality coverage you need, but it’s easier and more
convenient.
Back to TopWhat Different Types of Coverage are Available?
In Texas, you have the option of
buying liability insurance, personal injury protection (PIP) and collision
insurance. The state requires you carry at a minimum 30/60/25 coverage which is
basically $30,000 bodily injury with $60,000 per accident and $25,000 property
damage. Above that, you have the option of adding a variety of different types
of coverage. In Texas, there are eight different types. Here they are and what
they offer.
Back to TopWhat is Liability?
Liability coverage meets state
requirements and is insurance against the costs realized by the other driver
and passengers. Repairs to the other vehicle as well as any medical care that
is required, car rental fees, punitive damages awarded in court and lost wages
are covered. In most cases, you and your
family members are covered, meaning whoever is driving your car is protected if
they should be in an accident. It’s important to note, liability coverage does
not cover the costs to repair your vehicle or medical care for injured persons
in your car.
Back to TopMedical Coverage
For those without health
insurance, medical coverage is an option to pay for medical care as a result of
an accident. Typically it covers you and your family members as well as any
passengers in your car regardless of who caused the accident.
Back to TopPersonal Injury Protection (PIP)
In addition to medical payments,
PIP coverage provides up to 80% of lost income and the expenses associated with
hiring a caregiver for injured persons.
Back to TopComprehensive Coverage
Collision and comprehensive
coverage are required by lenders. If you still owe money on your vehicle, you
will have to purchase this. It pays for expenses to repair or replace a vehicle
that has been stolen, damaged by fire, vandalism, hail, and any event that
causes damage other than a typical car accident. If your vehicle is stolen,
rental fees are covered under comprehensive collision.
Back to TopUninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage
This coverage pays for your
expenses if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have
insurance. It also pays for damage occurred from a hit and run accident.
Back to TopTowing and Labor Coverage
Side of the road towing and labor
expenses after an accident are covered.
Back to TopRental Reimbursement Coverage
If your car has been stole or is
being repaired, rental reimbursement pays for the costs of a rental car.
There are other types of coverage
available to you should you wish to add stereo equipment coverage or driving
while out of the country. Be sure to ask your agent for more information.
Back to Top