Texas Auto Insurance Requirements

Before you decide to put that key into that ignition, as a responsible driver you should make sure that you are adequately protected with the proper insurance coverages. There is a lot of information out there about insurance, and you know what they say about too much info? Well, if you have too much information it can get to a point where it's just too confusing to process.

A good insurance agent should take the time to explain to you about the insurance policy you just purchased. That agent should not let you leave his or her office until you are comfortable with your purchase and you understand the coverages of your policy. As a prudent seeker of insurance, you should familiarize yourself with the different options that are available to you.

Here is a brief synopsis of a typical Texas auto insurance policy:

Bodily Injury - provides liability protection if you are found liable of causing personal injury to a driver and/or passengers in the other vehicle/s that were involved in the accident. Medical expenses can accumulate rather quickly, so having this coverage will pay for reasonable medical costs and rehabilitative services.

Property Damage - insures you against claims of causing damage to the personal property of others that were involved in the accident. Property is defined as something physical in nature that is owned by a person or group. So for insurance purposes, property may include a vehicle, house, building, or fence, etc. So if you are found to have caused damage to someone's property, this portion of the auto insurance policy should cover it.

Texas limits of liability is:

$25,0000 per person for bodily injuries

$50,000 per accident for bodily injuries

$25,000 per accident for property damages

Now keep in mind that these are the bare minimum liability coverages that you must carry in order to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Texas. Also keep in mind that cars are more expensive to repair and replace, so make sure that you have enough coverage in the event that you hit one of those expensive vehicles. Your insurance policy will cover up to the amount that you selected on the declaration page of your policy, you will be responsible for the excess amount.

Collision - pays for the damages to the insured vehicle that were involved in a motor vehicle accident. If your vehicle is "totaled", you will be paid the actual cash value ( market value - less appreciation).

Comprehensive - pays for damages to the insured vehicle in which the incident was not cause by a auto accident (collision). Examples of other than collision incidents are: theft, flood, riots, and fire, etc.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) - this is a no-fault coverage that will pay for medical expense regardless of whom is found to be liable for the accident.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection - an inexpensive endorsement (optional addition) to your policy that will pay for your damages if you are hit by an at-fault driver that: (a) does not have any liability protection or (b) does not have enough liability coverage.

Again, there is a lot of information out there on auto insurance coverages, now you should be aware of the required liability limits in Texas and have a working knowledge of the major portions of an auto insurance policy. Feel better?

Rico Henderson is the owner Henderson Insurance Agency, providing Affordable Texas Auto Insurance. To learn more, visit his site at All-AboutInsurance.net.

Rico Henderson
Henderson Insurance Agency
3960 Broadway Blvd., Ste 111
Garland, TX 75043