Texas Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

Texas law requires drivers to carry state-minimum liability auto insurance. These limits provide only basic financial protection if you cause an accident and may not cover today’s repair or medical costs. Understanding what the minimum includes — and what it does not — helps you avoid large out-of-pocket expenses.

For a broader overview of pricing factors and coverage options, see the Texas auto insurance guide.

Compare State-Minimum Rates by ZIP Code

Enter your ZIP code below, select liability-only coverage, and compare live rates from multiple insurers. Rechecking rates after moving, adding a driver, or changing vehicles often reveals new savings.

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Texas minimum liability auto insurance cost comparison

What Texas Minimum Coverage Includes

Texas minimum liability insurance is commonly referred to as 30/60/25:

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

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage and Personal Injury Protection are included by default unless waived in writing. Many drivers keep these protections because uninsured driving remains common in parts of Texas.

In some regions, uninsured driver rates are noticeably higher. Keeping UM/UIM and PIP helps avoid unexpected medical costs after a crash.

Why Minimum Coverage Often Falls Short

Vehicle repairs, medical treatment, and legal claims can exceed minimum limits very quickly. When costs go beyond what your policy pays, the remaining balance becomes your personal responsibility. Increasing liability limits is often inexpensive compared to this risk.

Scenario Actual Cost Insurance Pays Out-of-Pocket
Luxury SUV rear-end collision $39,000 $25,000 $14,000
Two injured passengers $84,000 $60,000 $24,000
Intersection side-impact crash $58,500 $25,000 $33,500
Upgrading to limits such as 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 often increases premiums by only a small monthly amount.

Penalties for Driving Uninsured in Texas

  • First offense: $175–$350 fine
  • Second offense: $350–$1,000 fine and possible license suspension
  • Uninsured at-fault accident: license and registration suspension until damages are paid

Penalties escalate quickly, and uninsured accidents can create long-term financial and legal consequences.

Even one uninsured incident may trigger an SR-22 filing requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 30/60/25 enough coverage?
It meets Texas law but often does not cover real accident costs.

Are digital insurance cards accepted?
Yes. Electronic proof of insurance is legal statewide.

Can Personal Injury Protection be declined?
Yes, but only by signing a written waiver.

Does credit score affect pricing?
Credit history influences pricing tiers but does not prevent access to coverage.