Texas Minimum Car-Insurance Requirements
Texas law requires all drivers to carry at least state-minimum liability insurance. These minimums provide only basic financial protection if you cause an accident, but they may not fully cover modern repair or medical costs. Understanding what the minimum includes—and what it does not—helps you avoid paying large expenses out-of-pocket.
For a broader overview of how insurers price policies and how coverage levels change total cost, you can review the texas auto insurance guide.
Compare State-Minimum Rates by ZIP Code
Enter your ZIP below, select “Liability Only,” and compare real-time rates from multiple insurers. Checking rates periodically helps ensure you're not overpaying after changes like moving, adding a driver, or replacing a vehicle.
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What the 2025 Texas Minimum Covers
Texas minimum liability coverage is known 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 and Personal Injury Protection are included unless you waive them in writing.
Many Texas drivers keep these protections because they help cover medical bills and lost wages if the other driver is uninsured, which is common in some regions of the state.
Why the Minimum Often Isn’t Enough
Repair costs, medical bills, and legal claims can exceed minimum limits quickly. When damages go beyond what your insurance pays, you are personally responsible for the remaining amount. Increasing limits is often a low-cost upgrade compared to these risks.
| Scenario | Realistic Cost | Min Pays | You Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear-end crash damaging a luxury SUV | $39,000 | $25,000 | $14,000 |
| Two injured passengers | $84,000 | $60,000 | $24,000 |
| Side-impact crash at intersection | $58,500 | $25,000 | $33,500 |
| Multiple-vehicle chain collision | $112,000 | $60,000 | $52,000 |
| Damage to commercial property | $46,000 | $25,000 | $21,000 |
Penalties for Driving Uninsured in Texas
- First offense: $175–$350 fine
- Second offense: $350–$1,000 + possible license suspension
- At-fault crash without insurance: registration & license suspended until damages are paid
Penalties escalate quickly because the state aims to discourage uninsured driving. Reinstatement fees and filing requirements may also apply.
If you are involved in a collision without coverage, the financial and legal consequences can continue for years, especially if medical claims are involved.
Typical Low-Cost Minimum Rates in Dallas
Rates vary significantly by ZIP code, driving history, and vehicle type. To examine how location influences price trends across the region, see the cheap auto insurance in dallas overview.
Urban areas with higher traffic density typically see increased accident frequency, which can raise premiums compared to rural ZIP codes. Meanwhile, suburbs with lower claim rates often see more competitive minimum liability pricing, even for the same vehicle and driver profile.
Need an SR-22?
Drivers with a DUI, coverage lapse, or suspended license may be required to file an SR-22 for about two continuous years.
This filing does not replace insurance — it simply notifies the state that you are carrying active coverage. Failure to maintain continuous coverage resets the required filing timeline.
Full filing steps and typical surcharge ranges are explained in the texas sr-22 cost and requirements guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 30/60/25 enough coverage?
It meets state law but often does not cover real accident costs.
Are digital insurance cards accepted?
Yes — electronic proof is legal across Texas.
Can I decline PIP?
Yes, but only by signing a waiver.
Does credit score affect pricing?
It influences rate tiers but cannot prevent access to coverage.