Like most states, Texas has a financial responsibility law that requires drivers to demonstrate that they are able to pay for damages in accidents they cause. Most drivers in Dallas achieve this by purchasing auto insurance. You must carry at least the minimum coverage limits that the state requires, although you may choose to purchase additional coverage for your protection.
Texas only requires that drivers carry liability insurance. Basic liability pays for the people in the other car in an accident that you cause.
The minimum coverage you must carry is:
This is referred to as 30/60/25. It’s highly recommended to consider buying additional coverage to increase your policy’s limits. With the increasing cost of medical care and auto body repair, the minimum limits might not be enough to adequately cover the damages of the other party if you’re ever at fault in an accident.
If you don’t carry enough coverage, the other party will be able to sue you for the difference to recover their damages.
Basic liability insurance only covers the other party’s damages; it does not cover you or damage to your vehicle. If you are still making payments on your vehicle, your lender may require you also keep collision and comprehensive coverage that will cover the cost of replacing your car if it’s damaged. There are other types of coverages available that you’ll want to consider.
There are three chief types of additional coverage to talk with your agent about:
The repercussions of not keeping adequate auto insurance are quite weighty. Not only you risk lawsuits, but you will also face fines of up to $1,000, driver’s license suspension, and vehicle impoundment if you’re repeatedly caught driving without insurance. Auto insurance may be difficult on a family’s budget, but it’s not worth the risk of letting it lapse.
For questions regarding insurance, liability, or claims in Dallas, contact attorney Julie Johnson for a free consultation today: 214-290-8001.
