Is it required by law to have auto insurance in Texas?
Asked by: Joaquin Konopelski | Last update: January 21, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (9 votes)
Texas law requires all drivers to have adequate car insurance. According to state law, Texas drivers need to have minimum insurance coverages of $30,000 per injured person, up to at least $60,000 per accident. Additionally, Texas drivers must have coverage for property damage of at least $25,000.
Is insurance mandatory in Texas?
Carrying car insurance in Texas is a requirement for all drivers. Not only is it a legal requirement, it's also crucial for protecting yourself and your assets. Most drivers should consider adding more coverage on top of what's required by the state to be better protected.
What auto insurance is required by Texas law?
In Texas, you must have at least $30,000 in liability coverage for each injured person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. This basic coverage is called 30/60/25.
What states don't require auto insurance?
New Hampshire and Virginia are the only states that do not require auto insurance. However, if you choose not to purchase car insurance in these states, you would still be held liable for any property damage or bodily injury caused by their vehicle.
Which state can you drive without car insurance?
New Hampshire is the only state that doesn't mandate car insurance. However, drivers who choose not to buy car insurance must prove they have sufficient funds to meet the state's financial responsibility requirements (PDF) in the event they cause an accident.
How does auto insurance works in Texas
How many states legally require you to have car insurance?
Auto liability insurance is mandatory in 49 states and the District of Columbia. New Hampshire, the only state that does not require auto liability insurance, requires drivers to show that they are able to provide sufficient funds in the case of an at-fault accident (i.e., financial responsibility).
What age does car insurance go down in Texas?
New Texas drivers, like teenagers, generally pay more for car insurance since insurers typically see inexperienced drivers as high-risk and prone to accidents. By age 20, rates start to come down, with age 25 being the sweet spot when most insurance companies give new drivers a break on price.
Why are we forced to have car insurance?
By requiring car insurance in almost every state, U.S. car insurance laws help financially protect individuals in the event they cause or are involved in an accident. These laws attempt to ensure that every driver has insurance to cover a minimum level of costs for injuries and property damage they're responsible for.
How many Texans don't have auto insurance?
20% of Texas Drivers are Uninsured
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, approximately 80% of drivers in Texas carry at least the minimum amount of coverage.
What is the cheapest car insurance in Texas?
Drivers in Texas looking for the cheapest full-coverage car insurance can get it from Texas Farm Bureau at $1,036 a year, or $86 a month. State Farm is the second-cheapest choice at $112 a month. While Texas Farm Bureau has the cheapest full-coverage insurance. rates, State Farm offers many more discounts.
How much is a ticket for no insurance in Texas?
Costs Associated With a No Insurance Ticket
First, you will receive a ticket for no insurance, along with a fine of $175-$350, supposing it's your first offense. Subsequent offenses could entail fines of $350-$1,000 for each infraction.
What happens if I don't add my teenager to my car insurance?
One of the biggest risks of not adding your teenager to your car insurance is what happens if they get into an accident. Even if it's a minor fender bender with no injuries or property damage, it can open up a can of worms with your insurer.
How long can you go without car insurance in Texas?
You can't drive without insurance per Texas law. All drivers are required to have car insurance immediately. However, Texas's grace period allows drivers to carry over coverage from a previous vehicle for 20 days, with some drivers enjoying up to 30 days.
Is it illegal to not have insurance in Texas?
A person commits an offense if the person operates a motor vehicle without an automobile liability insurance policy or other evidence of financial responsibility. This offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $175.00 or more than $350.00.
What are the minimum Texas auto insurance requirements?
Texas law requires you to have at least $30,000 of coverage for injuries per person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 of coverage for property damage. This is called 30/60/25 coverage.
Can you refuse to use insurance?
You may choose not to use insurance if the service you need isn't covered, or it's less expensive if you pay out of pocket.
Is requiring car insurance constitutional?
On the other hand, the federal government has powers that are limited and can only make laws as they relate to the constitution. This structure is the reason why states can require its licensed drivers to have car insurance but the federal government cannot mandate that everyone in the country have health insurance.
Is car insurance a federal law?
Yes, federal law requires all drivers to have car insurance so the interests of pedestrians and other motorists are protected in a crash. Most states have laws that mandate car insurance as well, with each state establishing its own required coverage amounts and penalties for failure to have insurance.
Can my son drive my car with his own insurance?
If your son regularly drives your car, he must be listed on your insurance policy. Insurance providers generally require that each driver in the household be listed on the policy. Customize your coverage to fit your needs.
Does credit score affect car insurance?
How credit-based insurance scores work. Most U.S. insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores along with your driving history, claims history and many other factors to establish eligibility for payment plans and to help determine insurance rates. Again, except in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.
At what age does car insurance go up for seniors?
That said, based on Progressive's data on how age impact insurance rates, car insurance for seniors typically only starts increasing at age 75+. Even then, the average 75+ premium is still lower than premiums for the 45–49 range.
What states is it illegal to not have insurance?
New Jersey, California, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia require their residents to have health insurance coverage or face penalties. Vermont recommends that residents have coverage, but there's no noncompliance penalty.
Can the color of your car affect your insurance premium?
Does car color affect insurance rates? The color of your car doesn't affect your insurance rate. Instead, your insurance company uses other information, like your car's age, location, usage, and your driving record, to help determine insurance rates.
What does 15/30/10 mean in insurance?
If your limits are 15/30/10, this means: No more than $15,000 would be paid per person for Bodily Injury. No more than $30,000 would be paid per accident for Bodily Injury. No more than $10,000 would be paid per accident for Property Damage.