If you drive in Texas, you must have car insurance—it’s not optional. The state has strict laws requiring every driver to carry a certain level of coverage before getting behind the wheel. Failing to meet these requirements could lead to fines, suspended licenses, or even having your car impounded.
In this guide, we’ll explain what the minimum car insurance required in Texas is, what each type of coverage means, and why you might want to buy more than the minimum to stay truly protected.
Understanding Texas Car Insurance Laws
Texas law requires all drivers to show proof that they can pay for any accidents they cause. The most common way to do this is by purchasing auto liability insurance.
This type of insurance pays for the other driver’s injuries and property damage if you cause a crash. It doesn’t cover your own car or medical bills—that’s why many drivers choose to add extra protection.
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) sets the rules for how much coverage you must have to drive legally in the state.
What Is the Minimum Car Insurance Required in Texas?
The minimum car insurance required in Texas is called 30/60/25 liability coverage.
That means you must have at least:
- $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury liability per accident (total for all people injured)
- $25,000 for property damage liability per accident
Let’s break this down in plain terms:
If you cause an accident, your liability insurance pays for the other driver’s medical bills and car repairs—up to your policy limits.
For example:
If you hit another car and injure two people, your policy can pay up to $30,000 per person, but no more than $60,000 total for the entire accident.
If you damage someone’s property, like their vehicle or a fence, your policy pays up to $25,000 for repairs.
Anything above those limits would come out of your pocket.
What Each Required Coverage Means
- Bodily Injury Liability
This covers the other driver’s or passengers’ medical costs if you’re at fault in an accident. It includes things like ambulance rides, hospital visits, or lost wages. - Property Damage Liability
This pays for repairing or replacing another person’s property that you damage with your car. It usually applies to vehicles, but also covers items like buildings, fences, or mailboxes.
While these two coverages make you legally compliant, they do not cover your own expenses.
Optional Coverages You Should Consider
Even though the state only requires liability insurance, many Texas drivers add extra coverage for better protection. Here are a few options worth considering:
- Collision Coverage – Pays for repairs to your own car after an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
- Comprehensive Coverage – Covers non-collision events such as theft, vandalism, fire, or damage from severe weather (which is common in Texas).
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) – Protects you if you’re hit by a driver who has no insurance or not enough to cover the damages.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – Covers your medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, no matter who caused it.
- Towing and Rental Reimbursement – Helps with the cost of towing your car or getting a rental while your vehicle is being repaired.
These coverages aren’t required, but they can save you from huge financial stress if an unexpected accident or natural disaster occurs.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Texas
Driving without the minimum car insurance required in Texas can cost you more than just a ticket. The penalties increase if you’re a repeat offender.
First Offense:
- Fine between $175 and $350
- Additional fees and court costs
- Possible license suspension if you don’t show proof of insurance
Second and Subsequent Offenses:
- Fine up to $1,000
- Vehicle impoundment
- SR-22 requirement (a certificate proving you have insurance for future coverage)
- Possible driver’s license suspension
The SR-22 filing alone can make your future car insurance premiums much more expensive.
How to Show Proof of Insurance in Texas
In Texas, you must always be able to show proof of insurance when:
- A police officer requests it
- You’re involved in an accident
- You renew your vehicle registration
- You get or renew your driver’s license
Proof can be a paper insurance card or a digital version displayed on your phone.
If you fail to provide proof of insurance, even if you’re covered, you could still get a citation until you show valid documents.
What Happens If You Cause an Accident Without Insurance
If you cause an accident and don’t have car insurance, things can get very expensive fast. You’ll be personally responsible for:
- All property damage
- Medical bills for other people involved
- Possible legal fees if you get sued
Without insurance, even a small crash can turn into thousands of dollars in debt. If you can’t pay for the damages, a court could order wage garnishment or seize assets until the debt is paid.
In some cases, your license and registration could be suspended until you can prove financial responsibility.
When to Get More Than the Minimum Coverage
While Texas law only requires 30/60/25 coverage, that’s often not enough in real-life accidents.
Imagine this: you cause a major accident that injures several people, and the total medical bills reach $120,000. Your insurance only covers $60,000 per accident. You’ll be personally responsible for the remaining $60,000.
That’s why experts recommend increasing your liability limits to at least 100/300/100 for better protection.
You should also consider comprehensive and collision coverage if:
- Your car is less than 10 years old
- You still owe money on a car loan
- You live in an area with high theft or storm risk
Having higher coverage limits protects your finances and prevents future legal trouble.
How to Find Affordable Car Insurance in Texas
Car insurance rates in Texas can vary depending on where you live, your age, driving history, and even your credit score. Here are a few tips for finding affordable coverage:
- Compare multiple quotes from different insurance companies.
- Ask about discounts for safe driving, bundling policies, or paying upfront.
- Maintain a clean driving record to qualify for lower rates.
- Choose a higher deductible if you can afford to pay more out of pocket in an accident.
- Avoid lapses in coverage—a gap in insurance can make future policies more expensive.
Taking time to shop around can help you save hundreds of dollars every year.
Final Thoughts on the Minimum Car Insurance Required in Texas
So, what is the minimum car insurance required in Texas? It’s 30/60/25 liability coverage, which includes:
- $30,000 for injuries per person
- $60,000 per accident total
- $25,000 for property damage
This is the legal minimum to drive in Texas, but it’s not always enough to cover serious accidents.
For true financial protection, consider adding collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage. A few extra dollars per month could save you from thousands in unexpected bills.
Staying insured not only keeps you legal—it keeps you safe.