Table of contents

Driving in Texas comes with its share of responsibilities, and one of the most crucial is having proper auto insurance coverage. In 2023 alone, approximately 250,335 individuals were injured in motor vehicle crashes across the state.

On average, someone was injured in a crash every 2 minutes and 6 seconds. Imagine being at fault in an accident that damages someone else’s car or, worse, results in injuries.

Without liability auto insurance, you could be held personally liable for covering these expenses, which might include costly medical treatments, lost wages, and even long-term legal consequences if you’re sued. Such expenses can escalate rapidly, creating a significant financial burden on you.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything about Texas Liability Auto Insurance, including what it covers, what it doesn’t, and why it’s essential for every driver.

What is Texas Liability Auto Insurance?

Texas Liability Auto Insurance is a type of coverage required by Texas law to protect other people and their property if you cause a car accident.

This insurance excludes coverage for your own vehicle or medical expenses; it solely addresses damages and injuries for which you are legally liable.

The 30/60/25 Coverage

30/60/25 coverage refers to the minimum liability insurance limits required by Texas law. It specifies how much your insurance policy will pay for damages or injuries if you are at fault in an accident. Here's a breakdown:

  • $30,000 per person for injuries: Your insurance will pay up to $30,000 for medical expenses or damages caused to a single individual involved in the accident.
  • $60,000 per accident for injuries: This is the maximum your insurance will cover for injuries to all individuals involved in a single accident. For example, if multiple people are hurt, their total claims cannot exceed $60,000.
  • $25,000 for property damage: Your insurance will cover up to $25,000 for any damage to the other party's vehicle or property, such as fences, buildings, or other structures.

Example Scenario

If you’re at fault in an accident involving two people:

  • One person has $35,000 in medical bills.
  • The other has $20,000 in medical bills.
  • Their combined medical expenses total $55,000.

Your policy will pay up to $30,000 for the first person and the remaining $25,000 for the second person, staying within the $60,000 per-accident limit. If property damage is also involved, your policy will pay up to $25,000 for repairs.

While the minimum 30/60/25 coverage meets legal requirements, it may not offer enough protection against significant financial risks. Any costs exceeding these limits become your responsibility, which is why numerous drivers choose to increase their coverage limits to safeguard their assets and avoid personal liability.

At TWFG Khan Insurance, we understand the complexities of liability risks and offer customized policies tailored to your needs. Our team ensures you have the right coverage to protect your financial stability and peace of mind.

From higher coverage limits to comprehensive options, we provide solutions that keep you fully prepared for any unforeseen liabilities.

Is Texas Liability Auto Insurance Required?

Yes, Texas law requires all drivers to have auto insurance to legally operate a vehicle. Without auto insurance, you could face serious legal and financial consequences.

To meet state requirements, drivers must carry at least 30/60/25 liability coverage, which we have just discussed above.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

If you're caught driving without auto liability insurance in Texas, you may face various penalties, such as:

  • Fines:some text
    • First offense: $175 to $350.
    • Additional offenses: Up to $1,000, plus additional fees.
  • License and registration suspension: The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may suspend your license and vehicle registration if you don’t comply with insurance requirements.
  • Reinstatement fees: To get your license or registration reinstated, you must pay substantial fees and show proof of insurance, often at higher premiums due to your lapse in coverage.
  • Annual surcharges: Texas can impose an annual surcharge of $250 for three consecutive years if you're found driving without insurance.

By maintaining continuous, adequate coverage, you can protect yourself from penalties and ensure peace of mind on the road.

What Does Texas Liability Auto Insurance Cover?

Texas Liability Auto Insurance covers the costs of injuries, repairs, and legal fees for which you are legally responsible. Here’s a detailed list of what your liability insurance includes:

1. Bodily Injury Liability Coverage

This pays for medical expenses and other costs if you injure someone in an accident. It includes:

  • Medical bills for the injured person(s), such as hospital stays, surgeries, or rehabilitation.
  • Lost wages for the injured person(s) if they cannot work due to their injuries.
  • Covers legal expenses if an injured party files a lawsuit against you for damages.

2. Property Damage Liability Coverage

This coverage ensures that you can pay for the repair or replacement of someone else’s property if you’re responsible for an accident. It typically includes:

  • Vehicle repairs: Covers the cost to repair the other party’s car.
  • Damage to structures: Pays for damages to fences, buildings, or other fixed structures caused by the accident.
  • Public property: Covers damages to public property like lampposts, traffic signals, or guardrails.

3. Legal Defense Costs

Liability insurance provides financial protection if legal claims are brought against you after an accident. It includes:

  • Attorney fees: Covers the cost of legal representation during the case.
  • Court costs: Includes filing fees, expert witness charges, and other legal expenses.
  • Settlements or judgments: Addresses settlements or court-mandated payments, within the limits of your policy.

4. Coverage for Accidents in Other States

Most Texas liability auto insurance policies extend coverage when you drive outside of Texas, as long as you’re within the United States or Canada. However, coverage does not apply in Mexico unless additional coverage is purchased.

Factors Affect the Cost of Texas Liability Auto Insurance Policy

The cost of a Texas Liability Auto Insurance policy varies from person to person because several factors influence how much you pay.

Insurance providers evaluate these factors to calculate your premium, aiming to balance potential risks and coverage costs. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors that affect the cost of your policy:

1. Driving History

  • Insurers review your driving history for accidents, traffic infractions, and prior claims. 
  • A clean driving history can lower your premium, while accidents or tickets may increase it.
  • Drivers with a history of risky behaviour are seen as higher risk, leading to higher costs.

2. Location

  • Your ZIP code is one of the key factor in calculating your premium.
  • Living in urban areas typically results in higher costs due to increased accident risks, theft, and vandalism.
  • Drivers in rural areas often pay less because there’s less traffic and fewer accidents.

3. Vehicle Type

  • The make, model, and age of your car affect your premium.
  • Luxury or high-performance cars cost more to insure because they’re expensive to repair or replace.
  • Older vehicles may cost less to insure, but safety features on newer cars can sometimes lower premiums.

4. Coverage Limits

  • Choosing the minimum required coverage (30/60/25) will cost less than selecting higher coverage limits.
  • While higher limits increase your premium, they provide better financial protection in the event of a serious accident.

5. Credit Score

  • Many insurance companies in Texas consider your credit score when setting premiums.
  • Drivers with strong credit scores often qualify for lower rates, as they are considered more reliable.

6. Age and Experience

  • Younger drivers and those with less driving experience often pay higher premiums because they’re more likely to be involved in accidents.
  • Rates typically decrease as you gain experience and maintain a good driving record.

Average Costs

While costs vary based on individual circumstances, the average cost of a liability-only policy in Texas ranges between $500 and $700 per year. Adding coverage like collision or comprehensive will increase this amount, depending on your choices.

How to Save on Your Premium

  • Keep a clean driving record.
  • Consider bundling policies, like auto and home insurance, with the same provider.
  • Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies.
  • Ask about discounts for defensive driving courses, good grades (for young drivers), or multiple vehicles on the same policy.

Managing premiums doesn’t have to be a challenge. At TWFG Khan Insurance, we provide tailored guidance to help you lower costs while maintaining comprehensive coverage.

Whether it’s bundling policies or exploring driver discounts, we ensure you maximize your savings without compromising your protection.

Other Policy and Insurance Options

While Texas Liability Auto Insurance provides essential protection for damages and injuries to others, it does not cover your own expenses in an accident.

To ensure complete protection, you can add other types of coverage to your policy. These options enhance your safety and provide financial security in a wider range of scenarios.

1. Collision Coverage

Collision coverage helps cover the costs of replacing or repairing your vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident, regardless of who caused it. This includes collisions with another car or fixed objects, providing vital protection for your vehicle.

This coverage is especially valuable if you own a newer or high-value vehicle, as repair or replacement costs can be substantial.

2. Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects against damage from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, natural disasters, or hitting an animal. If your car is damaged by hail, floods, or fire, this coverage ensures you’re not left paying out of pocket.

It’s an excellent choice if you frequently park your car in high-risk areas or live in regions prone to severe weather.

3. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage safeguards you financially if you’re in an accident caused by a driver who either has no insurance or lacks sufficient coverage to cover your losses.

It also covers hit-and-run incidents where the at-fault driver can’t be identified. This option ensures you’re not burdened by the costs of another driver’s negligence.

4. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers medical bills, lost wages, and other non-medical expenses for you and your passengers, no matter who is at fault.

It also helps cover the cost of essential services you might not be able to perform due to injuries, like childcare or housekeeping. In Texas, PIP is included in auto policies by default unless you specifically waive it in writing.

5. Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage covers medical expenses for you and your passengers following an accident, regardless of who caused it.

While it is similar to PIP, it doesn’t include coverage for lost wages or non-medical expenses. This option can complement health insurance to ensure comprehensive medical protection.

6. Towing and Labor Coverage

Towing and labor coverage pay for towing your vehicle if it becomes undrivable due to an accident or breakdown. It also includes labor costs for minor on-the-spot repairs, such as jump-starting your battery or changing a flat tyre.

This option helps reduce the inconvenience and expense of unexpected breakdowns.

7. Rental Reimbursement Coverage

Rental reimbursement coverage provides financial support for a rental car while your vehicle undergoes repairs following an accident.

This ensures you can stay mobile without incurring additional expenses, especially if the repairs take an extended period.

Why Consider Additional Coverage?

While liability insurance satisfies legal requirements, it doesn’t protect you in many common scenarios. Adding these options ensures that you’re financially covered for repairs, medical expenses, and other costs, giving you peace of mind no matter what happens on the road.

Choose TWFG Khan Insurance for Your Auto Insurance Needs

When it comes to protecting yourself on the road, you need more than just any insurance policy—you need a partner you can trust.

TWFG Khan Insurance offers tailored solutions for Texas drivers, ensuring you get the coverage you need with the personal care you deserve. Here’s why we’re the right choice for your Texas Liability Auto Insurance:

1. Expertise in Auto Insurance

We provide insurance solutions tailored to Texas’s legal requirements, ensuring your financial security is never compromised.

Our professional team recognizes the distinct challenges Texas drivers encounter and is dedicated to simplifying the intricacies of state laws and insurance options. With us, you get expertise that ensures you are fully compliant and well-protected.

2. Customizable Policies

At TWFG Khan Insurance, we go beyond offering standard policies. Our team collaborates with you to design coverage tailored to your specific risks and needs. Whether it’s collision coverage to safeguard your vehicle, comprehensive protection against natural disasters, or uninsured motorist coverage to address gaps caused by other drivers, we’ve got you covered.

Additionally, our access to top-rated insurance carriers ensures you receive a policy that delivers the best value without compromising on coverage.

3. Dedicated Customer Support

We believe in being there when it matters most. That’s why we offer 24/7 claims support to assist you during emergencies or complex situations.

From answering your questions to guiding you through the claims process, our team ensures your experience is simple and stress-free. With TWFG Khan Insurance, you’re never navigating the road to recovery alone.

Don’t leave your financial security to chance. Let TWFG Khan Insurance help you find the right policy to protect you on the road. Get a quote with us today and drive with confidence, knowing you’re covered by experts who care.