Texas Auto Insurance

Texas uses a Tort insurance system. In other words, if you are found at-fault for causing a traffic accident, you and your insurance company will be responsible to pay for the damages. The insurer will pay up to the limits agreed in the policy and, should those not suffice, the injured parties may come after you for the difference.

Minimum Liability requirements

The minimum Liability insurance requirement in Texas is of 30/60/25, one of the highest in the country:

• $30,000 in Personal Damage per passenger injured, but not more than $60.000 for all injured people;
• $25,000 in Property Damage for other damaged vehicles or non-moving property (fences, poles, kiosks, carts and so on)

Average Liability premiums

The average liability car insurance premium in Texas is of $1,360.89, which is 23% lower than the national average of $1.677.98. Median figures in some major cities across the state are as follows: Amarillo: $1.569, Corpus Christi: $1,574, Houston: $1,748, Dallas: $1,541, San Antonio: $1,619.

Teenage driving laws

Texas teenagers need to be at least 15 years old to drive. The Graduated Driver License system is used. Provisional license holders may not drive without a driver of at least 21 years old in the front seat, may not transport more than one passenger over 21, excluding immediate family members and may not drive between midnight and 5am unless to/from work or school or in case of an emergency. These restrictions are in place for six months and will be lifted if the teen has a good driving record.

Cell phone regulations

Texas has recently passed a bill to restrict the use of cell phones when driving. Drivers younger than 18 may not use a cell phone altogether and neither may bus drivers when transporting passengers under 17 years old.

Driving without insurance in Texas

Being unable to provide proof of insurance in Texas is a Class 1 misdemeanor. First-time offenders will be fined between $175 and $350 and, upon a second offense, you may have to pay up to $1,000. Next to the fines, you will be charged a penalty of $250 per year, for three years.

Moreover, your driving privileges will be suspended until you buy an insurance policy. If you got involved in a traffic accident you will be required to file a SR22 certificate for three years, regardless of who was found at-fault in the crash.