Texas Car Insurance Requirements: Minimums, Fault Rules & Penalties
Minimum liability requirements
| Coverage | Minimum limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury per person | $30,000 |
| Bodily injury per accident | $60,000 |
| Property damage per accident | $25,000 |
Texas requires all registered vehicles to maintain at least these liability limits. Proof of insurance must be carried in the vehicle and presented to law enforcement on request.
Fault system
Texas is an at-fault (tort) state that uses modified comparative fault (the 51% rule). You can recover damages from an at-fault driver as long as your share of fault is 50% or less. If you are found 51% or more responsible, you cannot recover anything from the other party.
Texas insurers are required by law to offer Personal Injury Protection (PIP) of at least $2,500 per person. You must reject it in writing if you don't want it. Many Texas drivers carry it for quick medical cost coverage after an accident.
TexasSure insurance verification
Texas operates one of the most active insurance verification systems in the country. TexasSure links DMV records with real-time insurer data. Consequences of a lapsed policy can include:
- Automated notices mailed to the registered owner
- Vehicle registration suspension
- Fines at the time of registration renewal
Law enforcement officers can also query TexasSure during a traffic stop to verify coverage.
SR-22 filing requirements
An SR-22 is required in Texas after:
- DWI/DUI conviction
- Conviction for driving without insurance
- Certain serious moving violations
- License revocation or suspension
The standard SR-22 period in Texas is 2 years. A policy lapse during this period resets the clock and notifies the DPS.
Penalties for driving uninsured
| Offense | Fine | Additional surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| First offense | $175–$350 | $250/year for 3 years |
| Subsequent offenses | $350–$1,000 | $250/year for 3 years |
| Accident without insurance | Fine + civil liability | Possible license suspension |
Texas's Driver Responsibility Program adds annual surcharges on top of fines, making repeat violations expensive even after initial fines are paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the minimum car insurance requirements in Texas?
- Texas requires 30/60/25 liability: $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accident. Texas law refers to this as '30/60/25' coverage.
- Is Texas a fault or no-fault state?
- Texas is an at-fault state. The driver responsible for the accident pays for the other party's injuries and property damage through their liability coverage. PIP is not required but must be offered.
- What is TexasSure?
- TexasSure is Texas's electronic insurance verification system. Law enforcement officers and TxDMV can check in real time whether your vehicle has active insurance. If your policy lapses, you may receive an automated notice within days.
- What are the penalties for driving without insurance in Texas?
- First offense: $175–$350 fine. Second and subsequent offenses: $350–$1,000. After a first offense, a $250 annual surcharge is added to your license for three years, totaling $750.