Texas Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements, Explained

Every Texas driver has to show financial responsibility, and for most people that means carrying auto liability insurance. But the legal minimum and the coverage that actually protects you are two different things. Here's what Texas requires and what we recommend thinking about.

The legal minimum: 30/60/25

Texas requires liability coverage of at least:

• $30,000 for injuries to one person
• $60,000 total for injuries per accident
• $25,000 for damage to other people's property

That's shorthand "30/60/25." The Texas Department of Insurance Auto Insurance Guide and the Office of Public Insurance Counsel both explain these limits.

Liability coverage pays for other people's injuries and property when you cause a wreck. It does not pay to fix your car or treat your own injuries.

Coverages included unless you reject them in writing

Two coverages are automatically part of a Texas auto policy unless you sign a written rejection:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Pays medical bills and a portion of lost wages for you and your passengers, no matter who caused the accident. The minimum is $2,500 per person.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM). Pays for your injuries and, if you choose, your car damage when the other driver has no insurance or not enough.

We usually recommend keeping both. They're the coverages that protect you and your family directly.

Why the minimum often isn't enough

Think about what $25,000 in property damage buys today. A multi-car wreck, or hitting a new pickup or SUV, can easily cost more than that. If damages go above your limits, you can be personally responsible for the difference.

The same goes for medical costs. A hospital stay after a serious accident can quickly exceed $30,000 for a single person.

Many drivers choose higher limits like 100/300/100, and people with homes, savings or teen drivers often add a personal umbrella policy on top. Raising limits usually costs less than people expect; we'll show you the price difference side by side.

Optional coverages for your own car

• Collision pays to repair your car after an accident, regardless of fault, minus your deductible.
• Comprehensive pays for damage from things other than collisions: theft, hail, flooding, fire, vandalism and hitting a deer. In Texas, with hail and flash floods, comprehensive is especially valuable.
• Rental reimbursement and towing/roadside help keep you moving after a covered loss.

If you have a car loan or lease, your lender will almost always require collision and comprehensive.

Proof of insurance and TexasSure

You must carry proof of insurance in your vehicle and show it when asked by police, at a wreck, when registering your car or getting an inspection. Texas accepts proof on your phone. The state also uses TexasSure, an electronic database, to check whether vehicles are insured.

Penalties for driving without insurance

According to TDI, driving without insurance in Texas can bring:

• Fines for a first offense, with higher fines for repeat offenses
• Annual surcharges on your driver's license under state rules
• Possible suspension of your license and registration
• Impoundment of your vehicle for repeat offenses

Exact amounts are set by law and can change, so check the TDI Auto Insurance Guide for current figures. And beyond the fines, an uninsured driver who causes a wreck is personally responsible for all the damage.

SR-22: when the state requires proof

If you've had certain violations, like a DWI or driving without insurance, Texas may require an SR-22 certificate. That's a form your insurer files with the state proving you carry at least minimum coverage. Not all carriers offer SR-22 filings. Bristol West, one of our primary carriers, often works with drivers who need one.

Tips to lower your Texas auto premium

• Bundle your auto with home or renters insurance.
• Raise deductibles on collision and comprehensive if you have savings to cover them.
• Ask about discounts for good students, defensive driving courses, multiple vehicles, safety features and paying in full.
• Keep a clean record. Tickets and at-fault accidents can affect your rate for years.
• Shop multiple carriers. Every company prices the same driver differently.

You can see how companies compare on the state's HelpInsure.com site, or let us do the comparing for you.

The bottom line

Texas's 30/60/25 minimum keeps you legal, but it's a floor, not a recommendation. The right limits depend on what you own, who drives your cars and how much risk you're comfortable with.

We're one local agent with access to many carriers, led by Farmers, Bristol West and Foremost, and we've helped Texans for 25+ years. We'll show you quotes at the minimum and at higher limits so you can choose with real numbers.

Check my auto price, or call or text (281) 379-5400.

This article is general information, not legal or coverage advice. Your policy wording, carrier and situation decide what's covered. Updated October 2026.

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