Texas Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
What the law requires, what most drivers should carry instead, and how to get proof of insurance fast.
Every driver in Texas is legally required to carry auto liability insurance — but "meets the minimum" and "covers what you actually need" are two different things. Here's what Texas law requires, what happens if you don't carry it, and where minimum coverage tends to fall short.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Texas?
Texas requires liability coverage of at least 30/60/25 — $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 total per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. This is often written as "30/60/25."
Liability insurance pays for the other driver's injuries and property damage when you're at fault — it does not pay to repair or replace your own vehicle.
Does Texas require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage?
Texas law requires insurance companies to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on every auto policy. You can decline it, but you have to do so in writing — it isn't simply left off by default.
Given how many Texas drivers carry only the state minimum, or no insurance at all, UM/UIM coverage is one of the most commonly recommended add-ons even though it isn't itself mandatory.
What happens if I drive without insurance in Texas?
Driving without insurance in Texas is a traffic offense that can lead to fines, and repeat violations or an at-fault accident without coverage can lead to license and registration suspension. After certain violations, the state may also require an SR-22 — a certificate your insurer files with the state proving you carry the required coverage — before your license can be reinstated.
Beyond the legal risk, an at-fault accident without insurance means you're personally on the hook for the other driver's medical bills and vehicle damage.
Is the Texas state minimum enough coverage?
For many drivers, no. Minimum liability coverage doesn't pay for your own vehicle's repairs after an at-fault accident, doesn't cover comprehensive risks like hail, flooding, theft, or vandalism, and can run out quickly in a serious accident — leaving you personally liable for the difference.
We typically walk Texas drivers through liability limits above the state minimum, plus collision and comprehensive coverage, based on their vehicle's value and how much personal risk they're comfortable carrying.
| Bodily injury, per person | $30,000 |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury, per accident | $60,000 |
| Property damage, per accident | $25,000 |
FAQ
What does 30/60/25 mean in Texas car insurance?
$30,000 per injured person, up to $60,000 total per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage — the minimum liability limits Texas law requires.
Do I have to buy uninsured motorist coverage in Texas?
No, but insurers are required to offer it and you must decline it in writing if you don't want it. Most drivers keep it, since it's often affordable and protects you against at-fault drivers who don't carry adequate insurance.
Can I get proof of insurance without calling my agent?
Yes — visit the Policy Service page on this site, or call or text us, and we'll get you a digital ID card or proof of insurance quickly.