Texas requires liability coverage, not collision or comprehensive
Texas law does not require you to carry collision or comprehensive insurance on your vehicle. It requires liability coverage — the insurance that pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else. You must carry at least $30,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $60,000 in bodily injury liability per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability per accident. These are called your state's minimum liability limits.
You do not have to buy collision (which covers damage to your own car from a crash) or comprehensive (which covers theft, weather, and vandalism). You do not have to buy uninsured motorist coverage. Texas does not mandate these. However, if you financed or leased your vehicle, your lender will require collision and comprehensive as a condition of the loan — that is a contract requirement, not a state law requirement.
The state also does not require you to carry medical payments coverage or uninsured motorist protection. Both are optional add-ons that protect you and your passengers, but Texas will not fine you for skipping them.
Key Takeaways
- Texas minimum liability limits are $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage.
- Collision and comprehensive coverage are not required by Texas law, though your lender will require them if you financed your car.
- You must carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times and show it to police if stopped.
- Driving without the required liability coverage can result in fines, license suspension, and civil liability if you cause a crash.
- These minimums cover only the other person's losses — they do not protect your own vehicle or medical bills.
What happens if you drive without the required coverage
Driving without liability insurance in Texas is a criminal misdemeanor. A first offense carries a fine of $175 to $350, plus court costs. Your driver's license can be suspended for up to two years. If you cause a crash and cannot pay for the other person's damages, you become personally liable — they can sue you and garnish your wages or seize assets to recover what you owe.
If you are stopped by police and cannot show proof of insurance, you will receive a citation. You have ten days to show the officer or the court that you had coverage on the date you were stopped. If you cannot prove it, the fine stands. Repeat violations carry higher fines and longer license suspensions.
Texas also has an uninsured motorist database. If you are caught driving without insurance, your name goes into it, and your insurer will be notified if you later try to buy a policy. This can result in higher premiums or a requirement to file an SR-22 form (a certificate proving you carry the state minimum for three years).
How to prove you have the required coverage
You must carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times. This can be a printed insurance card, a digital copy on your phone, or a screenshot of your policy. Your insurance company provides this card when you purchase a policy. If you switch insurers, request a new card immediately — the old one is no longer valid.
When you renew your policy, your insurer will mail you an updated card. Keep the current card in your glove box or wallet. If you buy insurance online or by phone, you can usually print or download your proof of coverage right away — you do not have to wait for a physical card to arrive in the mail.
If you are stopped by police, hand over your proof of insurance along with your driver's license and vehicle registration. If you cannot find it, tell the officer you have coverage and ask for time to locate the card. You can show proof later at the police station or in court. However, it is easier to avoid this situation by keeping your card accessible.
Why Texas minimums may not be enough
Texas minimum liability limits cover only the other person's losses. If you cause a serious crash, medical bills and vehicle damage can easily exceed $60,000. If they do, you are responsible for the overage out of your own pocket. A lawsuit can result in a judgment against you for tens of thousands of dollars.
For example, if you cause a crash that injures two people and damages their vehicles, and the total cost is $150,000, the state minimum covers only $60,000 of bodily injury and $25,000 of property damage. You owe the remaining $65,000. The injured parties can sue you personally to recover it.
Many insurance agents recommend carrying higher limits — $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $100,000 for property damage. The cost difference is usually small, and the protection is much larger. You should also consider uninsured motorist coverage, which protects you if an uninsured driver hits you.
How to buy liability insurance in Texas
You can buy liability insurance from any licensed insurer in Texas. Major companies include State Farm, GEICO, Allstate, Progressive, and Nationwide, but dozens of smaller insurers also operate in the state. You can get quotes online, by phone, or through an independent agent who represents multiple companies.
When you buy a policy, you choose your liability limits (at least the state minimum), your deductible for collision and comprehensive (if you buy them), and any add-ons like uninsured motorist coverage. The insurer will ask for your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and driving history. Your premium depends on your age, driving record, vehicle type, and the limits you choose.
Most insurers offer discounts for bundling home and auto policies, maintaining a clean driving record, completing a defensive driving course, or paying your premium in full upfront. Ask about these when you get a quote. You can also shop around — rates vary significantly between companies, and comparing three to five quotes usually takes less than an hour.
What the SR-22 form means and when you need it
An SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files with the Texas Department of Public Safety to prove you are carrying the state minimum liability coverage. You do not file it yourself — your insurer does it for you when you request it.
You need an SR-22 if you have been convicted of driving without insurance, driving under the influence, or certain other traffic violations. The state requires you to maintain an SR-22 for three years from the date of the violation. During that time, if your insurance lapses even for a day, your insurer must notify the state, and your license can be suspended again.
An SR-22 does not change your coverage or your policy. It is simply proof that you are insured. However, insurers often charge higher premiums to drivers who need an SR-22, because the state considers them higher risk. Once the three-year period ends, you can request that your insurer stop filing the SR-22, and your rates may decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without insurance if I have a suspended license?
No. A suspended license means you are not allowed to drive at all. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense. If you are caught, you face additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If your license was suspended because of an insurance lapse, you must buy insurance and file an SR-22 before you can reinstate it.
Does Texas require uninsured motorist coverage?
No, uninsured motorist coverage is optional. However, it protects you if an uninsured or hit-and-run driver hits you. Without it, you have no insurance to cover your own medical bills or vehicle damage. The cost is usually $10 to $30 per month, and many people consider it worth the price.
What if I only drive occasionally?
You still need liability insurance. Texas does not have a part-time or occasional-use exemption. If you own a vehicle and drive it on public roads, you must carry the state minimum. Some insurers offer low-mileage discounts if you drive fewer than 5,000 miles per year, which can reduce your premium.
Can I get insurance after I buy a car?
Yes, but you cannot drive it home without insurance. You must buy a policy before you take possession of the vehicle. Most insurers can issue a policy online or by phone in minutes, and coverage can start immediately. If you buy a car at a dealership, ask them to hold it while you arrange insurance, or buy a policy on your phone before you leave the lot.
What if I cannot afford the state minimum?
You still need to buy it. Texas does not offer a hardship exemption or a lower minimum for low-income drivers. However, you can shop for the cheapest available policy, ask about discounts, or look into whether you may have access to for any state programs that help low-income drivers. Some nonprofits also offer insurance assistance, though availability varies by county.