In Texas, the law mandates that you have at least automobile insurance before you can even get your driver’s license. You can also be penalized with several points if you are caught without it. This makes it imperative to have a valid Texas automobile insurance policy in hand when you apply for a Texas driver’s license. The minimum automobile insurance rate in Texas is around $1,820 per year. This includes liability coverage for damages or injuries incurred by other persons or your self as well as personal injury protection, which covers medical and funeral costs. Other types of coverage are uninsured motorist protection, property damage liability and collision coverage.
Although Texas has one of the lowest average rates for auto insurance in the United States, you should still shop around before settling on a provider. The reason is that each state has a different minimum requirement, so it may not be prudent to purchase coverage that is not required. For instance, if you live in Texas and are required to have at least a liability policy, you should purchase a minimum of liability coverage to protect your finances in case of an accident. On the other hand, if the national average for Texas drivers is above fifty-five, you should purchase a policy that has a maximum liability of at least five hundred dollars.
If you plan to purchase insurance online, it would be wise to first request quotes from at least three providers. Although you can contact Texas insurers directly, they usually prefer to offer their services through third parties. This gives them a better opportunity to increase their sales since they do not have to compensate the insurer for the sales. Third-party online quotes will give you a good idea of the cheapest Texas auto insurance premiums available.
If you are involved in an accident that was your fault, the most common consequence is paying for your own medical bills. While no fault laws exist in Texas, if you are found at-fault, your car insurance policy will usually cover the cost of your own medical bills. If you are the one at fault, your provider will be liable for paying all medical bills that exceed the limits of your policy. At-fault policies vary in the amount they will pay so you should research carefully before purchasing one. Your provider will also likely require you to have a minimal amount of insurance on your vehicle in the event of a settlement between you and the other driver involved in the accident.
Before purchasing an insurance policy, it is also important to evaluate your Texas driving record. Not all providers require a full disclosure of your driving history, so it is always better to ask questions about what type of coverage you need before signing on the dotted line. If you have been a careful driver, it is likely that you will be offered at least the minimum coverage by many companies. However, if you have been involved in at least two accidents within three years or have been deemed more of a risk than other drivers, you should expect to pay a much higher premium. For this reason, it is advisable to consult with an insurance agent to get a better idea of how much coverage you will need and whether you will be able to afford it.
Another consideration is the amount of bodily injury and property damage you plan on carrying with you in the event of an accident. If you own a vehicle, carrying full coverage for bodily injury and property damage liability insurance will ensure that you receive the maximum amounts of compensation in the event of an accident. If you own only a car, you can opt for uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage to reduce your premiums.
