Texas Automobile Insurance Coverages Explained

Automobile insurance is something most drivers do not think about until they have to.

Most people purchase automobile insurance without giving it much thought or without knowing exactly what their insurance policy covers.

If you or a loved one are involved in collision as the result of another motor vehicle driver’s negligence, and are injured as a result, you may choose to hire a personal injury lawyer.

At Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, we represent people injured in car collisions caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of other motor vehicle drivers. If you have insurance-related questions and wish to speak to one of our lawyers during a free consultation, please complete our online contact form.

The following is additional basic information about automobile insurance coverage in Texas.

Understanding Auto Insurance Requirements in Texas

Motor vehicle drivers in Texas are required to pay for the costs of collisions they cause. If another motor vehicle driver causes a collision resulting in injury, the injured person may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Most people purchase automobile insurance to cover the costs in the event they cause a collision. In fact, Texas law requires all motor vehicle drivers to carry liability insurance. When an insured’s negligence or wrongdoing causes a person to suffer personal injuries or property damage, the insured’s coverage may provide recovery for the following expenses:

  • Medical and funeral costs, lost wages, compensation for pain and suffering,
  • Car repair or replacement costs, and
  • The cost of a car rental.

Although Texas law only requires liability coverage, many insurance companies use a standardized policy form known as the Texas Personal Automobile Policy that offers eight types of coverage:

  • Liability coverage
  • Collision coverage
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Medical payments coverage
  • Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
  • Towing and labor coverage
  • Rental reimbursement coverage

Many drivers in Texas elect to carry some of the optional coverages offered in the Texas Personal Automobile Policy.

More information is available on the Texas Department of Insurance website.

What Is Personal Injury Protection Insurance?

Personal injury protection insurance (PIP) is included in most auto insurance policies in Texas. Insurance companies automatically provide PIP coverage, but policyholders may reject it in writing if they do not want it. It covers some medical expenses, 80 percent of lost wages and the cost of hiring a caregiver while the injured is recovering.

PIP insurance applies no matter who was at fault. This includes coverage for the driver, passengers and anyone else injured in a crash.

Insurance companies must offer $2,500 worth of PIP coverage, but policyholders have the ability to purchase more.

Questions? Talk to an Experienced Attorney Today.

If you have additional questions about automobile insurance coverage after an automobile collision, please do not hesitate to contact us to schedule a free consultation.

Call our Houston law office at (713) 222-7211 to set up a time to meet.