The State of Texas takes insurance laws very seriously. It requires that all Texas motorists carry insurance for registered vehicles in the state – amounts equivalent to $25,000 in property damage, $30,000 per injured person and $60,000 in total bodily injury coverage per accident. Driving without the required minimum auto liability coverage in Texas could result in serious consequences.
The first time you are caught driving uninsured will result in a citation and fee of up to $350. If, however, you continue to drive without insurance in Texas, the fines and severity of consequences increase with each offense. Your second and subsequent underinsured motorist offenses could mean fines of $1,000, suspension of driver’s license and impoundment of your vehicle. Furthermore, the consequences for driving without insurance in Texas continue for years following the first offense. The state implements an ongoing surcharge of $250 per year to maintain your license after you are found to be driving without insurance.
In addition to the legal consequences for driving uninsured in Texas, the offense also carries major financial risks. In Texas, you are liable and must pay for any and all damages you cause in a collision or accident, regardless of whether or not you have adequate insurance coverage. That is why it is a good idea to not only purchase the Texas state minimum auto liability coverage, but also comprehensive coverage that protects your own car and health after a collision.