Texas Car Insurance Minimum Requirements
Automobile insurance is required in Texas, and the requirement has been difficult to enforce. Texas has tightened the law and enforcement procedures so that driving in Texas without insurance becomes a challenge as well as illegal. The insurance requirement in Texas is for liability insurance to cover the other driver's vehicle and injuries. It does not cover your automobile unless you have additional coverage.
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Limits
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Liability insurance is required in Texas, and the limits increase at the end of 2010 is $30,000 for each person injured with a maximum of $60,000 for each accident and $25,000 in property damage coverage. Insurance shorthand writes this as 30/60/25. The limits from April 2008 through Dec. 2010 were 25/50/25.
Enforcement
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Texas has increased enforcement of the financial responsibility laws by enacting a program for police officers to check insurance coverage at the scene of an accident or traffic stop. This is TexasSure, an electronic verification system available to county officials, vehicle inspectors and police officers. The goal is to decrease uninsured drivers in Texas, as it has had one of the highest uninsured motorist records in the nation. Texas Sure website reports that one in five automobiles in Texas lacks insurance.
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Financial Responsibility
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If you own a vehicle and drive on the highways of Texas, you must provide proof of financial responsibility if asked by a police officer. You will also see other instances where you will have to produce your proof of insurance, including driver's license renewal, automobile registration renewal and annual inspection of the vehicle. Texas limits the potential for uninsured motorists to drive on the highways within the state.
Violations
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A driver who does not have liability insurance will find that he cannot get the vehicle inspected and cannot renew the registration. He cannot even renew his driver's license without proof of financial responsibility or liability insurance coverage on the vehicle. This is before he has an accident or involves a police officer. If stopped by an officer or in case of accident, the first violation will get you a fine of $175 to $350. You may also get a ticket for invalid registration and expired inspection sticker and fines to match. Expired driver's license is another charge with a fine. A second conviction will garner a fine of $350 to $1,000 and potential suspension of the driver's license and impoundment of the vehicle.
Solution
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Purchase automobile liability insurance to cover your financial responsibility requirements in Texas with minimum limits of 30/60/25. With the TexasSure verification procedure, Texas is serious about decreasing the uninsured motorist rate, and any attempt to avoid the law may create difficulties for you. If you are high risk, Texas maintains the Texas Auto Insurance Plan Association, or TAIPA, to provide minimum liability coverage for three years. You must apply through a licensed insurance agent for this coverage.
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