Texas Auto Insurance Laws for Accidents
The Texas Drivers Handbook provides guidelines and tips for what to do if you have an automobile accident in Texas. These guidelines follow the Texas Transportation Code, a compilation of statutes for the state, and specifically Chapter 550, Subchapter B, which covers duties following an accident. The Texas Department of Insurance regulates insurers and rates. Texas has a Proof of Financial Responsibility law that most drivers fulfill with automobile liability insurance.
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Financial Responsibility Laws
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Texas requires automobile liability insurance coverage in the minimum amount of $30,000 for each person, $60,000 for each accident and $25,000 for property damage. Alternatively, you may file a surety bond to prove you can pay for any damages you cause. Liability insurance covers the other driver's vehicle if you are at fault. Insuring your vehicle requires additional coverage.
If You Have an Accident
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Stop at the scene of an accident in Texas, even if it is only vehicle damage. Remove your car to an investigation area so other vehicles have access to the roadway. Provide assistance to anyone injured and call "911" for assistance. Exchange information with the other driver, providing your driver's license and insurance company information. If you have an accident that causes injury or death, or if the vehicle is not drivable, you must call the police. Call local officers if you are within a municipality or the sheriff's office if you are outside a municipality. You may also contact the Department of Public Safety.
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After an Accident
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Talk with witnesses and get names and telephone numbers of individuals who may have important information for your insurer. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and share all of the names and investigation you did at the scene. Obtain a copy of the accident report, if there is one, and provide information to your insurer as you receive it. It is against the law to intentionally provide false information about an accident to an insurance company.
Texas Department of Insurance
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The Texas Department of Insurance regulates insurance rates and maintains a website that accepts complaints regarding your experience with your insurer. Insurers in Texas use your credit report, the comprehensive loss underwriting exchange or C.L.U.E. report and the motor vehicle record from the state to determine insurance rates. Your insurer may increase rates after an accident, but TDI regulates all rates and insurers must not discriminate. Your insurer cannot refuse to renew your insurance policy because of a not-at-fault accident.
Consumer Bill of Rights
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The Texas Department of Insurance requires automobile insurers to provide a copy of the Consumer Bill of Rights with issuance of a policy. The Bill of Rights tells the consumer what information is available about the insurer at the TDI. Your insurer must tell you the reason for denial of a claim after an accident, and must tell you before settling an insurance claim on your policy.
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References
- Texas Transportation Code: Chapter 550 -- Accidents and Accident Reports
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Slow Down or Change Lanes for Stopped Emergency Vehicles
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Drivers Handbook
- Texas Department of Insurance: Automobile Insurance Made Easy
- Texas Department of Insurance: Consumer Bill of Rights -- Personal Automobile Insurance: July 17, 2009
Resources
- Photo Credit automobile image by Franco DI MEO from Fotolia.com
