Coverage Comparison Table: Texas Auto Insurance Policies

Choosing the right auto insurance in Texas starts with understanding your coverage options. The table below compares the core policy types available to Texas drivers, including minimum requirements, what each covers, key exclusions, and important notes to help you make an informed decision. Use this resource to clarify your options before you buy, renew, or update your policy.

Coverage Type What It Covers Required in Texas? Typical Limits Key Exclusions Who Should Consider?
Liability
Bodily Injury & Property Damage		 Pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident.
(Does not cover your own injuries or vehicle.) 		Yes (Minimum Required) $30,000 per person/
$60,000 per accident (bodily injury)
$25,000 (property damage)
  • Your injuries or vehicle
  • Intentional damage
 All drivers — required to legally drive in Texas.
Collision Covers damage to your own vehicle from a collision (regardless of fault), including with another car or object (tree, fence, etc.). No Up to actual cash value of your car, minus deductible.
  • Normal wear & tear
  • Mechanical breakdowns
  • Intentional damage
 Recommended for:
Newer, financed, or leased vehicles.
Anyone wanting to protect their own car.
Comprehensive Pays for damage to your car not caused by a collision — e.g., theft, vandalism, hail, flood, fire, falling objects, or hitting an animal. No Up to actual cash value of your car, minus deductible.
  • Collision damage
  • Normal wear & tear
 Recommended for:
Newer or valuable vehicles; areas with high theft or storm risk.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Covers medical expenses (and sometimes lost wages) for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. Includes some funeral and survivor benefits. No (Insurers must offer, but you can decline in writing) Typical: $2,500–$10,000 per person
(You can select higher limits)
  • Property damage
  • Injuries to others outside your car
 All drivers benefit
Especially valuable if you lack robust health insurance.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Protects you if you're hit by a driver who has no insurance or not enough to cover your losses. Covers injuries and, optionally, property damage. No (Insurers must offer, but you can decline in writing) Usually matches liability limits; separate for bodily injury & property damage
  • Does not cover hit-and-run if not reported
  • May have deductible for property damage
 Highly recommended for all drivers, especially in areas with high uninsured rates.
Medical Payments (MedPay) Pays medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault.
(Similar to PIP, but less comprehensive; does not cover lost wages.) 		No Typical: $1,000–$10,000 per person
  • Lost wages
  • Non-medical expenses
 Optional — useful if you want extra medical coverage or have limited health insurance.
Towing & Labor Pays for roadside assistance, towing, or minor emergency repairs after a breakdown or accident. No Usually: $50–$150 per incident (varies by insurer)
  • Major repairs
  • Accident damage (handled by other coverage)
 Optional — helpful for peace of mind, especially for older vehicles.
Rental Reimbursement Pays for a rental car while yours is being repaired after a covered accident. No Typical: $30–$50 per day, up to 30 days
  • Repairs not related to a covered claim
  • Long-term rentals
 Optional — valuable if you rely on your car daily.

How to Use This Comparison

Liability insurance is the only coverage required by Texas law, but it only protects others — not you or your car. Collision and comprehensive coverage are essential if you want reimbursement for your own vehicle's damage, especially for newer or financed vehicles. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Medical Payments coverage can help with medical bills regardless of fault, providing important support if your health insurance is limited or you want to avoid out-of-pocket costs. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is strongly recommended for all Texas drivers due to the relatively high rate of uninsured motorists in the state.

Optional add-ons like towing & labor and rental reimbursement can provide extra peace of mind and convenience, but they aren't substitutes for the major coverages above. When comparing policies, always consider your financial situation, value of your vehicle, and your tolerance for risk. Increasing your coverage limits will cost more, but can protect you from expensive lawsuits or repair bills — often for just a few extra dollars per month.

Tips for Texas Drivers:

  • Review your policy declarations page to see what coverages and limits you have.
  • Ask your insurer about multi-car, multi-policy, safe driver, or other discounts to lower your premium.
  • Consider raising your liability limits above the state minimum — lawsuits and repairs often exceed minimum coverage.
  • Compare quotes from several providers using our Compare Providers tool.
  • Don’t forget to add or remove drivers and vehicles from your policy as your household changes.
Related Topics

Frequently Asked Questions About Coverage Types

Liability insurance is the legal minimum and protects you if you cause injuries or property damage to others. However, it does not pay for your own injuries or vehicle repairs. For better protection, especially if you own a newer or valuable car, add collision and comprehensive coverage. Learn more.

Yes, it’s highly recommended. About 1 in 8 Texas drivers are uninsured. UM/UIM covers your injuries and property if you’re hit by someone with no (or too little) insurance — giving you vital protection not provided by a standard liability policy. See details.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers medical bills and lost wages, funeral costs, and more, regardless of fault. Medical Payments (MedPay) covers only medical expenses. Both are optional, but PIP is more comprehensive. Compare all types.

If your car is older and the cost to repair or replace it is low, you may choose to drop collision and comprehensive to save money. However, if you rely on your car or would face hardship replacing it, keeping these coverages is wise. Get expert tips.

Rental reimbursement is inexpensive and pays for a rental car while yours is repaired after a covered claim. If you rely on your vehicle for work or family needs, it’s usually a worthwhile add-on. See all add-ons.
Need more help? Explore our step-by-step guides: Choosing the Right Coverage, Filing a Claim, and FAQs for Texas drivers.