What is the Minimum Required Auto Insurance in Texas?
By law, all drivers in Texas must carry at least the following liability coverage, often referred to as 30/60/25:
- $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury liability per accident (multiple people injured)
- $25,000 for property damage liability per accident
These are the bare minimum required by Texas law to drive, register, or maintain a vehicle. Many drivers choose to carry higher limits or add extra coverage for better financial protection. Learn how to choose the right coverage for your circumstances.
What Do These Limits Mean?
- Bodily Injury Liability: Pays for injuries you cause to others in an at-fault accident, up to $30,000 per person and $60,000 total per accident.
- Property Damage Liability: Pays for damage you cause to another person's vehicle or property (car, fence, building), up to $25,000 per accident.
Example: If you cause an accident injuring two people, your policy will pay up to $30,000 for each injured person, but no more than $60,000 total for all injuries in that accident. If property damage exceeds $25,000 (for example, you total a new SUV), you could be personally responsible for the remainder.
Proof of Insurance is Mandatory
Texas law requires you to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times. Acceptable forms include your insurer’s card, electronic proof via app, or a printed policy declarations page. Law enforcement can request proof at traffic stops, registration, or after an accident. See what counts as valid proof of insurance.
What Happens if You Don’t Meet the Minimum?
- First offense: Fines of $175 – $350, plus court costs.
- Multiple offenses: Fines up to $1,000+, SR-22 requirement, license and registration suspension, vehicle impound, and more.
- After an accident: Full liability for all damages, possible lawsuits, and increased penalties.
See the penalties page for a full breakdown, including SR-22 rules and reinstatement procedures.
Other Important Coverage Options (Not Required, But Strongly Recommended)
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): Protects you if you’re hit by a driver with no or too little insurance. Texas insurers must offer this, but you can reject it in writing.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Pays medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. Automatically included unless you reject in writing.
- Collision & Comprehensive: Pay for your own vehicle’s damage or loss from accidents, theft, weather, or vandalism. Required by most lenders/lessors.
See types of auto insurance for in-depth explanations of each option.
Do You Need More Than the Minimum?
In many cases, minimum coverage is not enough. Medical bills and car repairs can easily exceed Texas minimum requirements. If your liability exceeds your insurance, you are responsible for any remaining costs—this can mean wage garnishment, asset seizure, or years of debt.
- Drivers with new, financed, or leased vehicles should consider full coverage (liability + collision + comprehensive).
- Families, high-mileage drivers, and those in urban or high-risk areas benefit from higher limits and UM/UIM coverage.
- Consider your finances—could you afford a lawsuit or major repair if underinsured?
Try our minimum coverage calculator to see what’s required for your situation, and compare minimum vs. recommended options.
Quick Tip: Many insurance companies let you increase coverage limits for just a few dollars a month. Always compare providers and policy options. Use our Compare Providers tool to shop rates side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Minimum Coverage
Yes, if you meet the 30/60/25 Texas minimums, you are considered legal to drive. However, most financial experts and insurance professionals recommend higher limits, especially if you have assets, a family, or a newer vehicle. Minimum coverage may leave you exposed to high out-of-pocket costs if an accident exceeds those limits. For guidance on choosing the right coverage for your needs, visit How to Choose the Right Coverage.
Driving without insurance in Texas is a serious violation. A first offense can result in fines, court costs, and a permanent record. Repeat offenses can lead to license and registration suspension, SR-22 requirements, vehicle impoundment, and much higher costs in the long run. If you cause an accident while uninsured, you risk being sued for all damages. See our full breakdown of penalties and next steps.
No. Texas minimum liability coverage only pays for damage or injuries you cause to others. It does not cover your own vehicle or injuries if you’re at fault. To protect your own car, you need collision and comprehensive coverage. Explore your options and scenarios at Coverage Types.
You can show proof of insurance with your insurer’s card (physical or electronic), a printout of your policy, or a digital version on your phone. Law enforcement in Texas accepts electronic proof at traffic stops, registration, and after accidents. Make sure your policy is current and meets minimum requirements. For details on valid proof and best practices, see Proof of Insurance in Texas.
Absolutely. Many insurers offer discounts for safe driving, multiple vehicles, good student status, defensive driving courses, and more—even on minimum coverage policies. It’s always worth asking your agent which discounts you qualify for. For a comprehensive list and eligibility info, visit our Discounts & Savings page.
Minimum coverage is the lowest amount allowed by Texas law—enough to drive legally, but often not enough to fully protect your finances. Recommended coverage is tailored to your risk, assets, and personal situation, usually with higher liability limits and additional protection like comprehensive, collision, or uninsured motorist. Use our Coverage Needs Quiz for guidance, and see Coverage Comparison Table for side-by-side scenarios.