Is Texas a no-fault auto insurance state?

1. Is Texas a no-fault insurance state?

2. Minimum coverage

3. What happens if damage exceeds the coverage amount?

4. States with a no-fault state

5. What does cover a No-Fault Insurance?

6. Concept of at-fault state

7. States with a fault state

When getting auto insurance in Texas, it’s best to learn how the system works! It doesn’t matter what kind of policy or company you decide, the same laws apply for everyone. Let’s move on to explain the Texas Auto insurance system in an easy way that you’ll understand.

Is Texas a no-fault insurance state?

Not at all, Texas belongs to the “at-fault state” as the majority of the states. But what does this mean? In short words, the party who causes the car accident will be responsible for covering the damages. This is only the case if you are not more than 50% responsible for causing the accident.

Example: You hit another car and you were damaged, but the third party was responsible because they failed to stop at the stop sign. The third parties insurance company would cover your damages according to the policy limits. That’s in the same way if you were at fault in a car accident. At-fault insurance is considered one of the fairest ways to solve a car accident. The responsible party should pay for the damages, which encourages citizens to be aware and become well behaved drivers.

Legal Minimum Coverage

By law, if you decide to drive a vehicle you are required to carry auto insurance. As a driver, you have to obtain the minimum liability coverage that include: protection to the third party’s damage caused by you, his or her medical bills and some additional expenses.

Those limits are best described as 30/60/25 coverage:

1. $30,000 of coverage for bodily injuries per person

2. $60,000 per accident

3. $25,000 of coverage for property damage

What happens if damage exceeds the coverage amount?

In Texas, an injured driver could sue the at-fault driver with the purpose of getting the full coverage for her or his injuries.

It is best to have comprehensive and collision coverages to ensure you and your vehicle are covered beyond the minimum limits. If the person who hit you only had limited liability, you would not receive additional coverage that you might need.

Other At-Fault Insurance States:

Montana

Idaho

Nevada

California

Alaska

Wyoming

Colorado

Nuevo Mexico

Nebraska

Oklahoma

Texas

Iowa

Missouri

Luisiana

Illinois

Tennessee

Mississippi

Alabama

Georgia

And more..

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal injury protection is available in a few states as a required system and some others it is optional. The PIP is designed to cover your damages by your own company regardless of who is at fault.

What does No-Fault Insurance cover?

Personal Injury Protection – covers medical and health expenses, lost earnings, related expenses, and household protection against economic losses or pedestrians injured by your vehicle.

Liability – protects against damages to your car or any car you drive with the owner’s permission.

No-fault insurance focuses on covering health injuries caused by a car accident and doesn’t cover auto body repair of your car or anyone else's.

No-fault insurance can provide a limited right to sue (economic losses and non-economic damages). Some states need victims to provide a recorded statement to get access to no-fault benefits.

No-Fault States

Florida

Michigan

New Jersey

New York

Pennsylvania

Hawaii

Kansa

Kentucky

Massachusetts

Minnesota

North Dakota

Utah

Altogether, Texas IS NOT a no-fault state, so be sure to get liability auto insurance at the minimum. The best option is a coverage amount that protects you, such as comprehensive and collision. Remember, in Texas it is mandatory to have auto insurance; if you still don’t have it be prepared to pay a fine.

Getting familiar with insurance is a great beginning; the next step is getting a quote and comparing policies. If you have doubts about auto insurance, give us a call or write your comments below.

Talk with your local Alinsco agent to find the right coverage that fits your budget.