Is Texas a no-fault insurance state?
Minimum coverage
What happens if damage exceeds the coverage amount?
States with a no-fault state
What does cover a No-Fault Insurance?
Concept of at-fault state
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 Systems 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:
$30,000 of coverage for bodily injuries per person
$60,000 per accident
$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 to get the hole 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 that hit you only had limited liability you would not receive an 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, household protection against economic losses or pedestrian injured by your vehicle.
Liability – to protect against damages on your car or any car you drive with 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.
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 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 comprehensives 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 the fits your budget.