Auto Insurance Coverage Requirements
Texas law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of 30/60/25. That’s $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per crash, and $25,000 for property damage. If you drive in Plano, TX, without this coverage, you risk fines, license suspension, and personal financial exposure after a crash. If you were hurt in a motor vehicle accident, our car accident lawyers in Plano, TX, at The Law Office of Joel Vecchio, P.C., can review all relevant insurance policies carefully to identify all compensation sources available to you.
What Does 30/60/25 Actually Mean in Liability Insurance?
Under Texas Transportation Code §§ 601.071–601.072, minimum liability insurance limits break down as:
- $30,000 for injuries to one person
- $60,000 total for injuries per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
If a driver on U.S. Highway 75 in Plano causes a multi-vehicle crash with serious injuries, those limits can be exhausted quickly. Hospital bills alone typically exceed $30,000 in severe injury cases. Liability insurance covers injuries and property damage you cause others. However, it doesn’t cover your own injuries or vehicle damage.
What Other Auto Insurance Coverage is Available in Texas?
Insurance companies must offer additional coverage that you choose to accept or reject in writing. Common optional coverages include:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage is critical. Texas has a significant number of uninsured drivers. The Insurance Research Council estimates that roughly 14% of Texas drivers are uninsured. If you are hit by an uninsured driver near Legacy Drive or the Dallas North Tollway, for instance, UM coverage may be your primary source of recovery.
PIP coverage can pay medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. Texas insurers must offer at least $2,500 in PIP coverage, which you can choose to avail yourself of or not.
Why Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage May Not Be Enough for Texas Car Accidents
Serious crashes in Collin County typically involve traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, multiple surgeries, extended rehabilitation, and substantial income loss. Medical costs can rise well beyond minimum policy limits.
If the at-fault driver carries only 30/60/25 coverage, available compensation may not cover all your losses. Likewise, in high-speed crashes along Parker Road or Central Expressway, property damage alone can exceed $25,000. Reviewing your own coverage regularly before a crash happens can help prevent future financial strain.
What If The Driver That Hit You Doesn’t Have Insurance Coverage?
Driving without insurance in Plano, TX, can lead to fines between $175 and $350 for a first offense, higher fines for repeat violations, and license and vehicle registration suspension. However, even if the at-fault driver lacks insurance, you may still get compensated through your own UM/UIM policy (if you have one), which covers accidents involving liable drivers without insurance coverage.
Hurt by an Uninsured Driver? Our Car Accident Attorneys in Plano, TX, Can Help
Our Plano, TX, car accident lawyers can analyze insurance policies to identify every available source of coverage. They can determine whether liability limits apply, whether you can use UM/UIM coverage, and whether additional policies exist. We’ll take on insurers that attempt to minimize your claim or deliberately misinterpret policy language to deny you coverage. For your complimentary case evaluation, reach out to The Law Office of Joel Vecchio, P.C. online or call 972-380-4444.