Did you know that the fine for not having car insurance in Texas can reach up to $1,000 USD, in addition to other additional fees? The consequences could go beyond a simple violation.

To illustrate this, let’s take as an example the story of Pedro, a Mexican worker who arrived in Texas five years ago with a clear dream: to offer a better life to his wife and two children.

With his tools on his shoulders and a great desire to work, Pedro found a job in construction, where the hours were long and the physical effort was relentless. Although Pedro was proud to contribute to the well-being of his family, he always lived in fear of being detained due to his immigration status.

One day, while on his way to work in his old car, Pedro was stopped by an officer for having a broken taillight. As a result, he received a fine that severely affected his finances and his peace of mind. Not knowing how to handle the situation, he decided to seek the help of a specialized lawyer, who guided him to solve the problem and provided him with legal advice to avoid future complications.

Pedro’s experience is a lesson for many. Driving without insurance can have costly consequences, but with the right guidance, it is possible to overcome the problem and come out stronger.

In this blog, the team at Abogado Dang – Accident Lawyer , explains everything you need to know about fines for not having car insurance in Texas, how they can affect your life and why it is essential to comply with this legal requirement to avoid major complications.

What happens if you don’t have insurance in Texas?

In Texas, driving without car insurance is considered a violation of the law. This means that if you are stopped by a police officer and they find that you do not have a valid policy, you could face:

1. Fines:
   • A first offense can cost you between $175 and $350.
   • If you repeat the offense, fines increase from $350 to $1,000, with possible additional charges on your record.
2. Additional fees:
   You may have to pay additional fees such as the annual surcharge , which ranges from $250 to $750, depending on the severity of the violation.
3. License Suspension:
   The state can suspend your driver’s license and impound your vehicle until you comply with legal requirements.
4. Impact on your future insurance:
   Not having insurance can make companies view you as a high-risk driver, which means higher premiums when you decide to buy one.

Texas Auto Insurance Law

Texas auto insurance law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage . This requirement is designed to protect third parties in the event that you cause an accident and are required to cover property damage or bodily injury.

What is the minimum coverage required?

The state establishes 30/60/25 insurance as mandatory, which means:

• $30,000 to cover injury or death per person.
• $60,000 per accident if more than one person is injured or killed.
• $25,000 to cover damage to third-party property, such as vehicles, buildings, fences, among others.

There are two types of liability coverage that are included in this requirement:

• Bodily Injury (BI) Coverage– Pays if you hurt another person during an accident.
• Property Damage (PD) Coverage– Pays to repair or replace someone else’s car or property damaged in the accident.

This coverage, known as “liability coverage,” does not protect your own vehicle or your injuries. To do so, you would need additional policies such as collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, or uninsured motorist protection.

Texas Uninsured Driving Ticket: How to Avoid It

Avoiding a ticket for driving without insurance in Texas is simple: get insurance that meets the legal requirements. But, if for some reason you don’t currently have insurance, these tips will help you:

1. Get basic insurance: Look for affordable options that meet the minimum coverage requirements. There are companies that offer affordable plans for people on limited budgets.
2. Drive safely: While this is no substitute for not having insurance, keeping a clean record can help you avoid being pulled over for minor reasons.
3. Keep your documents in order: Always carry your proof of insurance in your vehicle. This is essential to prove that you are complying with the law.

To avoid a fine for driving without insurance in Texas, the most important thing is to comply with legal requirements and keep your documents up to date.

Texas Auto Insurance Requirements: What Do You Need to Know?

In addition to the mandatory minimum coverage, it is important to know the additional requirements related to insurance in Texas:

• Active insurance at the time of arrest: If for some reason you are arrested and your policy has expired, it will be as if you had no insurance.
• Electronic insurance verification systems: Texas uses a system called TexasSure that allows authorities to verify whether a vehicle has current insurance.
• Physical Proof: Even though TexasSure is operational, you must always carry your insurance card in your vehicle.

What documents do you need to take out car insurance?

To purchase car insurance, you will need several essential documents, including:

• Personal identification: An official identification such as your passport or driver’s license.
• Driver’s License: Required to validate your driving record.
• Vehicle information: Such as vehicle identification number (VIN), model, and year.
• Proof of residency: Documents such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
• Insurance History: Details about your previous coverage, if applicable.
• Payment method: Data to process the insurance payment.

Having these documents ready makes the process easier and ensures that your policy is in order.

Why is it essential to have car insurance?

Beyond avoiding a fine for not having car insurance in Texas, having insurance is essential to protect you and your family. Here are some benefits:

• Financial Protection: Accidents can be costly. Insurance covers expenses that could otherwise leave you in a difficult financial situation.
• Compliance with the law: Having insurance ensures that you do not face unnecessary legal problems.
• Peace of mind: With insurance, you can drive with confidence knowing you are protected in the event of an unexpected incident.

Optional coverages that can make a difference

While liability insurance (30/60/25) is the minimum required by Texas law, many drivers choose to add optional coverages to their policy for added protection.

These additional coverages can be essential to protect you against unforeseen accidents and reduce the financial burden of complex situations.

Collision Coverage

This coverage helps pay for damage to your own vehicle if you collide with another car or fixed objects, such as a wall or tree. Although it is not mandatory, it is advisable to have it, especially if your vehicle is valuable or if you drive in areas where accidents are frequent.

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Without this coverage, your car repair costs would have to be covered out of pocket, which can be a significant financial burden.

Comprehensive coverage (Comprehensive Coverage)

Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that is not the result of a collision. This includes damage from theft, vandalism, natural disasters (such as storms, hail, or floods), and more.

This coverage can be crucial if you live in an area susceptible to natural phenomena, as repairs without it could end up costing you dearly. Additionally, if your vehicle is stolen or damaged due to causes beyond your control, this coverage can save you significant amounts of money.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This is one of the most important optional coverages that many drivers overlook. If an uninsured or underinsured driver causes an accident that leaves you injured, this coverage helps cover the costs of repairs, medical expenses, and other damages.

In Texas, where a significant percentage of drivers are uninsured or have minimal coverage, this additional policy can offer significant peace of mind.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

In Texas, PIP coverage covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident, regardless of who is at fault.

This coverage can be helpful if you are injured in an accident and need immediate medical attention or if you are unable to work due to your injuries. Additionally, PIP covers passengers in your vehicle, offering added protection for your loved ones.

Property Damage Coverage

Although Texas law requires you to have minimum coverage for damage to third-party property, some people choose to extend this coverage to protect their own property.

For example, if someone hits your car and damages your property, this coverage can help you repair not only your vehicle, but also other damaged property, such as a fence or wall on your property.

Although these additional coverages imply an extra cost in your monthly premium, the protection they offer in unforeseen situations can be crucial to avoid difficult financial situations.

If you have questions about what coverage to add to your policy, it is best to speak with your insurer or an insurance expert to choose the options that best suit your needs and budget.

What happens if I have an accident and I don’t have insurance in Texas?

If you are in an accident in Texas and you do not have insurance, the consequences can be serious, but there are options to handle the situation.

1. Personal Financial Responsibility: In Texas, if you are uninsured and are responsible for the accident, you may have to pay for the damages out of your own pocket. This includes the costs of vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and any other compensation for damages that may arise, which can be a significant financial burden.
2. Available legal resources: Even if you don’t have insurance, it’s important to know that you may be able to file a lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident if he or she is at fault. If this person has insurance, you may be able to access coverage under his or her policy to cover the costs of your damages.
3. Legal Action: If you do not have insurance and the other driver is responsible for the accident, you may be able to turn to an attorney to help you obtain compensation. In some cases, you may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries and damages without having to pay out of pocket, depending on the circumstances and state laws.
4. Insurance coverage of the other driver: If the other driver has insurance, even if you don’t, their insurance company could be responsible for covering your costs, depending on the circumstances. It is advisable, in this case, to obtain legal advice to ensure you receive the appropriate compensation.
5. Minimum Insurance in Texas: Although insurance is mandatory in Texas, the law only requires drivers to carry insurance with minimum limits. If you don’t have insurance and can’t pay for damages, you may still be required to pay for what the law states.

If you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial that you seek legal advice to understand your rights and the best options available.

Avoid legal problems for driving without insurance in Texas

For Latino migrants, not having car insurance can have serious consequences that go beyond fines. In addition to the economic impact, the lack of insurance can complicate legal proceedings in the event of an accident.

Protect yourself and your family by complying with Texas auto insurance requirements to avoid a penalty for not having auto insurance in Texas. If you have questions about how to proceed, the team at Abogado Dang – Accident Attorney is here to help you resolve any issues, regardless of your immigration status. Contact us today!

If you found this article interesting, you can also read:

• How to deal with your car insurance after a crash in Austin
• What to do if you get hit by an uninsured driver in Austin?

Information verified by lawyer Loc Dang

Loc Dang is a founder and member of our legal team. In this blog, Attorney Dang shares his expertise to guide accident victims.