Last updated: August 2023
Austin is a city of transplants, and whether you’re one of those or a true native, it’s easy to appreciate the natural beauty of the city alongside its perks. You can enjoy great food, hiking, biking and live music in one location. For decades, we’ve served drivers as they search for the right insurance to match their needs, no matter where they’re headed or what their driving history looks like. If you’re looking for great cheap car insurance in Austin, TX, call Direct Auto.
Austin, TX Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Texas auto insurance policies must at least meet the Lone Star State’s minimum liability coverage limits, typically expressed as three numbers (representing thousands of dollars) separated by slashes. For example, the liability limits in Texas are 30/60/25, and they help pay for bodily injury and property damage claims after an accident that is primarily your fault. If you’re still confused what your insurance policy must include, please refer to the chart below.
Coverages |
Is It Required by Law? |
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage provides financial protection if you cause an accident that injures another person. It helps pay for their medical expenses and your legal services (if necessary). |
Yes. $30,000 bodily injury per person/$60,000 bodily injury per accident. |
Property Damage Liability Coverage helps pay to repair or replace other people’s property that is damaged in an accident you cause. It typically involves damage to another vehicle, but it could help pay to repair a house, fence, mailbox, and more. |
Yes. $25,000 property damage per accident. |
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) helps pay for your medical bills and related expenses if the other driver has no coverage (UM), insufficient coverage (UIM), or can’t be identified due to hit and run. In some states, UM/UIM can also help pay for property damage. |
Not required but included in policies by default unless rejected in writing, as required by the State of Texas. |
Personal Injury Protection helps pay for your medical and related expenses stemming from an accident, regardless of fault. |
Not required but included in policies by default unless rejected in writing, as required by the State of Texas. |
Collision Coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if you collide with another car, tree, guardrail, or another object, regardless of fault. |
Not required.1 |
Comprehensive Coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged by something other than a collision, like fire, floodwaters, falling branches, vandalism, or contact with an animal. |
Not required.1 |
1Your lender may require these coverages if you lease or finance your vehicle.
Austin, TX Proof of Financial Responsibility & Penalties
Every Texas driver is required to have proof of financial responsibility to drive legally. If you’re caught driving without insurance, you could lose your license, lose your registration, face fines, and even face jail time. The penalty depends on which offense it is and if you cause an accident.
Drivers must always carry proof of insurance and must be able to present proof of insurance upon request, such as during a traffic stop, at an accident scene, etc. You can do so by showing your physical ID card or downloading an electronic copy to your mobile device.
SR-22 Insurance in Austin, TX
Some high-risk drivers are also required to keep an SR22 (also known as a certificate of financial responsibility) on file with the state verifying they have purchased auto insurance coverage that satisfies the state’s minimum coverage requirements. The Texas Department of Public Safety says you might be required to keep one on file if:
- You lost your driving privileges due to an accident.
- You have been convicted two or more times for not maintaining proper liability coverage.
- You were convicted of a DUI/DWI.
- You were driving with an invalid license.
If you need an SR22 filed to demonstrate financial responsibility compliance or have questions about the penalties for non-compliance, we’d be happy to help. Direct Auto specializes in helping people find affordable car insurance coverage, regardless of their history. Give us a call today for a free quote.
Texas Regional Auto Insurance
Depending on where you live, you might have specific wishes and “must-haves” in your mind for your car insurance policy. After all, a policyholder who lives and drives in busy, downtown Dallas might want more coverage than a person who lives in a small town in Hill Country. But no matter what city you call home in the Lone Star State, we’re here to help you get covered.
Dallas, TX, Auto Insurance
Fort Worth, TX, Auto Insurance
Houston, TX, Auto Insurance
San Antonio, TX, Auto Insurance
Other Texas Auto Insurance Resources
- Texas Department of Insurance
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
- Official Website of the State of Texas
- Texas Department of Transportation
Get Covered with Direct Auto Insurance!
Have a question for us at Direct Auto? Need to start a policy? Just want to talk? Call us at 1-877-GO-DIRECT or visit our nearest location. For common questions, you can also consult our FAQs page.
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