Under Texas state laws, drivers are required to have at least a minimum level of liability coverage in place. This is a tort state for car insurance purposes, and people who have been injured in an accident have the right to sue the at-fault driver to collect damages for their injuries.
Bodily injury and property damage liability coverage form part of a standard auto insurance policy. At least $30,000 in bodily injury liability insurance to pay for a personal injury claim made by one person and $60,000 to compensate all people injured in the same accident is required. Property damage liability coverage of at least $25,000 is also a legal requirement in the state.
Penalties for Driving Without Auto Insurance in Texas
Getting caught driving without auto insurance coverage in Texas means that a driver may be facing the following penalties:
- Fine of $175-$350 for a first offense
- Second or subsequent offenses carry a fine of $350-$1,000, suspension of the individual’s driver’s license and impounding of his or her car
Getting Caught Driving Without a License
A person who is caught driving without a valid license is liable for even more serious penalties. The person will be required to pay a $2,000 fine or spend 180 days in jail, or both. If an unlicensed driver is responsible for causing an accident resulting in serious injuries or the death of another person, the penalty is a $4,000 fine or one year in jail, or both.
