Min Auto Insurance Coverage: Texas
Summary
Texas law requires all drivers to carry minimum auto insurance coverage. Understanding these minimums — and why they're often not enough — helps you protect yourself financially. Texas's minimum is…
Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage in Texas
Texas law requires all drivers to carry minimum auto insurance coverage. Understanding these minimums — and why they're often not enough — helps you protect yourself financially.
Texas Required Coverage
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury per Person | $30,000 |
| Bodily Injury per Accident | $60,000 |
| Property Damage | $25,000 |
| PIP (Personal Injury Protection) | Required |
| Uninsured Motorist | Optional |
The 30/60/25 Format Explained
Texas's minimum is expressed as 30/60/25, meaning:
- $30,000 maximum payout per injured person
- $60,000 maximum payout per accident (all injured people combined)
- $25,000 maximum for property damage per accident
Why Minimums Are Not Enough
Texas's minimum coverage is the legal floor — not a recommendation:
- Average car repair costs $4,000-$8,000 — easily exceeding $25,000 for serious accidents
- Average ER visit costs $3,000-$5,000 — a single injury can exceed $30,000
- Serious injuries can reach $100,000+ — far beyond minimum BI limits
- You're personally liable for any damages exceeding your policy limits
What Happens When the At-Fault Driver Has Only Minimums
If you're injured by a driver carrying only Texas's minimums:
- Their $30,000 per-person limit may not cover your medical bills
- You'd need underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage on your own policy
- Without UIM, you'd need to sue the at-fault driver personally
- Many minimum-coverage drivers have few assets to collect against
Recommended Coverage Levels
Insurance experts recommend significantly more than Texas's minimums:
| Coverage | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury | $100,000/$300,000 or higher |
| Property Damage | $50,000-$100,000 |
| UM/UIM | Match your BI limits |
| PIP/MedPay | $10,000+ if available |
| Comprehensive/Collision | Based on vehicle value |
How This Affects Your Claim
When filing a claim in Texas, the at-fault driver's coverage limits cap your recovery:
- Check their limits first — ask the adjuster what coverage is available
- Stack coverage if allowed — Texas may allow stacking of UM/UIM
- File with your own insurer if the at-fault driver's limits are insufficient
- Consider gap between limits and damages — you may need an attorney for large gaps
Texas minimum coverage guide. Coverage requirements may change — verify with the Texas DOI at 800-252-3439.
Last updated: April 2026 | Source: InsurifyAI Knowledge Hub
Fighting a lowball offer or a denied claim?
InsurifyAI helps you build the demand letter, appeal, or total-loss dispute — pay only when you have a claim to file.
Get started free