The minimum car insurance required in Texas is often called 30/60/25 coverage. This means your policy must include at least $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This is the basic financial responsibility you must carry to drive legally. However, these state minimums are often insufficient to protect your assets in a serious accident, and you should strongly consider higher limits.
This mandatory coverage is known as liability insurance. It pays for the other party's medical bills and vehicle repairs if you are at fault in a crash. It does not cover your own injuries or damage to your car. Texas law also requires you to carry proof of insurance, typically an insurance ID card, in your vehicle at all times.
Here’s a breakdown of the minimum required coverage:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required Amount | What It Pays For |
|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability (per person) | $30,000 | Medical expenses for one person injured in an accident you cause. |
| Bodily Injury Liability (per accident) | $60,000 | Total medical expenses for all people injured in an accident you cause. |
| Property Damage Liability | $25,000 | Repairs or replacement of the other driver's vehicle or other damaged property (like a fence). |
While meeting the 30/60/25 minimum keeps you legal, it's a risky strategy. Repair costs for modern cars and medical bills from a serious injury can easily exceed these limits. If the costs are higher than your coverage, you could be sued for the difference. Most financial advisors recommend increasing your liability limits, such as to 100/300/100, and adding optional coverages like uninsured/underinsured motorist protection and collision and comprehensive for your own vehicle.
