Texas Car Insurance Requirements: 30/60/25, PIP and TexasSure
Texas requires 30/60/25 liability coverage, and PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are included unless you reject them in writing. Penalties, SR-22 rules and tips.
Updated October 7, 2026 · 6 min read
Key takeaways
- Texas requires liability limits of at least $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage (30/60/25).
- Personal injury protection (at least $2,500) and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage come with every policy unless you reject them in writing.
- Police and registration offices check coverage instantly through TexasSure, the state's insurance database.
- A first conviction for driving uninsured carries a $175 to $350 fine. Repeat convictions bring higher fines, an SR-22 requirement and vehicle impoundment.
Texas minimum car insurance
Texas has required these minimums since January 1, 2011:
| Coverage | Required minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability, per person | $30,000 |
| Bodily injury liability, per accident | $60,000 |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 |
Texas is an at-fault state. The driver who causes a crash is responsible for the damages.
PIP and uninsured motorist: included unless you say no
Two coverages are automatically part of every Texas policy unless you reject them in writing:
- Personal injury protection (PIP) of at least $2,500 per person. It pays medical bills and a portion of lost income for you and your passengers, no matter who caused the crash.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM), which pays for your injuries and, depending on the policy, vehicle damage when the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little.
If you reject either one, your insurer doesn't have to add it back at renewal unless you ask in writing. Rejecting them lowers your premium, but it also removes protection you'd use in exactly the kind of crash Texans worry about most: one caused by an uninsured driver.
Free, no obligation, about two minutes. Or call: Insured 1-888-773-7558 · Uninsured 1-844-900-2302
How Texas checks insurance: TexasSure
Insurers report coverage to TexasSure, the state's vehicle insurance verification database. Law enforcement, county tax offices and courts can check it in real time. Keep your insurance card in the car or on your phone anyway, since you'll need it if an officer asks.
Penalties for driving uninsured
- First conviction: a fine of $175 to $350. A court can reduce it for a first-time offender who can't afford it.
- Later convictions: a fine of $350 to $1,000. Your license is suspended unless you file and keep proof of financial responsibility (an SR-22) for two years, and the court must order your vehicle impounded if you own it.
Can't find an insurer?
If two insurers turn you down, you can apply through the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA), the state's assigned-risk plan. Rates are usually higher than the regular market, so shop the regular market first.
New to Texas?
New residents must register their vehicle within 30 days of moving. Some counties also require an emissions inspection. See our guide to car insurance when you move to a new state.
Is the state minimum enough?
The minimum is what the law requires, not what protects you. Liability limits cap what your insurer pays when you injure someone or damage their property. A serious crash can easily cost more than a minimum policy pays, and you can be personally responsible for the rest. Many drivers choose higher limits, such as 100/300/100, and add collision and comprehensive if their car would be expensive to replace. If you finance or lease, your lender will almost always require collision and comprehensive.
Quotes for higher limits often cost less than people expect, and the price difference between insurers can be larger than the difference between coverage levels. Comparing the same limits across several insurers is the clearest way to see your options.
Frequently asked questions
Is PIP required in Texas?
PIP is included in every Texas policy unless you reject it in writing. The minimum is $2,500 per person.
Can I show proof of insurance on my phone in Texas?
Texas checks coverage through TexasSure, and insurers provide digital ID cards. Keep a current card on your phone or in the car in case an officer asks.
What happens if I'm caught driving uninsured twice in Texas?
A second conviction brings a $350 to $1,000 fine, a license suspension unless you keep an SR-22 for two years, and impoundment of a vehicle you own.
Sources
- Texas Department of Insurance: Auto insurance guide
- Texas Transportation Code §601.072 (minimum limits)
- Texas Insurance Code §1952.152 and §1952.153 (PIP)
- Texas Insurance Code §1952.101 (UM/UIM)
- Texas DPS: TexasSure vehicle insurance verification
- Texas Transportation Code §601.191, §601.231, §601.261 (penalties)
- Texas DMV: New to Texas
How this guide was made: researched and drafted with AI assistance (Wren AI), and checked against the government and industry sources listed above. Wren AI is an AI tool, not a person or a licensed insurance agent.
This guide is general information, not insurance, legal or tax advice. Coverage, rules and prices vary by state, insurer and policy. Confirm details with a licensed agent before you buy. Read our editorial policy.