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January 30, 2024 | Car Accidents
The state of Texas requires individuals to carry a certain type and minimum coverage of auto insurance if they want to remain legal on the roadway.
However, the state only requires individuals to carry limited amounts of liability insurance. In some circumstances, individuals are actually required to carry more insurance than this, usually if they owe money on their vehicle.
Even individuals who are not required to carry more insurance than required by law should consider purchasing additional types of coverage.
The state of Texas requires drivers to carry the following types of insurance (along with the minimum policy amount):
Texas does not require individuals to carry personal injury protection, uninsured motorist coverage, or underinsured motorist coverage, though insurance carriers are required to offer insurance purchasers this coverage.
Additional types of coverage beyond what is legally required may not get you in any legal trouble, but we strongly encourage you to consider carrying them for added protection should an accident occur.
When individuals discuss “full coverage,” they are talking about covers that go beyond what is minimally required for drivers in Texas.
When a person finances or leases a vehicle, lenders typically use the term “full coverage” to describe the type of insurance and individual needs while they are paying the loan or paying the lease.
This means that, along with the legally required insurance and taxes, individuals must carry comprehensive and collision plans.
This type of insurance covers damages to your vehicle that occur due to incidents other than collisions with vehicles.
It is often referred to as “other than collision” coverage. Comprehensive insurance typically covers damage from natural events like storms, hail, floods, and earthquakes.
This coverage also covers non-collision-related incidents such as theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects (like tree branches), and damages caused by animals.
For instance, if your car is damaged due to a heavy hailstorm or if it’s stolen, comprehensive insurance would help cover the repair or replacement costs. It’s important to note that comprehensive insurance does not cover damages resulting from a car accident; for that, collision coverage is needed.
Collision insurance specifically covers damages to your vehicle that result from a collision, regardless of who is at fault. This includes collisions with other vehicles, as well as hitting an object like a tree or a pole.
For example, if you’re involved in an accident where you rear-end another car or if you hit a guardrail, collision insurance would help pay for the repair costs of your vehicle.
Unlike comprehensive insurance, collision coverage does not encompass damages due to theft, natural disasters, or vandalism.
Collision coverage is particularly valuable for drivers who have a newer or more expensive car, as it can significantly mitigate the financial impact of repairing the vehicle after an accident.
With overall total coverage insurance, you give yourself extensive protection when you operate your vehicle.
With the basic coverage required under Texas law, with minimums that are woefully inadequate to handle anything more than a minor accident, drivers are not very protected.
In fact, without a full coverage policy, individuals could be left with extensive property damage and no way to pay for it after an incident occurs.
Simply put, full coverage insurance can help protect you from financial devastation occurring as a result of an unpredictable vehicle accident.
If you’re in a place where you’ve been in a serious car accident, get in touch with the Bonilla Law Firm today. Our team of Austin car accident lawyers will help you protect your rights and fight for the compensation that you deserve. Contact or call us at (512) 441-1111.