Let’s face it, buying car insurance isn’t the most thrilling aspect of owning a car. In fact, finding the right policy can be downright daunting. With so many options out there, it’s normal to feel lost and unsure of where to start. However, having insurance coverage is one of the most important things you need as a driver.
Your car insurance policy protects you, your vehicle, and other drivers in a crash. Plus, in Texas, having insurance coverage is a legal requirement for registering your vehicle. So, what is the law for car accident insurance in Austin, Texas? Here’s a breakdown from an Austin car accident lawyer.
Required Insurance Coverage
According to state law, every vehicle owner and operator in Texas must maintain liability insurance coverage. Liability insurance provides coverage for damages to the other driver’s vehicle, property, and medical expenses for injuries in an at-fault crash.
Texas law only requires drivers to have liability insurance coverage. Beyond that, you can choose what kind of insurance coverage you want for yourself. In Texas, the minimum liability insurance required follows the “30/60/25” rule. This means that you need $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person injured in a collision you cause, $60,000 for total bodily injury liability per incident, and $25,000 for property damage per collision.
However, our Austin car accident lawyers warn that these minimum limits may not provide sufficient coverage in the event of serious injuries. Think about how much risk you’re willing to take on. Once your policy limits are reached, you may be required to pay any remaining costs.
Optional Insurance Coverage
In addition to liability coverage, Texas insurers offer several options for auto insurance.
1. Collision Insurance Coverage
While not mandatory in Austin, Texas, collision coverage is optional insurance that provides financial protection for your vehicle, regardless of who’s at fault.
This coverage pays for repair or replacement costs if your car is damaged in a wreck or if you’re in a single-vehicle collision, such as hitting an animal or a guardrail.
2. Personal Injury Protection Coverage
Make sure you and your loved ones are covered in any situation with Personal Injury Protection Coverage (PIP). Many Austin car accident lawyers believe that all drivers should have this coverage.
One key benefit of PIP is its ability to cover medical expenses and lost wages resulting from collision injuries. This benefit also covers funeral costs in the event of a tragedy related to the collision.
3. Medical Payments Coverage
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) is similar to PIP and can provide additional protection after a car wreck. However, with MedPay, your insurance company could require you to reimburse them for medical coverage.
Tadarious Hawkins, a Daniel Stark Austin car accident lawyer, refers to MedPay Coverage as a medical loan. It provides immediate funds for medical expenses in case of a non-fault injury that you will have to pay back later on. It’s also important to note that MedPay doesn’t always cover funeral expenses.
4. Rental Insurance Coverage
Rental Coverage provides peace of mind to policy owners. If your personal vehicle becomes disabled, whether it’s stolen, undergoing a mechanical issue, or is damaged and needs repairs after a collision, your insurance will pay for a temporary replacement vehicle.
With Rental Coverage, you can easily rent a vehicle and continue with your daily activities in Austin without missing a beat.
5. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
When it comes to vehicle collisions, you can never be certain how much insurance coverage the at-fault driver will have. An Austin car accident lawyer can only help you receive compensation up to the limits of the driver’s insurance policy. If your medical expenses and car repairs exceed this amount, you will need to cover the remaining costs yourself. That’s why UM/UIM is among the most important coverages you can carry.
Many drivers opt for only the state-mandated minimum liability coverages to save money. Unfortunately, this means there are more underinsured motorists on the road — drivers who lack sufficient insurance to cover the cost of your injuries and property damage.
UM/UIM coverage provides an extra layer of protection for situations like these. By carrying UM/UIM coverage, you minimize your financial risk by covering costs that exceed the other driver’s insurance limit.
With UM/UIM insurance, you’re also covered if you’re hit by someone without insurance or if you’re involved in a hit-and-run incident. Why leave yourself vulnerable on the road? Add UM/UIM motorist coverage to your insurance plan and ensure full protection.
Understanding the complexities of insurance policies can be daunting. If you were injured in a car crash in Austin, Texas, contact a qualified Austin car accident lawyer. They can help you file a claim and see what type of insurance coverage is available to you.
