Required Personal Auto Insurance in Texas

Personal auto insurance is a different type than commercial auto insurance. It is insurance for a vehicle that you use for personal reasons, not for work. It includes commuting to and from work, but it excludes commercial activities done with your vehicle. If you need personal auto insurance for your vehicle, contact us at Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX to talk about your auto insurance needs.

Coverage for Bodily Injury

In Texas, you must be covered for any bodily injury that you cause to others if you are at fault for an accident. This coverage, called bodily injury or death liability, must meet the mandatory minimum for the amount of coverage for one person who is injured or killed in an accident that you cause. There is another, higher, minimum for the total bodily injury or death caused by the entire accident. 

Coverage for Property Damage

Accidents often cause property damage. If you are at fault for an accident, you are responsible for paying for the damage to a car, building, or other property that the accident causes. Texas requires you to have property damage liability coverage in a specific amount to cover these costs. The amount of coverage required by the state is relatively low, however, and many people choose to expand this coverage so that they aren’t in danger of having to pay out of pocket. 

Get Your Required Auto Insurance

Your personal auto insurance must cover the state minimums, but you can also raise them as you see fit to better cover the costs associated with an accident you cause. If you are interested in auto insurance, call us at Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX to make an appointment to talk to an agent about this coverage. 

Do I need umbrella insurance in Texas?

Wondering if you need umbrella insurance? First, let’s define umbrella insurance and why it is usually recommended. Most people are familiar with auto or home insurance and their own coverage limits. Umbrella insurance goes a step further with its coverage. In the event of a lawsuit or accident, umbrella insurance can offer more coverage once regular limits have been reached.

Umbrella insurance may be used to cover legal fees, for example, if they exceed your insurance liabilities. If you are not covered by an umbrella policy, you would have to pay out of pocket for any amount over your limits. Lawsuits and accidents are pricey, so umbrella insurance is typically recommended if you have assets like a vehicle or home. 

While umbrella insurance is not required in Texas, it is highly recommended. Essentially, the more potential risk of your assets, the more likely you are to need umbrella insurance. Make sure to verify your claim and coverage with an agent in your area. If you are in the Austin, TX area, contact the knowledgeable team at Southwest Insurance Center. They can provide the most up to date information and umbrella insurance coverage options.

Landlord liabilities, serious bodily injury liabilities, and even libel or slander may potentially be covered with umbrella insurance. Umbrella insurance is one of the answers to life’s unexpected events. This personal insurance can absolve many worries with its extra coverage.

Depending on the amount of coverage and your assets, you may have to raise your insurance liability limits. Get in touch with the Southwest Insurance Center, serving the Austin, TX area to confirm your current coverage and get specifics on umbrella insurance policies.