You’re responsible for accidents you cause.
State law requires people who drive in Texas to pay for accidents they cause. Most people do this with liability insurance. A liability policy pays to repair or replace the other driver’s car and pays other people’s medical expenses if you’re at fault in an accident.
In Texas, you must have at least $30,000 in liability coverage for each injured person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. This basic coverage is called 30/60/25.
Decide how much liability coverage you need.
Because of car prices and the high cost of medical care, the minimum amounts might not be enough to pay all of the costs if you’re at fault in an accident. Other drivers could sue you to collect the difference. Consider buying more than the minimum limits to protect yourself.
Decide what kinds of other coverage you need.
Liability insurance doesn’t pay to repair or replace your car or to treat your injuries. Other types of coverage to consider include:
- Collision – pays for damage to your car.
- Comprehensive – pays for damage from fire, hail, vandalism, or theft.
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist – pays for auto damage, medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses if the driver who caused the accident didn’t have enough insurance or didn’t stop.
- Medical payments – pays medical bills resulting from an accident.
- Personal injury protection – pays for medical bills, plus 80 percent of lost income and the cost of a caregiver for an injured person.
Decide on a policy deductible.
A deductible is the amount you have to pay before the insurance company will pay. For example, if you have a claim for $1,200 and a deductible of $500, the insurance company will deduct $500 and pay you $700. The higher your deductibles, the lower your premium.
Ask about discounts.
Most companies offer discounts if you reduce the chances of a loss. Common discounts include taking defensive driving or driver’s education courses, maintaining a good driving record, having more than one car on a policy, and having other policies with the same company.
Avoid gaps or lapse in coverage.
Never cancel a policy until you get your new policy or a written statement that proves you have coverage. Keep shopping if a company turns you down. If you have trouble finding insurance, ask your independent insurance agent.
Bundle all your policies.
It will a good idea or a big saving if you bundle all your policies (auto, home, renters, flood) with one company or one agency so you can max out on discounts and get the best deal around.
Call our agents for a free auto insurance quote and choose from over 25 well know insurance companies for the best insurance rate possible at 713-782-2886 or visit www.713auto.com