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Texas Auto Insurance

What does a Texas auto insurance policy pay for?
A Texas auto insurance policy pays only for damages, injuries and other losses – such as theft – specifically covered by the policy. Some coverages – such as liability insurance – are required, while others are purely optional.The following information describes Texas auto insurance requirements and explains what your policy covers. It does not take the place of reading your policy. When reading your policy, pay special attention to the exclusions, which describe things your policy doesn’t cover.
What Meets Texas Requirements?
You must show you can pay for accidents you cause. Most Texas drivers do this by buying auto liability insurance. The law requires minimum coverage of $30,000 per injured person, up to $60,000 for everyone hurt in an accident and $25,000 for property damage. This basic coverage is called 30/60/25 for short.
How do I prove I have auto insurance?
Your insurance company will send you a proof-of- insurance card listing the covered cars and drivers and showing the policy number and expiration date. Your policy or a temporary binder is also acceptable evidence of insurance.
When must I show proof of car insurance?
Proof of financial responsibility must be shown when you:

Are asked for it by a law enforcement officer.
Have an accident.
Register your car or renew its plates.
Obtain or renew a driver’s license.
Get your car inspected.

What are the penalties for driving without Texas insurance?
Texas law provides severe penalties for violating financial responsibility laws:

First Conviction: $175 to $350 fine.
Subsequent Convictions: $350 to $1,000 fine, driver’s license suspension and impoundment of your car.

Do I need more than Texas ‘minimum liability insurance when I drive in Other states?
No. Your Texas policy automatically meets the requirements of other states and Canada.
Can I get liability insurance for non owners if I don’t have a car?
Yes. You can buy a non-owner liability policy. It pays for damages and injuries you cause when driving a borrowed or rented car but not for damage to the auto you are driving.
Is my Texas auto insurance policy good in Mexico?
No, with a possible minor exception. Mexico does not recognize U.S. auto liability policies. You can buy Mexican liability insurance and Mexico insurance from Texas agents who specialize in it.

The minor exception: Some U.S. companies provide a free endorsement extending your policy’s coverage to infrequent trips of up to 10 days and as far as 25 miles into Mexico. You can buy coverage for longer stays, but it still ends 25 miles from the border. Check your policy if you live in or frequently travel to the Texas-Mexico border area.
Will my auto policy pay for flood damage?
Yes, if you have comprehensive, other than collision, coverage for your car.
Does my policy have coverage for equipment such as cell phones?
The Personal Auto Policy won’t pay for tapes, compact discs, cellular phones or citizen band radios or for stereo equipment, not permanently installed in your car, unless you pay extra for separate coverage.
Do I have to buy collision and comprehensive coverage (full coverage)?
Texas law does not mandate this, but lenders usually require collision and comprehensive on cars they are financing.
When I buy a car, does my insurance policy automatically cover it?
Yes, but you need to be aware of certain limitations. An additional car automatically has the same coverage as the car with the broadest coverage provided by your policy. (EXAMPLE: You already have two cars. One has just liability coverage. The other has liability, collision and comprehensive – the broadest coverage afforded by the policy. Therefore, if you buy a third car, it automatically will have liability, collision and comprehensive.)

A replacement car automatically has the same coverage as the car it replaced. (EXAMPLE: You have two cars. You trade in the older car, which has only liability automobile insurance coverage, on a new car. This means the new car automatically has only liability coverage.)

Be sure to notify your company as soon as possible that you have added or replaced a car and which coverages you want for the new car. You could lose coverage on the new car if you wait longer than 30 days.
What if I drop collision and comprehensive on my financed car?
Don’t. The lender will buy single-interest automobile physical damage coverage. It is expensive and protects only the lender, who will add the premium to your note. You may drop collision and comprehensive once a car no longer is financed.
What family members are covered by my personal auto insurance policy?
Spouse, blood relatives, in-laws, adopted children, wards and foster children living in your home – even if not named on the policy. Also covered are family members attending school away from home.
Do I need to buy special coverage when renting a car in Texas?
Auto rental agencies offer collision damage waivers that pay if you damage a rental car. You might not need this extra expense if your auto policy includes collision and may already cover such damage. Remember, however, that your policy only pays up to its dollar limit and this might be less than the value of a rental car. When you rent a car, you might want to consider buying their collision damage waiver, just to be safe.
What do the 8 coverages listed on my auto insurance policy actually do?
Auto Liability Insurance

Pays: Other people’s expenses for accidents caused by drivers covered under your policy. This is the only auto insurance required by Texas law.

The insurance company will pay amounts for which you are legally responsible, up to your policy’s dollar limits. These may include the other party’s:

Medical and funeral costs, lost wages and compensation for pain and suffering.
Car repair or replacement costs and auto rental.
Punitive damages awarded by a court.

Liability also pays attorney fees, if you are sued, and bail, up to $250, if you are arrested.

Covers: You, your family members and anybody else driving with your permission, even if they don’t have their own liability insurance.

You and your family members also are covered when driving other people’s automobiles – including rental cars – but NOT cars regularly available to you such as a company car.

Medical Payments

Pays: Medical and/or funeral bills arising from motor vehicle accidents, including those in which the victim was a pedestrian or a bicyclist.

Covers: You, your family members and passengers in your car, regardless of who caused the accident. You can’t collect from both your medical payments and your uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverages for the same medical bills.

NOTE — If your policy includes Medical Payments or PIP, your insurer is required to pay a supplemental death benefit of up to $10,000 to survivors of any covered person killed in a car accident while buckled up or protected by an airbag. To collect, a beneficiary must provide proof of death and a police report or other evidence that the victim was protected by an airbag or seatbelt.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Pays: Same as Medical Payments, plus:

80% of lost income.
The cost of hiring someone to take on the household and caregiver responsibilities of an injured person.

Covers: Same people as Medical Payments.

A company must offer you $2,500 in PIP, but you can buy more. If you don’t want PIP, you must reject it in writing.

Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist (UM / UIM)

Pays: Your losses from an accident caused by a hit-and- run driver or an uninsured motorist, up to your policy’s dollar limits. Also pays if the other driver did not have enough insurance to cover all your expenses.

Bodily injury UM/UIM pays without deductibles for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement and permanent or partial disability.
Property damage UM/UIM pays for auto repairs, a rental car and damage to items carried in your car. There is an automatic $250 deductible – an amount you pay from your own pocket.

NOTE — Your UM/UIM insurance pays for a hit-and-run accident only if you promptly report it to the police.

Covers: You, your family members, passengers in your car and anybody driving with your permission.

Insurers must offer UM/UIM coverage, but you can reject it in writing.

Collision (Damage to Your Car)
Pays: Cost of fixing or replacing your car after an accident – regardless of who was driving or who was to blame. Payment is limited to your car’s actual cash value, minus your deductible. Actual cash value is the retail price of a car like yours before it was damaged. You should consider dropping this coverage if you have an older car that is paid for.
Comprehensive (Physical Damage Other than Collision)

Pays: To replace or fix your car if it is stolen or if it is damaged by causes other than a collision, such as fire, vandalism or hail. Also pays for a rent car or other temporary transportation if your car is stolen.

Coverage Limit: Your car’s actual cash value, minus your deductible.

Towing and Labor
Pays: Towing charges when your car is disabled. Also pays labor charges, such as changing a tire, at the place where your car is disabled.
Rental Reimbursement

Pays: A set daily amount for a rental car if your car is stolen or is being fixed because of damage covered by your auto policy.

CAUTION — Your policy won’t pay for auto theft unless you report it to the police.

SR22 Filings-Texas Auto Insurance

What You Should Know
If the court has ordered you to carry an SR-22, we can file it for you. Get a quick online quote and buy online, or give us a quick call and we’ll get you started. Purchasing a PROGRESSIVE auto insurance policy make it easy to SAVE BIG on SR22 car insurance with the best rates in Texas.We can provide an instant, online SR 22 insurance quote and instant SR 22 filings not only for Texas, but we can file your SR22 insurance in any state in the country. We offer instant electronic SR22 filing.SR22s are often associated with the following:

DUI or DWI or any serious moving violation
At-fault accidents while driving without insurance
Repeat traffic offenses or getting too many tickets in a short period of time
License suspension or revoked license

If you need your Texas SR22 insurance now or have a suspended license because of a DWI, DUI, no insurance tickets, or for any other reason, we can provide an instant SR22 insurance quote for vehicle owners or for nonowners insurance.
What is an SR22 filing?

An SR22 is a form that shows proof of a Texas insurance policy. It is a certificate of insurance that is filed with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) showing proof of insurance for the future, as required by law. SR 22 Texas insurance is not necessarily high risk insurance. It is motor vehicle liability insurance which requires the insurance company to certify coverage to DPS, and the insurance company must notify DPS anytime the policy is cancelled, terminated or lapses. Please contact an insurance agent/company of your choice who is authorized to write liability insurance for the State of Texas.

For most, an SR-22 filing requirement is due to driving without insurance or a traffic infraction. Failure to comply with the requirement usually will result in suspension of driving privileges. DWI’s DUI’s and Tickets for Driving Without Financial Responsibility or no Insurance, occasionally there may be other reasons it is required or otherwise desired. The SR 22 Form requested by a licensing authority can be issued by an Insurer in your state. The coverage represented must meet the minimum limits. In Texas, 30/60/25 ($30,000 per person bodily injury liability/$60,000 per accident bodily injury liability/$25,000 property damage liability is the minimum required by law. The face of the form indicates verifiable financial responsibility from the Insurer to the state on behalf of the named insured.

Texas SR22 Insurance is Auto Insurance, or other coverage such as an Operators or Non Owners insurance Policy, where the Insured has Requested Financial Responsibility filing for the state from the Insurance company. The Sr 22 insurance form is an endorsement to your auto liability insurance policy. This is usually the result of a Traffic Ticket for driving without the minimum financial responsibility or a DWI or a DUI citation, accidents or other traffic related incidents.

How much will an SR22 cost?
The filing fees vary by insuring company but are usually minimal. No matter what some companies tell you, there is usually a charge to file an SR22 for you. It’s built into the cost of your insurance. In order to file an SR22 for a Texas license, you must obtain Texas auto insurance. Then we can provide an SR22 to any state that needs to release your license for obtaining a Texas license.
How long does it take to get SR22 insurance?
Instant Issue. PROGRESSIVE offers electronic service for you. When filed electronically it typically propagates state databases within 12 to 24 hours.
What if my license is suspended?
If you’ve already had your License suspended and an SR22 is required, you will need to file the form with the appropriate fines or fees before your suspension can be lifted.
Can I get same day coverage for a PROGRESSIVE SR22?

We can in most cases have your certificate ready and available as a same day service on request whenever you effect coverage. You have the following options for SR 22 auto insurance:

Free Electronic service offered by Progressive.
Free SR 22 express file.
You can file it yourself at your local DPS office.
Occasionally you may wish to have your attorney handle the matter for you, in which case we will provide the SR 22 form to you for your attorney’s use.

How long am I required to carry SR22 auto insurance?

Where do I get an SR22?

What is the penalty for failure to maintain an SR22?

When notice that your coverage and SR 22 is no longer valid is received by the State Licensing Authority, and if your filing period requirement has not yet been met, The Drivers License is generally suspended again until such time as a replacement is filed by another Insurer.

It is important during this time that your address information be correct and up to date with your State Licensing Authority. You will usually receive any notice from them regarding the status of your driving privileges at the home address listed.

Many people have found only after months or sometimes years later that they have been driving on a Suspended License. This is usually the result of outdated address information on file with DPS.

It is important to keep this information up to date because this is the address at which you will be sent mail, including, Renewals and Notices Of Suspension.

You need to maintain your SR22 insurance Texas filing until your required filing period has expired. Your insurance company has been required by law to notify the state by cancellation of your SR22 when your attached auto insurance policy lapses, If not replaced with another insurance certificate, then your Drivers License along with vehicle tags and registrations can again be suspended.

What are my responsibilities during the filing term?

Make sure your insurer is aware of your requirement.
Keep your policy active to avoid possible suspension.
Make premium payments on time.
When you no longer need to file the SR 22, contact your agent or insurance company to have it removed from your insurance, but keep your insurance active, otherwise, you may find yourself needing to file it again.
Keep your mailing address current. It is required by law anyway and is also the address where DPS and sends mail regarding licensing status and updates.
Don’t drive without insurance coverage. If you have a lapse, cease driving and replace your SR22 insurance as soon as possible.

What happens if my insurance and SR22 gets cancelled?

Your insurance company has been required by law to notify the state by cancellation of your insurance when your auto insurance policy lapses. If not replaced with another insurance certificate, then your Drivers License along with vehicle tags and registrations can again be suspended.

Once the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) receives notification from the insurance company that the policy is canceled, terminated, or lapses appropriate enforcement action may be taken. If the SR-22 is still required and there is not a valid SR-22 on file, the driving privilege and vehicle registration is suspended.

What happens when I no longer need the SR22?
Your Auto Insurance coverage continues in force unless you request otherwise. If you wish you may request the SR22 Endorsement be removed when no longer needed. Remember, proof of Financial Responsibility is required for all drivers when on public roads. Our Underwriters usually already know of your driving history change, at the next renewal date your premium rate is adjusted to reflect your most recent driving experience.
If I don’t own a car, how can I get an SR-22?
You do not need to own a car to buy this kind of insurance. If you do not own a car, please contact an insurance agent/company of your choice and talk to them about a nonowner SR-22.
Can an insurance card or insurance policy be accepted toward the requirement of filing the SR22?
No, when proof of financial responsibility is required, form SR-22 must be filed to meet the compliance requirements.

Texas Home Insurance from PROGRESSIVE

Texas homeowners insurance is one means to protect the financial investment in your home. Your Texas home insurance helps pay for damages to your home and its contents, or it can protect you from financial liability if someone is injured on your property.Based on your personal needs, let our PROGRESSIVE Insurance agent help you put together a package of different coverages to provide you with the proper amount of insurance so that you will not suffer a penalty at the time of loss. If you take the time now to understand how home owners insurance and how aa car insurance works, you will be prepared to fend off financial misfortune.
How much will it cost to replace my home today?
Ask an appraiser, builder or your home insurance agent for an estimate. If you make drastic improvements to your home, such as remodeling or building a deck, you should update your appraisal and coverage to compensate for the increased value.
Am I protected for inflation?
Many companies automatically adjust your premiums upward to cover the rising cost of replacement. Otherwise, you should review your policy once a year to see if you still have adequate coverage.
Am I planning any additions or renovations?
Adding a family room or renovating a basement will increase the value of your home and the amount of coverage needed.
Is the value of my personal property fully covered?
If you have many valuable possessions or have recently acquired new belongings such as stereos, televisions, computers, cameras and musical instruments, you may need to pay for increased coverage. Ask your insurance agent if you are covered for specific items of value. If not, consider purchasing extended coverage to protect jewelry, furs, silver and the like.
Do I need any optional coverage?
Some losses are specifically excluded in all policies, such as those resulting from flood. If this are a danger in your area, you may want to obtain separate coverage.
Do I have an inventory of my personal belongings?
Complete a room-by-room inventory, listing the approximate value of your possessions. E-mail for a free inventory booklet today. Keep the completed list in a safe place outside your home, such as in a safe-deposit box or at your office. Photograph or videotape each room, if possible, and keep this visual record with your inventory.
What if I live in a condominium or an apartment?

If you own a condo, the condo association may pay for the insurance protection on your building, as well as liability protection if anyone is injured in common areas. You may need to buy your own liability insurance. Read your association’s policy carefully to determine if you are adequately covered, then purchase additional protection if necessary.

If you rent an apartment, house or duplex, the owner’s property and liability are covered by his/her own insurance, but your property and liability are not. You may be held liable, as well, for damages to the owner’s property done by you. You can purchase insurance for your personal possessions as well as liability protection under a renter’s policy.

How Can I Reduce My Insurance Costs?
Raise your deductible.
Your deductible is the portion of each loss you pay before your insurance company will begin paying for your covered loss–often an amount such as $500 up to 1% of your coverage. The higher the deductible, the lower your insurance premiums. In determining a deductible, you must decide how much you can afford to pay up front in the event of an unexpected loss.
Reduce the risk of theft.
Consider installing a burglar alarm or at least dead bolt locks on all outside doors. Check with your local police department for information on how you can get involved with your Neighborhood Watch program.
Ask about discounts for safety features.
Such as an automatic sprinkler system, central burglar or fire alarm, dead bolt locks, smoke detectors or fire extinguishers.
Ask what other discounts are available.
For example, if you are at least 55 years old and retired, you may qualify for lower rates.