Three Types of Auto Insurance You May Want to Consider in Texas

Texas is not strict when it comes to mandated coverage and insurance law compared to other jurisdictions. While many other states require minimums and aspects of coverage, Texas leaves much of this up to the consumer. While this can be a wonderful way to save money on premiums, it also may leave you vulnerable in the event of an accident. Whether you’re a new resident to Texas or simply considering upping your coverage, there are a few types of coverage you should consider to protect yourself from liability and incurring huge expenses in the wake of an accident.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

You may pay your premiums on time and in full each month; unfortunately, you cannot say as much for every driver on the road. In fact, some drivers may not carry coverage at all. If you get into an accident with an uninsured driver, you may have limited options for filing a claim. This is where uninsured motorist coverage comes in.

If you are in an accident with a hit-and-run driver or someone with little to no insurance, this coverage allows you to file a claim with your own insurance company to compensate for the damages. If the at-fault driver has some insurance coverage but not enough to compensate you fully for your damages, your uninsured motorist coverage will step in and cover the difference. Having an uninsured or underinsured policy can provide valuable peace of mind.

Most Texas auto policies carry this type of coverage unless you specifically reject it. We caution against rejecting such coverage, as you could be paying your expenses out of pocket should the worst occur.

Personal Injury Protection

States with no-fault insurance mandate personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, but Texas does not. It does, however, allow you the option of adding PIP coverage, and it’s worth the extra in premiums. Your PIP benefits may also be called no-fault coverage; it kicks in when you sustain injuries in an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.

When you’re involved in an accident and need to pay for medical expenses, PIP benefits allow you to file a claim against your own insurance company, even if another person is at fault for an accident. This also applies if you’re a passenger and the driver of either vehicle carries PIP coverage.

Towing and Labor Reimbursement Coverage

In many instances, your car accident may not involve any injuries and only property damage. In this instance, towing and labor reimbursement coverage may be helpful. This also applies when you must have your car towed or need a flat tire changed. This policy kicks in and covers any labor and towing costs associated with transporting your vehicle and will cover the cost of a rental car if your vehicle requires a lengthy repair. It’s a simple convenience that doesn’t cost much to have on your insurance policy each month but could prove invaluable should you ever need it.

Comprehensive insurance coverage could help you avoid liability and out-of-pocket expenses following a Texas car accident. Add these to your existing coverage to minimize your costs later.