All 50 states require drivers to purchase automobile insurance and Texas is no exception. Before auto insurance was legally required for all drivers, many people would get into car accidents and they would have no way to pay for their medical bills and the damage to their vehicles. Many injured drivers and passengers would not be able to seek compensation for missing weeks, if not months of work due to their injuries.
Now that automobile insurance is required in all states, drivers and passengers have a practical and affordable way to collect damages for their losses, including pain and suffering. But auto insurance helps at-fault drivers as well. When you purchase automobile insurance, it provides you with financial protection in case you cause an accident.
If you cause an accident, your insurance would pay for the other driver’s medical bills, and it would repair or replace their damaged vehicle. Without insurance, your personal assets could be at risk and the injured party could get a judgment against you personally, which you’d have to pay.
What Does Your Auto Policy Cover?
In Texas, there are eight different types of auto coverages, including collision coverage, comprehensive, medical payments coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, towing and labor coverage, and rental reimbursement coverage.
“Who is covered under my insurance policy?” Most auto insurance policies in Texas cover the policyholder, their family, and whoever drivers their vehicle with permission. Our advice is to ask your insurance agent about your specific policy and who it covers exactly and if anyone, in particular, is excluded from coverage.
Most auto insurance policies cover the following:
- Car repairs
- Medical bills
- Funeral bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering for other passengers if you cause the accident
- Damage to trees
- Damage to buildings, fences, and street signs
- Accidents you or people covered under your policy are in if driving a rental car
- Your attorney fees if you’re at-fault for the accident and you’re sued
- If you have collision coverage, damage to your vehicle
- If you have comprehensive coverage, damage to your vehicle
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, contact The Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC to meet with a member of our legal team and file a claim for compensation.