Texas car insurance requirements: minimums and proof

This page covers the basics that apply before any particular situation: how much coverage Texas requires, how financial responsibility can be established and what evidence an operator may show an officer.

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) describes the state minimum in its auto insurance guide as coverage for injuries per person and per accident and for property damage.¹ The Transportation Code says a person may not operate a motor vehicle in Texas unless financial responsibility is established, and it names 5 options² for doing so.

TDI states that insurance companies must offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and that all auto policies in Texas include PIP coverage; declining either requires telling the company in writing.¹¹ The list of evidence an operator may show an officer includes an image displayed on a wireless communication device that is provided by a liability insurer.³