“Full Coverage” Car Insurance in Texas

In Texas, what’s often called “full coverage” is a combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Texas does not legally require full coverage, but many drivers opt for it to protect against repair costs, storm damage, and high out-of-pocket expenses. It's a single auto policy that bundles multiple types of protections, which can be customized to fit your needs and budget. Even though “full coverage” provides broader protection, it does not cover everything.

What is “Full Coverage” Car Insurance in Texas?

Full coverage car insurance is not an official insurance product or a legal term. Instead, it's an umbrella term used to describe a policy that combines several types of car insurance coverage beyond Texas’ minimum liability requirements. While it’s not mandatory to have, "full coverage” is a common way people describe broader protection for their vehicle.

You are only required to have liability insurance in Texas, but if your vehicle is leased or financed, you may be expected to have full coverage. “Full coverage” usually includes three types of coverage:

• Liability coverage
• Collision coverage
• Comprehensive coverage

Together, these coverages can help pay for damages to other people's property, your own vehicle, and injuries from accidents or unexpected events like theft, hail, or flooding.

Liability Coverage

In Texas, liability coverage is the only car insurance required by law, and includes coverage for:

• Bodily Injury Liability: This helps pay for the medical expenses and lost wages of other people if you're responsible for an accident.
• Property Damage Liability: Offers coverage for repairs or replacement for someone else’s car or property that you damage.

Texas’s minimum liability limits go by a 30/60/25 rule, which means:

• $30,000 per person for injuries
• $60,000 total for injuries per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

Liability coverage won’t pay for damage to your own vehicle or injuries to you or your passengers. This is why “full coverage” is important. If you want protection for your car, you’ll need to consider adding collision and comprehensive coverage.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Fault Laws in Texas

Texas isn’t a no-fault state, but Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is still offered. PIP covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and household services regardless of who’s at fault.

By law, insurers must offer a minimum of $2,500 in PIP, though you can opt out in writing. It’s a great way to avoid delays in coverage if you’re injured in an accident, and it pays out fast, even before a liability decision is made.

Vehicle Coverages

Your liability coverage helps others, but what about your own car? To protect your ride, you’ll want to consider Collision and Comprehensive coverage. They’re optional add-ons, but can be required by lenders, and they're essential for full coverage.

• Collision Coverage: Covers damage to your car if you're at fault in an accident or if you hit something like a pole or mailbox. While optional, it’s commonly required by lenders or leasing companies.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-crash-related incidents, including theft, vandalism, hailstorms, floods, fire, and animal strikes. This coverage pairs well with Collision to round out your protection.

Together, collision and comprehensive coverage help protect your vehicle from a wide range of risks. Whether you’re at fault or a victim of theft, these coverages look out for you so you're not the one footing the bill.

Medical Coverage

When it comes to protecting yourself and your passengers, GEICO offers two important coverages:

• Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): Pays for injury-related medical costs after a covered accident, regardless of fault. This can include emergency care, ambulance fees, and rehab expenses.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Broader than MedPay, PIP may cover medical bills, lost wages, and even childcare or funeral costs. Although PIP is common in no-fault states, it’s available in Texas as an optional add-on.

These medical coverages can help fill the gap where health insurance may fall short. If you want extra protection beyond your health insurance, medical coverage could be a smart option. GEICO can help you choose what best fits your situation.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage helps protect you financially if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or flees the scene entirely. This coverage is particularly useful in hit-and-run incidents or if the at-fault driver cannot cover your damages.

Texas drivers can typically choose between:

• Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI): Helps pay for injuries, lost wages, and emotional distress.
• Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): Helps pay for vehicle repairs and other property losses.

Don’t let the actions of an underinsured or uninsured driver leave you vulnerable. With the right uninsured motorist coverage, you’ll be ready to handle the aftermath of an accident and get back on the road.

Limitations of Full Coverage

The combination of policies that comprise “full coverage” offers a broad range of protection, but it comes with limitations. For example, if your car is involved in an accident while improperly parked, repairs may not be covered. Stolen vehicles also might not be fully covered unless specific conditions, like filing a police report, are met. Understanding these exclusions ensures you make informed coverage choices and avoid surprises in critical situations.

Does Texas Require “Full Coverage” Car Insurance?

Texas does not require “full coverage” for all drivers. The state only requires liability insurance, which covers damages to others if you’re at fault in an accident. “Full coverage” may be required by your lender if you are financing or leasing your vehicle.

Texas is not a no-fault state, but the state does experience a higher-than-average rate of accidents and flood damage. These factors make full coverage a practical option to safeguard against potential risks in the Lone Star State.

Optional Add-Ons to “Full Coverage”

While full coverage offers a strong foundation for car insurance, there are several optional add-ons that can make your policy even more tailored to your needs. These add-ons can be especially helpful in areas with heavy traffic, extreme weather, or rural roads.

• Emergency Roadside Assistance: This add-on provides emergency services like fuel delivery, tire changes, battery jumps, and lock-out assistance. It’s a great option if you often drive long distances or through areas with limited service stations.
• Rental Reimbursement: If your vehicle is in the shop for repairs after a covered accident, rental reimbursement will help cover the cost of a rental car. This is particularly helpful in Texas, where distances between cities and towns can be significant, and you may need a temporary vehicle for everyday activities.
• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance: This coverage offers protection for mechanical failures that aren't caused by an accident. If your car breaks down, this coverage can help you avoid costly repairs.
• Towing and Labor Costs Coverage: This option can cover the cost of towing your vehicle to a repair shop after a breakdown. In rural or remote areas of Texas, where help can be far away, towing coverage can be crucial for ensuring you're not stranded.
• Customized Equipment Coverage: If you’ve added customizations or aftermarket equipment to your vehicle, this coverage protects those additions. Whether you’ve installed a custom sound system or enhanced your vehicle for off-road adventures in the Texas Hill Country, this add-on ensures your investment is protected.

Tailoring your policy with optional coverages ensures that you’re prepared for all scenarios on the road. With the right add-ons, you can make sure your insurance policy fits your lifestyle with comprehensive protection wherever you go.

Ways to Save on “Full Coverage” Car Insurance in Texas

There are several ways to save on your “full coverage” car insurance with GEICO:

• Multi-policy discount: For a reduced rate, bundle your car insurance with homeowners or renters coverage.
• Safe driver discount: Enjoy savings for keeping a clean driving record and avoiding accidents.
• Vehicle safety features: Save on your premium if your car is equipped with modern safety technologies like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and more.
• Good student discount: If you’re a young driver and maintain good grades, you may qualify for a discount on your policy.
• DriveEasy*: Get rewarded for good driving by participating in the DriveEasy program through the GEICO mobile app.
• Auto pay: Choosing automatic payments means one less thing you need to remember each month and can help you secure savings as well.
• Early shopper: Securing a new policy from GEICO before your existing one expires may qualify you for a discount.
• Paperless payment: Save trees, save money. It’s that easy. Simply paying your bill online can reduce your premium.

Get a Texas Car Insurance Quote Today!

Getting a car insurance quote in Texas is quick and easy with GEICO. You can easily begin online or speak with an agent; the process is straightforward and convenient.

Easily get started by providing some basic details about your vehicle and driving habits. Feeling stuck? No problem, GEICO agents are available to help you understand all your coverage options.

Whether you prefer to get a quote through the website or by speaking with a specialist, we’re here to guide you through the process and ensure you get the right coverage for your needs.

Get a free car insurance quote online now!