Full Coverage

Full Coverage Auto Insurance in Texas 

"Full coverage" auto insurance in Texas is a combination of the minimum required coverage plus optional coverage such as comprehensive and collision coverage. “Full coverage” is not an actual insurance policy. It’s a commonly used phrase that describes having more extensive coverage than the minimum required by the state of Texas.  

Many drivers in the Lone Star State opt to get "full coverage" since it helps offset the high financial costs that may arise after an accident. Especially for high-risk drivers, "full coverage" is a good option since their likelihood of experiencing a costly accident is higher. 

Agencia de Seguros de Accesso, LLC (A Abana) works with drivers looking for affordable "full coverage" options. With 17 locations in Texas, A Abana can give you personalized support. 

What is "full coverage" insurance in Texas? 

As you can see, "full coverage" is not a specific policy but a combination of car insurance coverages, including the minimum liability required in Texas, and usually comprehensive and collision. Let’s see what each of them covers: 

1. Liability insurance 

Liability insurance is the minimum coverage required by Texas law. Liability insurance helps cover the costs of injuries or damage to another person when you cause a covered accident. For example, let’s say you run a stop sign and crash into a car. Liability coverage helps pay for the other driver’s costs up to a certain limit. It won’t help cover repairs to your own vehicle or your own medical bills. 

In Texas, minimum liability insurance is known as 30/60/25 coverage. That is because the minimum required will cover: 

  • $30,000 for bodily injury or death to another person 
  • $60,000 for injury or death to one or more people per accident 
  • $25,000 for the other person’s property damages 

 Keep in mind that these payments will take place if damages meet the limit and the accident is covered. Liability insurance doesn’t help to pay for your own car repairs or medical bills. Drivers may choose to increase their liability insurance coverage limits. 

2. Collision Coverage 

Collision coverage helps pay for the costs of fixing or replacing your vehicle for covered accidents, regardless of who the at-fault driver is. 

For example, if you change lanes too quickly and accidentally hit a vehicle, collision damage helps pay for your car repairs if the accident is covered by the insurance company.  

3. Comprehensive coverage 

Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damages to your car that are not caused by collisions. Some examples of these events are: 

  • Theft or vandalism 
  • A tree branch falling on your car 
  • Extreme weather events like floods or hurricanes 
  • A fire damaging your car 

Remember that comprehensive and collision insurance often have deductibles. A deductible is how much you pay out of pocket before your policy starts to cover costs. For example, if your car was damaged after a wildfire and your deductible was $1000, you would pay $1000 for your vehicle repairs. The insurance company pays the difference in the cost of repair or replacement. 

Here are some additional coverage add-ons: 

  • Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverages: These coverages help to pay costs of bodily injuries when another driver is at fault and they don’t have enough insurance or any insurance at all. In Texas, insurance companies are required to offer this coverage. Drivers may decline it in writing. 
  • Personal injury protection (PIP) or Medical Payments (MedPay): Medical payments (MedPay) help cover the costs of medical bills for you and your passengers when a covered accident takes place. PIP is similar to MedPay and includes payments for lost wages and some non-medical costs. Insurance companies are also required to offer PIP, which you may decline in writing. 
  • Rental reimbursement: If your car is undergoing repairs due to a covered accident, this coverage helps pay for a rental vehicle up to a specific limit. 
  • Roadside assistance: This coverage helps pay for tow services, blown tires, dead batteries, etc. 

Benefits of "full coverage" for high-risk drivers 

A driver who is more likely to cause a traffic accident or have a traffic violation is known as a “high-risk driver.” Traffic violations include things like driving over the speed limit, DUIs, or running through red lights.  New drivers, drivers with a low credit-based insurance score, and those who've had lapses in coverage are also sometimes considered high-risk drivers by insurance companies. 

However, high-risk drivers still have options when it comes to car insurance. 

Considering "full coverage" may be critical for high-risk drivers if they can't afford to pay for repairs out of pocket. If they get into a collision, for example, liability insurance may not be enough to cover the costs of damages to the other driver and damages to their own car. 

"Full coverage" can also offset the costs of lawsuits or high property damage after a covered accident. Including comprehensive and collision coverage in your auto insurance policy can be an extra financial safety net you can rely on when a covered accident happens. 

If you want to know what your options are as a high-risk driver, you can contact an A Abana agent in Texas, and we'll be happy to answer your questions. 

Texas "full coverage" insurance requirements 

While "full coverage" is not required in Texas, many drivers opt for "full coverage" auto insurance because it will help offset high financial costs in case of covered accidents.  

In summary, "full coverage" includes: 

  • Liability coverage 
  • Comprehensive coverage 
  • Collision coverage 

The minimum required insurance in Texas is liability coverage, which in this state is known as 30/60/25 rule. This means that in Texas, drivers must carry insurance that, in case of a covered accident, pays $30,000 for injuries to the other driver, $60,000 for injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damages. 

However, if you are the driver at fault, liability insurance won't cover the costs of any injuries you have or any repairs to your car. "Full coverage" is a helpful option if you aren't able to pay for these high costs out of pocket in case of an accident. Additionally, a "full coverage" policy may also help cover costs of non-collision incidents such as your car getting stolen, vandalized, or damaged by a weather event. 

Keep in mind that if you lease or get financing for a vehicle, most leasing companies or lenders require you to get "full coverage". 

Average cost of "full coverage" insurance in Texas 

As of the publishing or this article, the average yearly price of "full coverage" insurance in Texas is $1,716, which is higher than the national average of $1,358. However, "full coverage" premiums tend to be higher in cities such as Houston or Dallas, which have a higher rate of traffic accidents. 

How much you will pay for "full coverage" depends on different factors such as your driving history, location, vehicle type, etc. Additionally, having a high-risk driver status often leads to higher insurance premiums. 

Let's look at the factors affecting how much "full coverage" is: 

  • Your driving history: Drivers with good driving records often pay less than high-risk drivers or drivers with less-than-perfect records. 
  • Age and gender: Younger drivers may pay higher premiums because they have less driving experience. In Texas, insurance carriers may consider someone's gender. Male drivers may pay higher premiums because they are statistically more likely to cause accidents. 
  • Location: Residents of certain zip codes may pay higher premiums than others. For example, high-traffic areas such as Houston, Beaumont, San Antonio, or Dallas have a higher likelihood of traffic accidents in Texas, leading to higher premiums. 
  • Your vehicle type: Luxury or rare-brand vehicles may cost more to insure. Additionally, if you've added custom modifications to your car, you may have to pay more for car insurance. 
  • Insurance company: Different insurance carriers offer different prices as well as varied discounts, so make sure to shop around when you are choosing a "full coverage" policy. 

How to get affordable "full coverage" car insurance in Texas 

If you're a Texas resident looking for "full coverage" insurance, consider the following tips: 

  • Maintain a clean driving record: If you are an experienced driver with a good driving record, you may be able to get a discount. 
  • Choose a higher deductible: Choosing a higher deductible can lower your insurance premiums. Since your insurance policy helps pay for the costs of a covered accident after you've paid the deductible, choose this option if you can afford your chosen deductible. 
  • Take a defensive driving course: Many insurance carriers offer discounts to drivers who take a defensive driving course because these drivers are taking proactive steps to maintain or improve their driving record. 
  • Ask about available discounts: Depending on the insurance carrier, there are various discounts available. Examples are: discounts for bundling more than one vehicle under one policy, being a good student, having a good driving record, etc. 

A Abana works with various insurance carriers that offer different discount options. Our agents understand Texas-specific risks like hail, flooding, and uninsured motorists. 

Call 214-764-8868, stop by your nearest store, or get a free auto insurance quote online today to see how much you could save on "full coverage" car insurance in Texas.  

Disclaimer:  

This material is for general informational purposes only. Products, services, and discounts referenced herein are not available in all states or in all companies. All statements are subject to the terms, exclusions, and conditions of the applicable policy. In all instances, current policy contract language prevails. Coverage is subject to individual policyholders meeting the insurer's underwriting qualifications and state availability. Other terms, conditions, and exclusions may apply.  

Disclaimer:
These descriptions are meant to assist you in determining your auto insurance needs. These are not complete descriptions and do not constitute an insurance contract or coverage for specific losses. For a complete description, please consult your policy contract or contact your insurance agent.