Liability Auto Insurance

Reader’s Question:

I have an 11 yr old child and I’m wondering if I have to include him in my policy as a liability. Can you tell me the requirements for liability insurance in Texas?

Allain

Houston Texas

Requirement for full coverage insurance will vary depending on what state you are from. Let’s say you’re in Texas, the state requires you to have liability insurance. In some cases if your vehicle is not fully paid, you will be required to have collision and comprehensive coverage. In this case you will be covered for damages and injuries, other damages that is included in your policy will be covered as well. In the state of Texas, minimum coverage amount increased to $25,000 to injuries incurred to a person and damage to properties so that will be a total of $50,000 per accident, before it was only $20,000 for injuries incurred to a person, $15,000 for damage to properties and $40,000 per accident.

The coverage amount may not be enough especially if you will be help responsible for an accident. You may want to think about getting more that the minimum limit. Always remember that you will be given an insurance card or proof of insurance when you buy an auto policy. You will need this card or proof of insurance once you get into an accident, register your car or just renew the car registration, getting a new driver’s license, getting your car inspected or if asked by a police officer.

Every state has its own penalties if you violated the state’s financial responsibility law. If it’s your first conviction the fine could be from $175 to $350. After the first conviction and you will be cited again the fine will increase from $350 to $1000. This could also result to suspension of driver’s license or impoundment of your vehicle.

Everybody in your household should be included in your policy. You can check with your insurance company their definition of a household member or who is required to be included in your policy