How Much Is a No-Insurance Ticket in Texas?
Texas recognizes the risks to all on the road and has established minimum auto insurance requirements. Even so, some vehicle operators violate these laws and drive without insurance or insurance below the minimum threshold required by Texas. If the driver is caught after an injury-causing accident, they will receive costly fines or, at worst, possibly lose their license. The cost to victims hurt in an uninsured motorist accident is even higher.
What Are the Costs of a No-Insurance Ticket?
Title 7 of the Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 601.191, codifies the amount of no-insurance tickets. Driving without insurance is a misdemeanor offense. Driving without insurance in Texas can lead to serious consequences, including hefty fines ranging from
- $175 to $350 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for repeat violations
- Offenders may face a $250 annual surcharge for three years
- An offender may get their license suspended with a $100 reinstatement fee and higher insurance premiums for several years
- In some cases, your vehicle may be impounded at your expense, and you could be held financially responsible for any accident-related damages
- Additionally, Texas may require you to file an SR-22 form to prove financial responsibility
Texas tracks insurance coverage through TexasSure, an automated system that alerts the DMV when a policy lapses. If notified, you must provide proof of insurance within 10 days to avoid penalties. These penalties can be costly, making it imperative to maintain continuous insurance coverage to protect yourself legally and financially.
Insurance Requirements in Texas
Texas imposes minimum insurance requirements so those who cause accidents can pay for the damage they cause. Mandatory insurance, as explained by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), includes liability coverage amounts of:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
You can add other coverage to your policy. For example, collision coverage pays for the damage your car sustains. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) compensates you for your or your passengers’ medical costs, and Uninsured Motorist Insurance (UMI) provides coverage if an uninsured or underinsured driver hits you. Insurance companies must include PIP and UMI in your policy and can only remove the options if you refuse them in writing.
How To Handle Accidents When Drivers Do Not Have Insurance
There are steps to take immediately after a car accident, whether you have insurance or not. Prioritize everyone’s safety, gather as much information as possible, and connect with an attorney.
When You Are the Uninsured Driver
If you do not have insurance and the accident was not your fault, you may still be entitled to collect damages and still deserve justice. The process may be more complicated because of your insurance status, but a car accident lawyer can help.
When You Are Hit by an Uninsured Driver
Unfortunately, many Texas motorists do not carry enough insurance. TexasSure estimates that 20% of Texas drivers are uninsured, and cost responsible Texans with insurance are around $900 a year to protect themselves. Many assume that without the other driver’s liability coverage, recovering compensation is impossible, but alternative options may be available, including:
- Determine additional liable parties, such as an employer, if the driver was working at the time of the crash or if other motorists contributed to the accident.
- Pursue an uninsured motorist claim, utilizing your own policy’s coverage designed to compensate for damages when the at-fault driver lacks insurance.
The path to compensation for your injuries and damages looks different than a regular insurance claim, but with the right attorney and tools in place, you can get the compensation necessary to get your life back on track.
Get the Help You Need
The amount of a no-insurance ticket in Texas is high, but the potential costs extend far beyond that penalty. If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to understand your legal rights and take the necessary steps to recover damages.
Contact The Dallas Car Accident Law Firm of Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas, TX, contact us for more information, please contact the experienced Dallas car accident lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve in Dallas County and its surrounding areas:
Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers
1825 Market Center Blvd # 350, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: (214) 556-8321
Hours Open: 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Dallas.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.7950252,-96.8241861