9 Key Questions to Ask When Getting Auto Insurance Quotes in Texas

A motor vehicle crash occurs every minute in the state of Texas.

No matter how safely you drive, you can't account for the actions of other drivers. If you plan to drive in Texas, you simply must have good auto insurance.

Don't wait until an accident happens to evaluate your policy. Keep reading for 9 key questions to ask when shopping for auto insurance quotes to ensure you have the coverage you need. 

1. How Much Coverage Do I Need in Texas?

If you plan to drive in Texas, you must meet the state's minimum liability insurance requirements. Each state has its own limits. In Texas, drivers must carry liability insurance in the following amounts:

• $30k in bodily injury coverage per person
• $60k in bodily injury coverage per accident
• $25k in property damage coverage

2. Do I Need More Coverage?

You'll want to consider whether the state minimum amount is enough coverage.

The average cost of an accident involving a disabling injury was $98,400 in 2019. If your policy only meets the minimum requirements, you wouldn't have enough coverage. This means that if you were at fault for the accident and are sued by the other driver, you could end up paying out of pocket.

It's generally recommended to carry the highest liability limits you can afford. This will help protect your assets.

The good news? Increasing your liability limits doesn't drastically increase your rates. You can find an affordable auto insurance policy that meets your needs. 

3. What Does My Policy Cover?

With vehicle ownership comes responsibility. Understanding what your policy does and doesn't cover will help you protect yourself and others.

Auto insurance policies contain several different optional coverages. These include bodily injury liability, property damage liability, medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP), collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and underinsured motorist protection.

Auto insurance policies are customizable. You can choose which coverage you want and the limits and number of applicable deductibles. Your agent can help you decide which coverages are right for you and how to balance your premiums and deductibles. 

4. Does My Policy Cover Other Drivers?

Vehicle owners should always know whether their policy covers other drivers.

If you plan to let other drivers use your car, you want to make sure your policy covers permissive users. This means that if you let someone else drive your car with your permission and they get into an accident, your insurance would pay for the claim as if you were driving the car.

Liability insurance is tied to your vehicle rather than you as a driver. If someone steals your car, you should look for coverage under the comprehensive section of your auto policy. 

5. Is Flood Insurance Covered?

You may or may not know that homeowners insurance typically excludes coverage for losses caused by a flood. Flood insurance is considered supplemental and is sold separately. This is because not everyone lives in a flood zone.

When it comes to car insurance, the best auto insurance policies cover damages caused by flooding under the comprehensive section of the policy.

Keep in mind that comprehensive insurance is optional, so you won't be covered if you only carry the state requirements for liability insurance. 

6. Is My Vehicle Financed or Leased?

If you don't have the title to your car because it is financed or leased, your lender or financing company will likely dictate what policy you may carry.

Technically, these lenders own the vehicle until the loan is paid off or the lease expires. To protect their interests, they will usually require drivers to carry comprehensive and collision coverage in a certain amount. Ask your lender directly how much and which types of insurance they need. 

7. What Factors Might Affect My Rates?

You might want to know how your lifestyle and habits affect your auto insurance rates.

The type of car you own and how you use it play a big part in the cost of auto insurance. Other factors include where you live, your insurance score, whether you have had any prior accidents or violations, your age, and your gender. 

8. Am I Eligible for Any Discounts?

Each auto insurance carrier offers its own discounts that can reduce the cost of your premium if you qualify.

Many carriers offer bundle discounts if you purchase other types of insurance, like homeowners or renters, from them in addition to an auto policy. Many offer driver safety discounts and discounts for good students, paying your policy in full rather than monthly, and taking training courses. 

9. Do I Need Any Extra Coverages?

In addition to asking about discounts, you should ask about any additional coverages offered on your policy. These coverages are added as endorsements for a small fee.

These are a few of the most common endorsements to auto insurance policies:

Rental Reimbursement

This endorsement covers rental vehicles or public transportation expenses while your vehicle is in the shop for repairs after a covered accident.

Replacement Cost Coverage

This endorsement ensures your policy will pay the cost of a brand new vehicle if yours is totaled in a covered accident.

Roadside Assitance

Also called towing and labor coverage, this endorsement will pay for the cost of towing your vehicle to a repair shop and help you if you are stranded on the side of the road due to a flat tire or dead battery.

GAP Coverage

Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) coverage pays the difference between what you still owe on your vehicle and what it's worth if it's totaled in a covered accident. 

Get Texas Auto Insurance Quotes Today

Prevention is worth more than a cure when it comes to auto insurance. Choosing the right policy can help you avoid a major headache if an accident does occur. 

Are you looking for auto insurance quotes? We can help you compare policies and get the most coverage for your money.

Get started with your free auto quote today!