No driver intentionally causes an auto accident, but there are more than 6 million car and truck accidents in the United States each year, many of them occurring in the state of Texas. You can cause a crash by avoiding an animal, object or person in the road, by trying not to collide with an out-of-control or erratically driven car, by striking a bicycle or any number of other reasons. Having car insurance is the law in the state, so make sure you have adequate coverage in order to protect you, your family and passengers.

Texas requires you to carry insurance that covers you for $25,000 worth of bodily injury with a maximum of $50,000 per accident. You must also carry coverage of $25,000 in property damage caused by a car crash, although this amount is often not enough since many vehicles on Texas streets and highways cost far more than the $25,000 your insurance will pay – you don’t want to be stuck being responsible for the overage amount, so consider buying a car insurance policy that will pay for more. You can also purchase a higher quantity of bodily injury insurance than what is required by law, which is never a bad idea to give you peace of mind when you’re driving, particularly since Texas’ changeable and often severe weather can make driving a risky proposition.

You may also want to consider purchasing a car insurance policy that includes some options not required by Texas law. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you when the accident fault is not your own. There are plenty of drivers on the road doing so illegally, and if one of them hits your car or truck, you’re left to foot the bill for repairs to your vehicle. If you purchase optional uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, your insurance company picks up the tab. You can also buy a policy that reimburses you if you need a car rental during the time it takes to repair your car.

Whatever you do, do not drive your car without insurance in Texas. It can result in fines or jail time that can disrupt your life and make it difficult to find a job. Working with a reputable car insurance agent can help you find the best policy for you that meets your needs as far as cost goes. Review your options every couple of years to determine if you’re getting the best value for your money. A good agent may assist you to ensure you’re taking all possible credits to lower your car insurance costs even more.