Insurance Coverage – Children
Q: My oldest son is about to start driving. I haven’t had to make any changes to my insurance in a long time and don’t really trust an insurance agent to tell me what I should buy to cover my teenage son and me. Where can I learn about the different types of insurance available and what I really need?
A: If you drive in Texas, you must show that you can pay for accidents you cause. So, Texas law requires you to have auto liability insurance. As of January 1, 2011, Texas law requires minimum liability coverage to be $30,000 per injured person, up to a total of $60,000 for everyone hurt in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This basic coverage is called 30/60/25 coverage.
However there is other insurance you should buy such as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage which is no fault insurance and will pay your medical bills plus 80 percent of lost income.
You should also buy Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage. If you are hit by someone who does not have insurance, Uninsured coverage is there to pay for your damages. If you are hit by someone that has insurance but not enough to cover your damages your Underinsured coverage is there to pay for your damages over what the other person has in insurance.
I have written a free Book entitled A SIMPLE GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE IN TEXAS that explains all the different types of insurance coverage available and what I recommend everyone carry. Also, download my free APP on your Android or iPhone so that you will know what information to get at the scene should you be involved in an automobile collision.
If you have any questions or would like one of my free books entitled A SIMPLE GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE IN TEXAS or a free ACCIDENT INFORMATION CARD please feel free to e-mail my office at kcpc@txis.net. You can also call me at 817/335-9700.
The Law Offices of Kerry H. Collins, P.C.* 1301 Ballinger Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
(817) 335-9700
(877) 988-1603 Toll free
*Kerry H. Collins is Board Certified in Personal Injury
Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
