Motorcycle Insurance Minimum Requirements in Texas

Texas Liability Insurance Requirements for Motorcycles

Currently, up to 20% of Texas drivers on the road at any time are uninsured. In an effort to decrease that number, state lawmakers have set required minimum amounts of liability insurance. So, if you want to drive in this state, you must have liability coverage in at least the following amounts:

• $30,000 bodily injury coverage for one person in an accident

• $60,000 bodily injury coverage total per accident

• $25,000 property damage coverage per accident

Keep your insurance card in your vehicle at all times. You'll need it to register your car or apply for a driver's license―and, of course, if you're ever in an accident. If asked, you should also be prepared to show it to law enforcement.

The coverage amounts listed above are only minimums; there is no maximum. It's often a good idea to get more coverage or protect yourself with different types of insurance. Check out all the various types of insurance coverage to make sure you get the policy that will work best for you.

How Coverage Affects Helmet Requirements

Texas helmet requirements are not affected by how much automobile insurance you have. They are, however, somewhat affected by your health insurance policy. In short, if you ride a motorcycle (as driver or passenger) you must wear a helmet, unless:

• You are at least 21 years old, AND

• You have either:

• Completed an authorized training and safety course, OR

• You have health insurance in the amount of at least $10,000 to cover any potential injuries you might get while not wearing a helmet.

Proof of insurance and Financial Responsibility

In coalition with state lawmakers and other agencies, TxDOT to created TexasSure, a program to verify insurance electronically.

TexasSure: Insurance Verification Program

This verification program requires state insurance agencies to electronically submit insurance information directly to TxDOT. Once in the system, the information is accessible by all TxDOT departments, as well as law enforcement.

No action is required on your part, as long as you maintain the required minimum of coverage on your motorcycle. But if your insurance lapses or is canceled for some reason, or if there's a discrepancy in your records, you'll be hearing from TxDOT.

Respond to the notice from TxDOT by sending proof that you do have the required insurance, or resolve the discrepancy.

Penalties for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

The suspension of your driver's license and registration are the result when you don't respond to a notice from TxDOT, or you really don't have insurance for any reason.

Within 20 days of receiving a suspension notice, you must decide whether you're going to appeal. If you do appeal, it could stop suspension procedures until the matter is resolved. Notify the TxDOT about your decision to appeal by contacting them at the address or phone number on your suspension notice.

If your license and registration are suspended a second time for lack of insurance, your car will be impounded for 180 days. Plus, the state will charge you a $15 fee for each day your vehicle is in impoundment.

Reinstating Registration and Driver's License

You can lift your suspension by doing the following:

• Provide proof of current liability coverage

• Pay reinstatement fees from $175 to $350

For more information related to penalties for no proof of insurance, contact your local TxDOT office.