A drive across the Harbor Bridge, a school pickup in Calallen, or a weekend trip toward Port Aransas can change quickly when an unexpected event occurs. Auto insurance can help provide financial protection when a covered loss happens.
For Coastal Bend drivers, understanding available auto insurance coverages, limits, and deductibles can make it easier to select coverage based on individual needs and circumstances.
Understanding auto insurance coverage
An auto insurance policy can include several types of coverage, each designed for a different purpose. Coverage availability, limits, deductibles, conditions, and exclusions vary, so it is important to review the specific terms of your policy.
Texas drivers are required to demonstrate financial responsibility. Most drivers satisfy this requirement by purchasing auto liability insurance.
Texas minimum liability limits are commonly referred to as 30/60/25:
$30,000 for bodily injury to one person
$60,000 for bodily injury per accident
$25,000 for property damage per accident
Drivers may choose liability limits above the state-required minimum. If the cost of injuries or property damage from an accident for which you are legally responsible exceeds your applicable insurance limits, you may be responsible for amounts not covered by your policy.
Auto insurance coverage options
Depending on the policy and coverages selected, auto insurance may include:
Liability coverage — Helps pay for covered bodily injury and property damage for which an insured is legally responsible, subject to policy terms and limits.
Collision coverage — Helps pay to repair or replace a covered vehicle when it is damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object, or overturns, subject to the applicable deductible and policy provisions.
Comprehensive coverage — Helps pay for covered losses to a vehicle caused by events other than collision, which may include theft, fire, vandalism, hail, wind, flood, falling objects, or contact with an animal, subject to policy provisions and the applicable deductible.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage — Provides coverage for certain losses when an at-fault driver does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance, subject to the terms and limits of the policy.
Personal Injury Protection and Medical Payments coverage — These coverages may help with eligible medical expenses following an auto accident. Personal Injury Protection may also provide certain additional benefits, subject to policy terms and applicable Texas law.
Car Rental and Travel Expenses coverage — Optional coverage that may help with eligible transportation or rental expenses when a covered vehicle is not drivable or is being repaired because of a qualifying covered loss, subject to policy limits and provisions.
Emergency Road Service coverage — Optional coverage that may help with certain emergency services such as towing, locksmith service, tire changes, jump-starts, and other eligible roadside services, subject to policy provisions.
If you finance a vehicle, your lender may require comprehensive and collision coverage as a condition of the loan. Coverage requirements can vary, so review your financing or lease agreement for details.
Auto insurance and Coastal Bend weather
Corpus Christi and Coastal Bend drivers regularly experience changing weather conditions, including heavy rain, high winds, hail, and severe storms.
Comprehensive coverage may apply to certain covered weather-related vehicle losses, including damage from hail, wind, flooding, or falling objects. Coverage depends on the cause of loss and the terms, conditions, exclusions, and deductible of the policy.
Reviewing your auto insurance before severe weather occurs can help you understand the coverage you currently have and the deductibles and limits that may apply.
Understanding liability limits
Liability limits establish the maximum amount an insurance company will pay for a covered liability loss, subject to the policy's terms.
Texas requires minimum liability limits of 30/60/25, but drivers can choose higher limits. When considering available limits, you may want to review your individual circumstances and discuss available options with your insurance agent.
Your agent can explain how different liability limits affect both your coverage and your insurance cost.
Uninsured and underinsured motorists
Texas insurance companies must offer Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage. A policyholder who does not want this coverage must reject it in writing.
This coverage may apply when an insured is involved in a covered accident with a driver who has no insurance or does not have enough insurance to pay for covered damages.
Your agent can explain available limits and how Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage works with other coverages on your policy.
Understanding deductibles
A deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying toward certain covered losses before applicable insurance coverage pays the remaining covered amount, subject to the terms of the policy.
Comprehensive and collision coverages generally have deductibles. Different deductible options may be available.
A higher deductible generally means you assume more of the cost when a covered loss occurs and may result in a lower insurance cost. A lower deductible generally means you assume less of the covered loss and may result in a higher insurance cost.
Ask your agent to explain the deductible options available and how changing a deductible may affect your policy.
When to review your auto insurance
Changes in your household or driving habits can be a good reason to review your insurance.
Consider contacting your agent when:
A new driver is added to your household
A teen receives a driver's license
You buy, sell, or replace a vehicle
Your address changes
Your commute or vehicle use changes
A child moves away to attend school
You begin using a vehicle for business purposes
You finance or lease a new vehicle
Business use is especially important to discuss with your agent. Coverage can depend on how a vehicle is being used, and certain business activities may require different insurance considerations.
Preparing for an auto insurance quote
Providing accurate information can help your agent prepare coverage and price options based on your circumstances.
Information that may be helpful includes:
Vehicle year, make, model, and VIN
Household driver information
Current mileage
Estimated annual mileage
Vehicle use
Current insurance information
Driving history
Whether the vehicle is owned, financed, or leased
You can also discuss which coverage features are important to you, including liability limits, comprehensive and collision coverage, deductibles, rental coverage, Emergency Road Service, and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage.
Talk with a local State Farm agent
Francisco Aguilar State Farm can help Corpus Christi and Coastal Bend drivers review available auto insurance coverage options and understand how different limits and deductibles work.
Our team is available to assist customers in English or Spanish, whether you prefer to discuss your insurance in person, by phone, or through available digital options.
Insurance needs can change over time. Reviewing your coverage periodically can help you understand what your policy includes and whether you want to make changes based on your current circumstances.
Contact Francisco Aguilar State Farm to discuss your auto insurance options and request a personalized quote.
Coverage is subject to the terms, provisions, exclusions, and conditions in the policy and in applicable endorsements. Coverage availability and eligibility may vary by state and individual circumstances.
