Why Carrying the Right Auto Insurance Coverage Matters More Than Ever
Understanding Texas Minimum Liability Insurance
Every state requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability auto insurance. In Texas, that minimum coverage is commonly referred to as 30/60/25, meaning:
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$30,000 for bodily injury per person
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$60,000 for bodily injury per accident
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$25,000 for property damage
Here’s why that matters.
If another driver causes a crash and only carries the minimum liability policy, the most you can recover for your injuries is $30,000, no matter how serious those injuries are. If you are traveling with family members, the situation becomes even more concerning.
For example, if you and three family members are injured in the same crash, the maximum total payout for all bodily injuries combined is $60,000. That amount must be split among all four people, and no single person can receive more than $30,000. Medical bills alone can exceed that amount after just one emergency room visit.
This reality is why relying solely on the at-fault driver’s insurance is risky—and why your own coverage is so important.
The Importance of Medical Payments (Med Pay) and Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Two of the most overlooked but valuable auto insurance coverages are Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay) and Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
These coverages are considered no-fault insurance, meaning they apply regardless of who caused the crash. Whether you were hit by a distracted driver or involved in a complex multi-vehicle accident, Med Pay and PIP can provide immediate financial relief.
How Much Coverage Should You Carry?
A good rule of thumb is to carry Med Pay or PIP coverage equal to your health insurance deductible. That way, if you are injured, you are not forced to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket before your health insurance kicks in.
If you do not have health insurance, we strongly recommend asking your insurance agent about the cost of carrying the maximum available Med Pay or PIP coverage. These coverages are typically very affordable, especially compared to the financial exposure of going without them.
Why We Prefer PIP Coverage
While both Med Pay and PIP are valuable, our firm generally prefers Personal Injury Protection for several reasons:
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Lost Wages Coverage
PIP typically covers up to 80% of lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working. Med Pay does not. -
No Subrogation Rights
With Med Pay, your insurance company may later seek reimbursement (called subrogation) from the at-fault driver’s insurance. That can reduce your final recovery.PIP, on the other hand, does not have subrogation rights. Once that money is paid to you, you keep it—it does not have to be repaid later.
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Immediate Access to Funds
PIP can help cover medical bills, lost income, and essential expenses quickly, without waiting months for the at-fault driver’s insurer to cooperate.
Don’t Be Afraid to File a Claim on Your Own Insurance
One of the most common concerns we hear from clients is: “I don’t want to file a claim on my own insurance because I’m afraid my rates will go up.”
This fear is understandable—but often misplaced.
In most cases, insurance premiums increase when you are at fault for a crash or when you have excessive claims over a three- to five-year period. Filing a claim for a crash that was not your fault is usually not what causes rate increases.
More importantly, you are in a contractual relationship with your own insurance company—not the at-fault driver’s insurer.
Your insurance company has a legal obligation to:
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Handle your claim in good faith
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Provide timely benefits
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Treat you fairly
The defendant’s insurance company has no such obligation. Their goal is often to minimize payouts and close claims cheaply and quickly.
For that reason, we almost always recommend that our clients open a claim with their own insurance company after a crash.
Rental Coverage and Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)
Another critical but often overlooked protection is rental reimbursement coverage. If your vehicle is damaged and unusable, rental coverage ensures you are not left without transportation while your claim is being handled.
Equally important is Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage. In 2025, there are more uninsured drivers on the road than ever before. If you are hit by someone with no insurance—or someone who flees the scene—UMPD can cover repairs to your vehicle when no other coverage is available.
Never Carry Liability-Only Coverage
No matter how little you drive, how old your vehicle is, or how careful you believe you are, liability-only coverage is a dangerous gamble.
Crashes are unpredictable, medical care is expensive, and relying on other drivers to protect you financially is a risk no one should take. Even modest additions to your policy—like PIP, Med Pay, UM coverage, and rental reimbursement—can provide life-saving protection at a relatively low cost.
Choose Reputable Insurance Carriers
Finally, not all insurance companies are created equal. Reputable, well-known carriers tend to provide better claims handling, faster responses, and more reliable coverage. Lesser-known insurers or those with poor reputations may offer lower premiums—but often at the cost of delayed payments, denied claims, and frustrating experiences.
Simply put: you get what you pay for.
Final Thoughts
Auto insurance is not just a legal requirement—it is a critical financial safety net for you and your family. Carrying the right coverages can mean the difference between recovery and long-term hardship after a crash.
If you have questions about your policy or have been injured in an accident, the team at Rocky Walton Injury Lawyers is here to help you understand your options and protect your rights. Staying informed today can protect your future tomorrow.
