What’s in a Standard Auto Insurance Policy?

What’s Covered (and What’s Not) in a Standard Auto Insurance Policy

For drivers in Plano navigating North Texas roads, understanding your auto insurance policy coverage might help prevent unwelcome surprises when filing a claim. Knowing what your policy includes (and what it doesn’t) is essential for making informed decisions about your coverage.

Required Coverage in Texas

Let’s start with the basics. Texas law requires all drivers to be able to prove financial responsibility for accidents they may cause. Most do this by purchasing auto liability coverage. This may help with expenses if you’re responsible for an accident that affects others and results in bodily injury or property damage. However, it won’t help repair your vehicle or cover your medical expenses.

State minimum liability coverage might not offer enough coverage for many situations. A single accident could easily exceed these basic limits, especially considering the high number of luxury vehicles and SUVs on local roads.

Optional Coverage Worth Considering

Collision coverage might help repair your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault. This becomes particularly relevant when navigating Plano’s busy intersections or dealing with parking lot incidents at popular shopping centers. Comprehensive coverage could help with non-collision incidents such as the following:

• Hail damage (a common concern in North Texas)

• Theft

• Vandalism

• Falling objects

• Animal collisions

Many drivers also choose to add uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can help pay for your accident-related injuries and damage to your vehicle if the at-fault driver doesn’t have adequate liability coverage.

What Standard Policies Don’t Cover

Understanding common exclusions helps avoid coverage surprises. Standard auto policies typically don’t include the following:

• Normal wear and tear on your vehicle

• Mechanical breakdowns

• Custom modifications without specific coverage

• Personal items stolen from your car

• Business use of your personal vehicle

• Damage from poor maintenance

Learn More

Contact Prime Time Insurance Services in Plano, TX, to discuss your auto insurance coverage options. Our team can help you understand what different policies might cover and identify potential gaps in your protection.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.