Reader’s Question:

What will be the legal penalties for driving without car insurance in Dallas Texas?

Josh

Dallas, TX

There are harsh legal penalties for driving without insurance in Dallas Texas. There is a a fine between $175 up to $350 for the first offense. Subsequent violations could result in fines of $350 up to $1,000, driver’s license and registration suspension and impound of your motor vehicle. Driving without insurance in Texas is a misdemeanor, and therefore a criminal violation, but it is considered less serious in nature compared to felony violations such as felony DWI or vehicular homicide.

In addition, if a person was at fault in a car accident and were found to be driving without insurance then the state of Texas do require them to pay for the injuries or damages they caused.

Does gap insurance let you rent a car if you have been in an accident, but the vehicle is not totaled? I am from Dallas, TX

Richard

Dallas, TX

No, actually gap insurance does not rent you a vehicle whether your car has been declared a total loss or not. Gap insurance does not include reimbursement for a rental car.

If you have been in an accident in that is your own fault you would have to use your own physical damage coverages such as comprehensive or collision to cover the damages to the car in Texas. To cover the cost of a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired you would need coverages such as rental car reimbursement (RR).

If your vehicle was wrecked by another party and you have put a third party claim through the at-fault party’s insurance provider then you should check if they will reimburse you for the use of a rental car while your car is being fixed.