Texas‘ Financial Responsibility Verification Program – Consumer Information Page
This page is designed to assist consumers with information and questions related to TexasSure.
What is Financial Responsibility, and What Does Texas Law Require?
The Texas Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act, in Transportation Code §601.051, states that a person may not operate a motor vehicle in this state unless financial responsibility is established for that vehicle. Transportation Code §601.002(3) defines financial responsibility as the ability to respond to damages for liability for an accident that arises out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle. Most people do this by buying automobile liability insurance as allowed by Transportation Code §601.051(1). Texas law, under Transportation Code §601.072, currently requires minimum coverage of $25,000 per injured person, up to a total of $50,000 for everyone injured in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This basic coverage is called 25/50/25 coverage. These limits will increase to 30/60/25 on January 1, 2011.
What is TexasSure?
TexasSure, the “financial responsibility verification program” was created by the 79th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, in Senate Bill 1670, which added Subchapter N, Chapter 601 Transportation Code. Section 601.452 of the Transportation Code, as added by SB 1670, provides that the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), in consultation with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) “shall establish a program for verification of whether owners of motor vehicles have established financial responsibility.”
Pursuant to SB 1670, the established program is designed to reduce the number of uninsured motorists in this State; operate reliably; be cost-effective; sufficiently protect the privacy of the motor vehicle owners; sufficiently safeguard the security and integrity of information provided by insurance companies; identify and employ a method of compliance that improves public convenience; provide information that is accurate and current; and be capable of being audited by an independent auditor.
TexasSure users include the DPS, sheriffs, local police, and vehicle registration offices. These users obtain accurate and timely insurance information on a given vehicle promptly upon request. For example, law enforcement officers can electronically confirm whether or not a registered vehicle has insurance coverage in effect.
Unmatched Notices
TexasSure is able to match over 99% of all reported auto insurance policies to a registered vehicle. Beginning in November 2009, TexasSure will send a notice to the less than 1% of insured customers that cannot be matched to their registered vehicle. Customers will be provided with the insurance information submitted by their insurance company and specific guidance to help determine the reason for the non-match. A customer call center will be available for assistance.
Uninsured Notices
There are approximately 4 million registered passenger vehicles that are potentially uninsured. Beginning in the spring of 2010, TexasSure will contact the registered owners of these vehicles. Recipients will be provided with the vehicle registration information on file and specific guidance to help them correct the situation. A customer call center will be available for assistance.
To learn more about TexasSure, please visit www.TexasSure.com
For more information contact: TexasSure@tdi.state.tx.us
