Reader’s Question:

I am visiting from Wisconsin. Can I use my aunt’s car here in Texas with my current driver’s license? If she does not have insurance and I get into a road mishap, can I still make car accident insurance claims?

Shawn

Houston, TX

A Wisconsin driver’s license can be used in any state, including Texas, provided that you do not have any traffic violation in your home state and was not ordered any driving restrictions. In case an accident occurs and you’re found responsible, you will need to fulfill the financial responsibility laws of Wisconsin. This is why your car insurance coverage is very important. You should always bring any proof or certification about the existence of car insurance coverage when you are behind the wheel because not only will it cover you in Wisconsin but in Texas, as well.

However, before driving your aunt’s car, you need to ask her if she has coverage. This is very important as your own coverage will only come secondary, and it definitely affects the possibility of your making any car accident insurance claims. If she does not have any coverage, then she is violating some serious insurance and financial responsibility compliance laws in the State of Texas. The state obligates any car owner to have his or her vehicle insured adequately. Minimum requirement in Texas is the liability insurance to cover for any bodily injury and ruined property. Failure to meet this requirement may result to revocation of license, car getting sequestered, payment of hefty fines and possible jail time.

Tags: auto insurance claims, auto insurance coverage, car insurance law, traffic violation