Can I show proof of insurance on my phone in Texas for inspection?

Asked by: Ruth Gleichner  |  Last update: June 27, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (75 votes)

If you're looking to show proof of auto insurance in Texas, you'll be relieved to know that drivers have options. Texans can now show proof of insurance by phone, making electronic proof of insurance a viable way to carry your coverage information.

Is it OK to have proof of insurance on your phone?

Can you present digital proof of insurance? Yes, you can provide a picture of your vehicle's insurance information. California Vehicle Code 16028 states, “The evidence of financial responsibility may be provided using a mobile electronic device.”

Can I show my insurance card on my phone in Texas?

You can show proof of insurance on your phone if you can pull up the insurance card for your car on your insurance company's mobile app. To be safe, it is a good idea to have a paper copy of your insurance card in your vehicle at all times.

Do you need proof of insurance to get car inspected in Texas?

You'll also need proof of insurance while having your car inspected. You do not need Texas State insurance for this purpose. As long as the insurance is valid and has full coverage, it can be from any state. However, if you only have liability insurance, it will need to be through a Texas State provider.

Do I need a physical copy of insurance for inspection?

Most vehicle inspections will require proof of insurance to pass — and most states require insurance to legally drive on the road.

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What do I need to bring for a Texas car inspection?

Prepare For Your Texas State Inspection

Proof of insurance – For vehicles with full coverage, any state insurance is accepted. Vehicles with liability only are required to have coverage from a provider in Texas. Driver's License/Photo ID – All licenses must be valid and current.

Can I inspect my car without insurance?

When getting the inspection, you'll usually need documents such as your driver's license, vehicle title or registration, and proof of insurance. Insurance inspections aren't the same as state-required inspections.

Is Texas doing away with vehicle inspections in 2025?

REMINDER: Beginning on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, Texas' Vehicle Safety Inspection Program will eliminate most vehicle safety inspections. All non-commercial vehicles will no longer need a vehicle safety inspection prior to being registered in Texas.

What will fail a car inspection in Texas?

Some common safety-related issues that can also lead to failure include worn or damaged tires, malfunctioning brakes, broken or missing lights, and a faulty horn. If any of these components do not meet the minimum safety standards set by the state, your vehicle will not pass the inspection.

How much is a ticket for no insurance in Texas?

Costs Associated With a No Insurance Ticket

First, you will receive a ticket for no insurance, along with a fine of $175-$350, supposing it's your first offense. Subsequent offenses could entail fines of $350-$1,000 for each infraction.

Does Texas allow digital proof of insurance?

Texans can now show proof of insurance by phone, making electronic proof of insurance a viable way to carry your coverage information. Sometimes called SR 22 insurance, all drivers must carry proof that they have a valid policy while driving.

Can I use my phone as an insurance card?

Can you show proof of insurance on your phone? Some insurers, including Progressive, provide a digital insurance card that you can access on a smartphone or tablet via an app or by logging in to your account. Nearly every state allows you to show that electronic proof of insurance on your phone (your digital ID card).

Do you have to carry an insurance card in Texas?

As a driver in Texas, you are legally required to carry auto insurance coverage at all times. One way to prove that you have the required coverage in place is through your auto ID card. It's a small document that can provide you with a great deal of protection when you're out on the road.

Can you use a picture for proof of insurance?

Proof of insurance can be in electronic form, meaning text-based or imaged-based content that can be shown on a computer or other digital device. So a photograph of the actual insurance card or screen shot is sufficient.

Can I use insurance on my phone?

Yes. If your phone needs to be repaired or replaced because of a covered event, you pay your plan's deductible, and the insurance company covers the rest. The minimum deductible on plans offered through Progressive is $50.

Where to keep a car insurance card?

Consider this: you're asked to show proof of auto insurance at a traffic stop and you have to hand the officer your unlocked phone. It's always best to keep a paper copy of that insurance card in your glove compartment or console.

Can you pass inspection without insurance in Texas?

Remember, your vehicle must pass the inspection before it can be registered and titled in Texas. Both the vehicle registration and inspection process require proof of financial responsibility, typically in the form of a Texas auto insurance policy.

What will make a car not pass an inspection?

Top 10 Reasons Vehicles Fail Inspection:
  • Improper First Aid Kit. ...
  • Driver and Front Passenger Door Window Tint. ...
  • Chips and Cracks in the Windshield. ...
  • Brakes. ...
  • Lights. ...
  • Worn Tires. ...
  • Engine/Transmission/Power Steering Fluid Leaks. ...
  • Vehicle Height.

How do I pass my Texas inspection?

The list includes, but is not limited to:
  1. Headlights, stop lights, indicator lights, and hazard lights.
  2. Braking system: foot and parking brakes.
  3. Wheel components including tire tread depth.
  4. All mirrors (side and rearview).
  5. Window tint and coating.
  6. Horn.
  7. Seatbelts and airbag system.
  8. Exhaust system.

Is Texas getting rid of inspection stickers?

TEXAS - Inspection stickers will soon be a thing of the past for most Texans starting Jan. 1, 2025.

How much will the emissions test cost in Texas in 2025?

All non-commercial vehicles in the state will still be subject to a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee. The inspection program replacement fee will be paid at the time you register your vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

Can I renew Texas registration without inspection?

NOTE: As of January 1, 2025, non-commercial vehicles are no longer required to obtain a safety inspection prior to vehicle registration.

Why do insurance companies take pictures of your car?

Taking photographs of a vehicle can help insurers evaluate the condition of the insured vehicle, avoid fraudulent claims, assess the vehicle's value and estimate claim payouts.

Can I do a car inspection myself?

Check the engine oil level, brake cylinder fluid level, power steering fluid level, engine coolant level, and washer fluid level. Look for any leaks or loose components under the hood. The coolant level should be easily checked by looking at the coolant reservoir tank. Look under the vehicle next.

How to take pictures for car insurance?

The damage should be easy to see in the picture, so make sure you have:
  1. Good lighting. Please ensure your photos taken in well-lit areas, with minimal glare or shadows.
  2. Clear visibility. ...
  3. Proper distance. ...
  4. Full vehicle access. ...
  5. Proof of ownership.