How Can We Tell How Much Insurance the Other Driver Has?
After a car accident, one of the first questions most people have is, “How much insurance does the other driver have?” Unfortunately, getting that answer isn’t always easy. Insurance companies rarely volunteer this information, and drivers themselves often don’t know the details of their policy.
The most reliable way to confirm coverage is by reviewing the declarations page of the other driver’s insurance policy. The declarations page—sometimes called the “dec page”—shows all types of coverage on the policy, including liability limits, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and any optional protections. It tells you exactly how much insurance money may be available to cover your damages.
However, insurance companies are not required to share this information right away. Under Texas law, they only have to provide policy limits and related insurance information once a lawsuit has been filed and initial disclosures are due. Specifically, Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 192.3(f) requires the disclosure of “any indemnity and insuring agreements,” which includes information about the policy and coverage limits. Before that stage, most insurance adjusters will refuse to reveal policy limits, claiming they’re “not authorized” or “not required” to do so.
There are exceptions and strategies, though. Experienced personal injury attorneys know how to read between the lines and use indirect methods to uncover or estimate coverage early. For example, certain types of vehicles must carry higher minimum insurance limits under federal or state law. Commercial vehicles engaged in interstate transport are generally required to maintain at least $750,000 in liability coverage, while standard passenger vehicles in Texas must carry a minimum of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage.
In practice, many smaller or lower-budget insurance companies only issue the state minimum coverage, especially for older or less valuable vehicles. By identifying the insurance company and type of vehicle involved, a skilled attorney can often make an educated guess about the likely policy limits. Attorneys can also sometimes persuade adjusters to give subtle hints or partial disclosures during settlement discussions—though most insurers are trained to withhold this information for as long as possible.
Why do insurance companies guard this information so closely? Because it gives them leverage. When the injured person doesn’t know how much coverage exists, it’s harder to determine the true value of the claim or decide whether a settlement offer is fair. By delaying disclosure, insurance companies hope to settle cases for less than they’re worth.
That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced attorney on your side. A knowledgeable lawyer knows how to push for disclosure, interpret policy language, and use discovery tools to uncover the full picture. Once the policy limits are revealed, your attorney can negotiate from a position of strength, ensuring you pursue every dollar of coverage available to compensate you for your injuries and losses.
