# What Happens If a Leased Car Is Totaled in a Houston Car Accident? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. What Is a Leased Vehicle? 2. Leased Vehicles Must Have Minimum Car Insurance Coverage  3. Can the Leasing Company Require Me To Pay the Lease Payments for a Totaled Vehicle? 4. What Should I Do After an Accident in a Leased Vehicle in Houston? 5. Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![What Happens if a Leased Car Is Totaled in a Houston Car Accident?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/What-Happens-if-a-Leased-Car-Is-Totaled-in-a-Houston-Car-Accident-300x200.jpg) If a leased car you are driving is totaled in a [Houston car accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/), notify the police immediately by [calling 911](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/should-i-call-911-after-a-car-accident-in-houston/). As soon as possible, notify the leasing company and your automobile insurance company. Depending on the circumstances, you or another party could be [liable](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/whats-liability/) for the [damages](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/types-of-damages-available-in-personal-injury-cases/) that insurance does not cover. ## What Is a Leased Vehicle? Leasing a vehicle is like renting a car. You do not own the vehicle, but you keep the vehicle and drive it as if you owned it.  The leasing company owns the vehicle. You make monthly payments to the leasing company to drive the vehicle. At the end of the lease term, you return the vehicle to the leasing company or purchase the vehicle, depending on the terms of the lease agreement.  The lease agreement requires that you return the vehicle to the company in good condition. Typically, the agreement also contains clauses that hold you responsible for any damage to the vehicle during the lease term.  For that reason, many lease companies require individuals to purchase additional insurance to cover [property damage](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/property-damage/). However, that might not be the case with all lease agreements.  For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Leased Vehicles Must Have Minimum Car Insurance Coverage  Leased vehicles must have the minimum amount of required automobile insurance. [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/) law requires all vehicles to have [minimum insurance coverage](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb020.html) of: - $30,000 to cover injuries to one person in an accident - $60,000 to cover injuries to two or more people in an accident  - $25,000 to cover property damage to another person’s vehicle Liability insurance compensates victims for damages when they cause a car accident. Therefore, liability insurance would not pay to repair your leased vehicle if you caused the car crash.  Most lease agreements require you to purchase additional insurance coverage that protects the leasing company if the vehicle is damaged.  Collision coverage pays to replace or repair a vehicle after an accident that is [your fault](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-happens-when-you-are-at-fault-in-a-car-accident/). Comprehensive coverage pays to replace or repair a vehicle if it is damaged by flood, vandalism, theft, fire, or another casualty other than a collision.  If you lease a vehicle, it is wise to carry the maximum coverage for collision and comprehensive coverage. If there is a gap between your insurance coverage and the cost to replace a totaled vehicle, you would be personally liable for the difference.  You might also want to consider gap insurance coverage. Gap insurance covers the difference between your collision coverage and the vehicle’s value. However, read the policy carefully to ensure it does not exclude leased vehicles. ## Can the Leasing Company Require Me To Pay the Lease Payments for a Totaled Vehicle? When you signed the lease agreement, you agreed to pay all lease payments due on the contract. Therefore, the leasing company will likely demand payment for the remaining lease payments. Traditional car insurance might not cover the payments, so purchasing an insurance policy that protects you if you total a leased vehicle is crucial. You could sue the driver for damages if the other driver caused the car accident. [Economic damages](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-are-economic-damages/) include expenses related to the accident, including lease payments you had to pay [out of pocket](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/out-of-pocket-expenses/). However, if the driver has minimum insurance limits, the liability insurance policy might not cover the value of the leased vehicle.  Check your underinsured motorist insurance policy to determine if it applies to a leased vehicle. Underinsured motorist coverage fills in the gap between the total of your [damages](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/types-of-damages-available-in-personal-injury-cases/) and the amount of the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.  [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## What Should I Do After an Accident in a Leased Vehicle in Houston? Call 911 to report the crash and wait at the accident scene for the police to arrive. Do not admit fault for the cause of the accident or decline medical care. You want to protect yourself if you need to file a personal injury [claim](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-process-of-a-personal-injury-claim/).  If it is safe to do so, document the accident scene. This step is essential because the [evidence](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-evidence-in-a-personal-injury-case/) could prove that the other driver caused the crash.  Take pictures of the accident scene and the vehicles. Also, video the entire scene with your cell phone camera. Ask witnesses for their names and contact numbers.  As soon as possible, notify the leasing company and your insurance provider. You might also want to discuss the accident with a Houston car accident lawyer.  An accident attorney can review your lease agreement and explain your rights and obligations under the contract. The lawyer can also review your insurance policies to determine the coverage amounts and how they apply. If you are injured, having a personal injury lawyer handle your case can help you recover a fair [settlement](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-personal-injury-settlement-check-in-houston-tx/) for your damages.  Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/attorneybrianwhite/?hl=en) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Car Accidents Blog Posts: [![The Truth About Backup Cameras And Safety](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/The-Truth-About-Backup-Cameras-And-Safety-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-truth-about-backup-cameras-and-safety/) [The Truth About Backup Cameras and Safety](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-truth-about-backup-cameras-and-safety/) According to the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), backup accidents result in approximately 300 deaths [![Emotional and Mental Issues After a Car Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/emotional-and-mental-issues-after-a-car-accident/) [Emotional and Mental Issues After a Car Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/emotional-and-mental-issues-after-a-car-accident/) Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common after a car accident. But you do not need to [![Overcoming the Fear of Driving After a Car Crash in Houston, TX](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Overcoming-the-Fear-of-Driving-After-a-Car-Crash-in-Houston-TX-300x199.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/overcoming-the-fear-of-driving-after-a-car-crash/) [Overcoming the Fear of Driving After a Car Crash](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/overcoming-the-fear-of-driving-after-a-car-crash/) Feeling fear and anxiety after a car accident is a natural reaction. Your brain uses these reactions to protect you [![Pros and Cons of Uninsured Motorist Coverage](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pros-and-Cons-of-Uninsured-Motorist-Coverage-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-uninsured-motorist-coverage/) [Pros and Cons of Uninsured Motorist Coverage](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-uninsured-motorist-coverage/) Uninsured motorist insurance (UM) is one of the most popular optional forms of car accident insurance, and for --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-happens-if-a-leased-car-is-totaled-in-a-houston-car-accident/