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State Representative Hilary Hickland has expressed concerns over the rising auto insurance premiums in Texas, attributing part of the increase to opposition from trial lawyers against reform efforts. She said on X that understanding the reasons behind these rising costs sheds light on why there is significant resistance to reform.
"Why are insurance premiums rising," said Hickland. "trial lawyers are fighting this so hard."
Auto insurance rates in Texas have experienced a notable surge, with a recent report indicating a rise of over 25% within a year. This increase marks the steepest in at least a decade and more than doubles the national average. The average full-coverage premium reached approximately $2,712 in 2024 and is expected to rise by another 6% in 2025, potentially nearing $3,000 annually. These escalating costs are putting considerable pressure on Texas drivers and underscore the need to examine underlying factors such as litigation pressures.
According to insurers and policy experts in Texas, "lawsuit abuse," particularly through large jury awards or "nuclear verdicts," is significantly contributing to rising insurance rates. The American Property Casualty Insurance Association reports that the top 100 verdicts have increased from an average of $64 million to $225 million over six years. This escalation contributes to what is referred to as the "tort tax," which adds over $4,200 per American household annually.
Under Texas law, vicarious liability allows injured victims to hold employers or other principals accountable for wrongful acts committed by their agents, even if the principal did not act negligently. Courts apply the "course and scope of employment" standard: if a harmful act occurs while an employee performs duties for an employer, vicarious liability applies, although exceptions like the "coming-and-going" rule exist.
Vicarious liability aims to provide victims with better chances of full recovery by enabling claims against entities with greater financial resources rather than individuals with limited means. By clearly defining when liability applies, these protections offer predictability for businesses—encouraging safer practices and operational stability—while preserving victims’ access to courts and compensation.
Hickland represents District 55 in Bell County as a State Representative. A ninth-generation Texan and mother of four, she holds degrees from Baylor University and Boston University. Fluent in Spanish, she has a background in education and community service, including leadership roles in organizations such as the PTA and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.