Could no more annual inspections for most vehicles in Texas lead to higher insurance rates?

AUSTIN (KXAN)—Effective on Jan. 1, non-commercial vehicles no longer have to undergo an inspection before getting a vehicle registered.

House Bill 3297 passed during the 88th Texas Legislative Session, which eliminated most mandatory vehicle inspections.

Emissions tests will still be required. But some are leery about possible unintended consequences.

"What people do need to be aware of is the law is taking out a lot of the required maintenance," Chris Schafer with digital insurance agent and comparison website, Insurify said.

That's things like brake system, lights and horn system checks.

"Down the road, insurance rates could increase if accidents increase because brake systems are not being checked, because tires are not being monitored," Schafer said. "There could be that side effect that causes insurance rates to increase if it leads to more accidents."

At Austin's Automotive Specialists Auto Repair shop, it has already begun emissions tests.

"Plug in the scanner and check all the monitors," Emery Williams, with Austin's Automotive Specialists, said walking KXAN through the process.

But Williams told KXAN not all customers they've serviced were aware full inspections are no longer required.

"Mixed knowledge amongst customers right now," he said.

Schafer recommends drivers be more aware and more cautious of potential changes down the road as a result of the new law.