A downed fence section, an open gate, a storm that knocks a tree across a wire. Across East Texas, it doesn’t take much for livestock to end up somewhere they shouldn’t be, and a road is the worst possible place.
Layer One: What Texas Law Looks At
Texas has long roots as an open range state, but that doesn’t mean owners are off the hook. On state and U.S. highways, Texas law prohibits an owner from knowingly allowing livestock to roam unattended on the right-of-way. Some counties have also adopted local stock laws through elections, which can add rules for county roads. Whether an owner knew about a problem, like a fence that had been failing for weeks, often becomes the central question after a collision.
Layer Two: Your Underlying Policy
Depending on how your land is used, a homeowners, farm, or ranch policy typically provides the first layer of liability protection if you’re found responsible. That coverage has a ceiling, though, and a serious vehicle collision involving injuries can reach it quickly.
Layer Three: Where an Umbrella Steps In
An umbrella policy adds liability protection above those underlying limits. One detail matters here: if livestock is part of a commercial operation, a personal umbrella may not respond the way a farm or commercial umbrella would. Knowing which kind you have is just as important as having one.
A Simple Fence-Line Routine
- Walk or drive your fence lines after every major storm
- Keep a dated note or photo of repairs you make
- Check that gates near roads latch securely and stay closed
- Know whether your animals are hobby livestock or part of a business
Dixie Dunavant Insurance has worked with landowners across Longview, Kilgore, Gilmer, and the surrounding Piney Woods for decades, and our agency’s East Texas roots run deep. To review how your property and umbrella coverage line up, reach out through Dixie Dunavant Insurance in Longview, TX.
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