Cheapest Car Insurance in Texas
Finding car insurance in Texas can be tricky, especially with its vast landscape stretching for miles. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, driving through this state is an adventure. From the beaches of Port Aransas to the rugged mountains of West Texas, every journey comes with risks.
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The roads between Dallas and Houston are always busy, and with oil money flowing through these cities, luxury cars are everywhere. The Lone Star State is known for its Old West charm, where cowboys still ride in Bandera, and the western spirit lives on. If you’re cruising through Austin, you might stop at Antone’s for some live blues or enjoy fine dining in the city.
No matter where you go, having legal coverage is essential. Whether it’s a ride along scenic routes or a simple drive to a music festival, reliable protection ensures you stay safe while embracing the bold motto that everything is bigger in Texas.
Quick Facts
- The average annual cost of full coverage car insurance in Texas is $2,573.
- The cost of minimum liability coverage is $724 per year.
- Houston has the highest monthly premium at $201.
- El Paso has one of the lowest monthly premiums at $148.
- Location affects car insurance pricing significantly.
How Much Is Car Insurance in Texas?
Getting car insurance in Texas can be expensive, but understanding the costs helps you find the best deal. On average, full coverage insurance averages $2,573 per year, which is $105 less than the national average. However, if you’re only looking for state-required minimum liability, it will set you back around $724, which is slightly lower than the national average of $799.
To secure the cheapest car insurance in Texas, drivers need a perfect driving record and should speak with an insurance agent about available discounts. Insurance companies determine auto insurance quotes based on different factors, including age, zip code, and more.
What is the Average Premium in Texas for Full Coverage Car Insurance?
In Texas, the average full coverage insurance cost is about $214 per month. This type of auto insurance includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, giving better protection. If your car is financed or leased, your lender may require you to carry full coverage to ensure financial security.
Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Texas
In Texas, the minimum required car insurance comes at an average cost of $60 per month. This liability insurance covers bodily injury, death liability, and property damage liability, but it may not be the cheapest car insurance in Texas in the long run.
If at-fault drivers cause a wreck, they are responsible for reimbursing others for their losses, but the policy limits might not be enough. Without extra coverage, you could face high out-of-pocket costs if your available insurance does not fully cover damages.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Texas by City
Houston, Dallas, and Austin are among the most crowded cities in Texas, the second-largest state in the U.S. behind California in population. Insurance companies consider accident rates and claims from each area when setting car insurance costs.
Living in Houston could result in higher insurance costs, even if the driver has no fault of their own. Below is a breakdown of the average monthly car insurance premium cost for these major cities and other metropolitan areas in Texas.
City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
El Paso | $148 | $42 |
Fort Worth | $169 | $52 |
Laredo | $171 | $48 |
Austin | $167 | $53 |
Plano | $153 | $52 |
Arlington | $152 | $48 |
Corpus Christi | $162 | $55 |
San Antonio | $165 | $53 |
Dallas | $192 | $58 |
Houston | $201 | $63 |
Unless otherwise specified, the average cost is based on a male driver, aged 30, with the lowest possible legal coverage allowed by the state. Your personal rates will vary based on factors such as age, gender, and the level of coverage you choose.
Are There Good Driver Discounts in Texas?
In Texas, car insurance providers offer discounts, although they are not required by law. Drivers can save money based on their policies, personal driving habits, and the type of vehicles they drive. Since there is no standard discount structure, it’s important to contact your insurance provider to inquire about their specific discounts. These discounts can range from as low as 2% up to 30%, and some can be earned simply by paying your premiums on time. With a clean driving record, you could earn discounts of up to 30%, which is higher than in many other states.
Some possible qualifying requirements for discounts are:
- Customer loyalty
- Multi-policy and multi-car discounts
- Good driver
- Drivers over 50 who complete an approved defensive driving course. (Texas law requires insurers to provide this discount if the driving course is completed successfully.)
- Bundling
- Paying in full
- Current and former military
- Student drivers with “B” average grades or better
- Low mileage
- Driving a vehicle with an anti-theft system, like LoJack or steering wheel locks.
Get a Low-Cost Texas Car Insurance Quote Online Today!
Insurance is not just a legal requirement; it’s a cost-effective way to protect yourself from the significant risks of daily driving in Texas. Don’t let yourself be stuck with high medical expenses and car repair bills that often come from collisions. Start by getting a risk-free car insurance quote online, or visit us at a Texas office near you. You can also call us at (855) 669-6800 for a quote.
Texas Car Insurance Laws
Texas car insurance laws are designed to protect drivers and their vehicles, ensuring fair pricing between car insurance providers and you, the policyholder.
What are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Texas?
In Texas, all drivers are required to have at least the minimum liability insurance, which includes:
- $30,000 for injury/death to one person
- $60,000 for injury/death for all bodily injury claims
- $25,000 for damage to property
Policies also include personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured motorist protection (UM/UIM) unless you explicitly reject these coverages in writing. Many drivers increase their coverage limits, as the minimum liability coverage is often not sufficient to cover modern vehicle repair costs or hospital expenses.
What are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Texas?
Driving without insurance in Texas can result in a fine of up to $350, plus court costs for first-time offenders. For repeat offenses, penalties may include suspension of driving privileges for up to two years, along with the requirement to maintain SR-22 insurance for an additional two years, leading to increased insurance costs.
What Factors Does Texas Law Allow in Determining Your Premiums?
Texas insurance providers consider various factors when determining your premium. These include:
- Age
- Education & occupation
- Marital status
- Zip code
- Car type
- Driving history
- Gender
- Credit score
Knowing these factors helps you understand how your rates are calculated and what influences your premium.
What is Driving Like in Texas?
Driving in Texas can be risky due to the state’s high number of car accidents, although there have been some improvements over the years.
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Texas?
According to TxDOT, Texas experienced 3,294 fatal accidents in 2019, leading to 3,610 deaths. While there has been a slight decrease in fatalities from 3,727 in 2017, the numbers remain alarming.
In total, there were approximately 563,000 car accidents reported in 2019, which averages to one accident per minute. 256,338 people were injured in these accidents. 42.42% of occupants involved in crashes did not wear seatbelts, and around half of the drivers had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit.
Accidents by county in 2019:
County | Accidents | Fatal Accidents |
Harris County | 114,327 | 399 |
Dallas County | 55,352 | 257 |
Bexar County | 50,799 | 178 |
Tarrant County | 32,491 | 154 |
Travis County | 20,700 | 120 |
How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists are in Texas?
Reports reveal that 20% of Texans drive without car insurance, meaning one in every five drivers you encounter on the road does not have coverage. To protect yourself in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver, you can consider purchasing Uninsured Motorist Insurance.
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FAQs About Texas Car Insurance
If you're a low-income driver in Texas, there are several ways to find cheap car insurance. First, shop around and compare car insurance quotes to find the best deal. Second, consider opting for a higher deductible, which can lower your premium, but ensure you can afford the deductible if needed.
Third, check if you qualify for any available car insurance discounts. Lastly, driving safely, avoiding tickets, and making fewer insurance claims can help reduce your rates. Contact an independent car insurance provider to find the most affordable quotes.
As of 2020, Texas does not allow undocumented workers to obtain a driver’s license without proof of legal status. However, there have been discussions about passing legislation that would allow driving privileges for residents without legal status in the future. Until then, it is not possible for undocumented workers to get car insurance in Texas without a valid license.
Yes, it’s still possible to get affordable car insurance in Texas even with a DUI on your record, but it can be more challenging. Having a DUI makes you a high-risk driver, so you’ll need to find an insurer that offers high-risk policies.
Additionally, your insurer will need to file an SR-22 Proof of Insurance Certification with the state. DUI convictions may also require you to look for specific solutions to reinstate your driving privileges and secure car insurance.
I was overwhelmed trying to find cheap car insurance in Texas until I came across this guide. It breaks down everything from city-wise rates to how discounts work. I finally understood why Houston’s rates were so high and what I could do to save money. Highly recommend reading it before buying a policy!