cheap car insurance texas

Cheap Car Insurance in Texas

cheap car insurance texas

Cheapest car insurance in Texas for all cars and drivers

We’ve all heard the phrase “everything is bigger in Texas,” but does this apply to your auto insurance premiums? Thankfully, no.

Good auto insurance coverage in Texas does not always have to cost you an arm and a leg. There are a variety of affordable policies out there. Below is how to get cheap car insurance in Texas, even if you have a few blemishes on your driving record.

Minimum Car insurance requirements in Texas

Before beginning the shopping process, understanding what Texas requires regarding car insurance coverage is essential. As with many other states, there is a mandatory minimum amount of coverage every driver must carry to be considered a legal driver in Texas. Failure to meet these liability coverage requirements will result in severe penalties.

Outlined below are the car insurance coverage laws in the state of Texas.

Texas Minimum Liability Auto insurance requirements:

  • $30,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage

In Texas, auto insurance companies must also offer drivers uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage along with personal injury protection (PIP) at the time of purchase. However, Texas allows drivers to reject this coverage, but it must be in writing.

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What are the penalties for driving Uninsured in Texas?

All drivers in Texas must carry car insurance coverage, and failure to do so will result in you facing various penalties. You could receive a fine of up to $4,000, depending on the circumstances. Your penalty’s extent can rely on the court and the Texas county where you live.

You may face jail time (decided based on the severity of your case), vehicle impoundment, and an SR22 insurance requirement.

Texas SR22 insurance is not insurance in the traditional sense; instead, it notifies the Texas state government that drivers carry at least the required minimum amount of car insurance coverage. Filing an SR22 reinstates your driving privileges so long as you fulfill all other requirements.

Auto insurance alternatives in Texas

Texas offers alternatives to traditional car insurance coverage if drivers cannot find an insurance company to cover them or feel they would benefit better from being self-insured.

Suppose you are still looking for an insurance company to provide coverage. In that case, the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association can assist you with an auto insurance policy.

For drivers who wish to take the self-insurance coverage route, Texas allows you to prove financial responsibility through the following avenues:

  • Surety bond with the Texas Department of Public Safety - Drivers can file a surety bond with at least two other people who own property in Texas. The property connected to the bond has to be worth at least as much as the mandated insurance coverage amounts.
  • Making a deposit - Drivers can file a $55,000 deposit with either a Texas comptroller or your county judge and can work to cover insurance. You can make your deposit in either cash, securities, or check. Ensure that you file your deposit with the same Texas county where you registered your vehicle.
  • Certificate of self-insurance - If you promise to pay up to the same amount specified in Texas insurance laws, you can qualify for a self-insurance certificate. This option is only available if you have at least 25 vehicles. It may be ideal for business owners.

While self-insuring your coverage may be an option for drivers in Texas, it requires a large sum of money paid upfront. Collisions are also very pricey on their own. Depending on your living situation, one accident can put you at financial risk.

It is highly recommended that Texas drivers take the traditional auto insurance route if they can find coverage.

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How much does Cheap car insurance cost in Texas?

On average, Texas drivers pay around $1,400 per year for car insurance coverage. According to analysis, this is roughly 9% lower than the U.S. average.

However, Texas car insurance prices are personalized; every insurance premium will be unique since all drivers are different. Several factors will determine what other drivers will pay for yearly coverage in Texas.

Despite this, it is still beneficial to establish a baseline. Hence, you have an understanding of where you fall in comparison to the Texas car insurance average. Please note the average Texas car insurance coverage cost before shopping for a policy.

Factors that determine Car insurance rates in Texas

Insurance premiums are unique to each driver, and the quotes you receive can vastly differ from the rates of other drivers. Insurance providers look at every aspect of your life, from your age to where you live in Texas.

It would help if you understood what affects your insurance rates before shopping for coverage in Texas. Outlined below are some standard factors that insurance companies take into consideration.

How does age affect Car insurance rates in Texas?

How old you are is a significant factor in how cheap or expensive your auto insurance rates will be. As a general rule of thumb, the younger you are, the more you will pay for insurance coverage. This is because younger drivers usually need to be more experienced.

Even if you are an expert at handling a vehicle, there is nothing to show for it, forcing providers to assume the worst. Your Texas car insurance coverage rates should decrease as you age and build a driving record.

However, as you hit your elderly years, you can expect your Texas car insurance rates to increase slightly. It may not be as much as you were paying in your 20s, but it can still be noticeable. This increase is because as you get older, your reaction time decreases, which insurers believe will lead to you getting into more accidents.

Age is one area of car insurance premiums you cannot change or improve for a better auto insurance coverage rate.

How do driving records affect Car insurance rates in Texas?

Being a good driver can seriously pay off in the long run. The better your driving record, the lower your Texas car insurance coverage rates. Drivers who accumulate several infractions on their records, like speeding tickets or at-fault accidents, will be considered high-risk, which leads to an increase in their insurance premiums.

You may even need help finding an insurance provider to offer you coverage. Many companies, especially national ones, prefer to avoid insuring high-risk drivers. If you find a company to provide coverage, you will pay increased car insurance rates.

Keep this in mind whenever you drive. This is one area of your insurance premiums that drivers can control and improve.

How does location affect Auto insurance rates in Texas?

While the fact that you live in Texas certainly is a defining factor when it comes to your Texas car insurance coverage rates, companies will get even more detailed with their consideration. A drivers address and zip code will be analyzed to determine their car insurance policy rates.

This is because highly-populated cities have higher crime rates, whereas rural communities stay relatively lower. Living in a major city puts your vehicle at a greater risk for vandalism and theft, which your insurance coverage may have to pay for.

While cheap coverage should still be easy to find in your area, drivers should be mindful when shopping for insurance.

How does vehicle type affect Car insurance rates in Texas?

The kind of vehicle you purchase will be considered when establishing your annual insurance coverage rates. Some cars cost more to insure than others. Drivers with high-performance, brand-new luxury vehicles will pay more for insurance coverage than someone who drives a decade-old sedan.

Some insurance providers may also be concerned about drivers with high-powered vehicles, thinking they are likely to get into an accident, and the company will adjust premiums to reflect this. Consider your vehicle’s make, model, year, and value if you shop for a new one.

How does gender affect Auto insurance rates in Texas?

Some states have banned car insurance companies from using gender as a factor when establishing premiums; however, Texas is not one of these states. A drivers gender will be considered when they receive car insurance quotes in Texas.

Studies have shown that males pay more for auto insurance coverage than females. This may be because insurers believe male drivers exhibit more reckless behavior than females. This behavior can result in them getting into or causing vehicle accidents, which insurance will most likely have to cover.

This is another aspect of Texas car insurance premiums drivers have no control over but should still be aware of its influence when shopping for coverage.

How does credit score affect Car insurance rates in Texas?

Some states do not consider credit scores when establishing driver rates. However, Texas does allow car insurance companies to analyze your credit score to set your auto insurance coverage rates. The worse a drivers credit score is, the more they will be paying for coverage.

Your credit score is determined based on several things, like how many loans you have and if you pay your bills on time. A credit score establishes how financially responsible a driver is. Car insurance companies believe the lower your credit score is, the more likely drivers are to file multiple claims.

For this reason and many others, they will increase your car insurance coverage rate. You can improve your credit score by paying off loans and staying on top of your bills. It takes some time but will help you in the long run.

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Cheapest car insurance in Texas for basic coverage

Basic car insurance policies contain only liability insurance coverage and tend to meet the Texas-mandated minimum coverage limits. It is the most straightforward policy drivers can purchase to be considered legal drivers in Texas.

For these reasons, finding an affordable basic Texas car insurance policy is not too difficult. The cheapest basic Texas car insurance costs average from $400-$500 per year. Depending on your personal factors, you may be paying below or above this average annual rate.

Some policies analyzed by Texas providers may cost drivers in the $900 range annually, on average. However, this is still a reasonably affordable price for cheap auto insurance in Texas. However, it would help if you remembered what you were paying for.

Basic car insurance coverage is only liability coverage, which offers no protection. The state-mandatory coverage limits are very low and anything not covered falls on the driver to pay out of pocket.

Cheapest car insurance in Texas for full coverage

Full coverage auto insurance refers to a policy that includes comprehensive and collision car insurance coverage on top of liability coverage required in Texas. This kind of policy protects not only your finances but also your vehicle.

Full coverage auto insurance also tends to include coverage limits beyond what is mandatory in Texas. Due to all of this, you can expect to be paying more for this type of coverage.

On average, Texas’s cheapest full-coverage car insurance policy costs drivers anywhere from $1,000 to $1,300 annually. Be mindful that your factors can easily make a drivers auto insurance rates fall above or below this average.

Regarding the price tag, basic car insurance coverage is more appealing. However, it would help if you analyzed what you are getting. Full coverage provides you with more robust protection.

Car insurance rates and traffic violations in Texas

Traffic violations will significantly impact a drivers car insurance premiums in Texas. While one ticket may not always increase your car insurance rate, accumulating multiple violations is bound to have some noticeable impact.

However, how much it will increase your insurance coverage rates depends on several factors, including how severe your violation was and your auto insurance provider.

For some general examples, drivers convicted of reckless driving may see their insurance coverage rates increased by 38%, while being caught driving with a suspended driver’s license can affect a driver’s insurance rates by 46% in Texas.

It’s very evident by these estimated statistics that practicing safe and smart driving habits can save you thousands of dollars on cheap car insurance in Texas.

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Cheapest car insurance in Texas for good drivers

To be considered a good driver by insurance providers, your driving record must be free of any infractions like a speeding ticket, vehicle accident, or DWI citation.

Drivers in Texas who keep a clean driving record save around 9% on their car insurance premiums. You can even qualify for good drivers discounts to save more.

Good drivers see some of the cheapest car insurance policy rates in Texas. On average, the most affordable car insurance policy for good drivers in Texas ranges from $500 to $1,000 annually, depending on the circumstances.

Coverage limits and policy add-ons will play significant roles in establishing a driver’s cheap car insurance rates, so do not be surprised if your auto coverage rates are significantly more expensive than the average for good drivers in Texas.

It’s always best to shop around for a policy that fits your coverage needs and budget.

Cheapest car insurance in Texas for young drivers

Texas Car insurance companies will consider you a young driver when you are between the ages of 16 and 25.

Drivers in this age range are considered inexperienced. They may get in an accident, and insurance providers will increase vehicle coverage rates to make up for this. Teenage Drivers and even young adults can be reckless, and this belief is justifiable.

According to various data, teen drivers and young adults are responsible for numerous accidents yearly. Young drivers may pay thousands of dollars each year for coverage.

However, relatively cheap car insurance policies for young drivers exist in Texas. Your insurance coverage rate will shift slightly every year as you age, but, on average, the cheapest car insurance premiums for young drivers in Texas range from $1,000-$3,000 per year.

This may seem like a big gap, but you have to remember the many variables that go into determining your vehicle coverage rates.

It’s not uncommon to find a policy that is almost, on average, $4,000 per year for young drivers in Texas. That may even be the most affordable policy available to you.

Young drivers should try to be added to their parent’s insurance policy to curb some of these expensive rates.

Cheapest car insurance in Texas for senior drivers

While your Texas car insurance premiums will level out as you age and gain more experience behind the wheel, you can expect them to increase once you hit your senior years.

As you get older, your reaction time decreases, leading insurers to assume senior drivers will end up in more accidents.

While your coverage rates will increase, some cheap auto insurance policies are available for those in their older age.

On average, cheap car insurance in Texas for senior drivers is around $500-$900 per year. However, a policy like this may only provide you with some of the coverage you need, meaning your premium could be thousands of dollars.

Still, it is worth shopping around and finding affordable coverage as you age.

Cheapest car insurance in Texas for drivers with poor credit

Several states, including Texas, will analyze a driver’s credit score to determine car insurance premiums. Credit scores are meant to convey how financially responsible you are.

Auto insurance providers use this score to determine how likely you are to get into an accident. The worse a drivers credit score is, the more expensive their rates will be.

Texas drivers who prove to be financially stable are thought to get into fewer accidents, which lowers insurance rates. But try to avoid panic if your credit score is less than favorable.

Regarding cheap car insurance in Texas for drivers with poor credit scores, a policy can range, on average, from $1,200-$2,000 per year. But, even the cheapest policy from providers can easily be around $3,000 per year in Texas.

Shopping around and seeing your coverage options as a Texas driver is crucial. Remember to also focus on bettering your credit score if that will help your expensive insurance rates.

Cheapest SR-22 insurance in Texas after a DWI

Being convicted of a DWI in Texas is severe, with penalties that go beyond the legal system. Not only will you face jail time and numerous fines, but you will also have to file an SR-22 Insurance certificate.

Even if this is your first offense in Texas, your insurance provider will likely consider you a high-risk driver and raise your rates.

Drivers also risk being dropped by their insurer, and getting coverage after that can be challenging.

Regarding drivers finding affordable car insurance in Texas after a DWI, car insurance premiums average around $1,100-$2,100 per year. Much like vehicle insurance rates for Texas drivers with poor credit, be reassured that the cheapest coverage you can find is thousands of dollars.

Insurers worry they are risking a lot by providing high-risk drivers with coverage, meaning they must prepare for the worst possible accident. Your insurance premiums can be expensive for a few years following your conviction.

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Cheapest car insurance in Texas for drivers with speeding tickets

Drivers who accumulate traffic violations like speeding tickets on their driving record are guaranteed to raise their premiums. It may not be as much of a rise as a DUI conviction, but it still will be noticeable. Even a single violation could raise a drivers rates depending on the severity.

This increase, though, is rarely permanent. Usually, after three to five years, your premiums will come back down, but that is still quite a bit of time, and you want to ensure you’re staying within your insurance budget.

Regarding the cheapest auto insurance policy following a speeding ticket in Texas, drivers' premiums average around $1,000-$1,500 annually. You can find a cheaper car insurance policy in Texas if lucky enough. However, it largely depends on your personal factors.

Insurance providers do not take traffic violations or accidents lightly, so do not be surprised if cheap insurance is not easy to find.

Cheapest car insurance in Texas after an at-fault accident

As with the case of speeding tickets and DUI convictions in Texas, being found to be at fault for a car accident will increase drivers' car insurance costs. The increase after an accident typically only lasts three to five years. However, it will still be significant for your budget.

Regarding the cheapest car insurance in Texas for drivers with an at-fault accident on their record, a policy can average around $1,200-$2,100 per year.

Some reports have found that Texas Car Insurance for drivers with an accident on their record can reach the $2,500 range annually.

Be mindful when shopping for cheap coverage in Texas in you have an accident on your driving history. It may be challenging to come across due to your less-than-stellar driving record.

Your rates will likely not be expensive forever if you stay accident and claims-free following your initial accident.

Cheapest car insurance in Texas for military personnel

Several car insurance providers in Texas offer discounted rates for military personnel and veteran drivers. This is no surprise, given how many military members call Texas home.

Over 100,000 active-duty personnel and more than 1.4 million veterans live in Texas. As a thanks for service, Texas car insurance companies offer policy breaks. On average, 25-year-old Texas service members pay $1,500-$1,600 per year for car insurance coverage.

As you get older, car insurance costs will decrease. On average, 50-year-old veterans pay around $1,200 yearly for car insurance coverage in Texas. Prices can range based on sex and other personal factors, so be cautious when shopping for coverage in Texas.

These averages may seem appealing, but stay focused on them, as your rates can easily fall above or below them. Still, there is no overstating how generous these car insurance policy prices are for veterans and service members.

Cheapest car insurance in Texas by city

Your city in Texas will significantly impact your car insurance rates. Insurance providers will look at things as specific as your address and zip code. For these reasons, each Texas city has its average car insurance premiums.

A highly-populated, dense Texas city will see higher rates than a town in nowhere. This is because more people have more chances for crime, like vehicle theft. There will also be more traffic which can lead to collisions.

In Texas, Houston, and Dallas, residents will see some of the more expensive rates with insurance coverage averaging around $1,450-$1,700 per year. Texas cities on the cheap spectrum include Wichita Falls and Killeen.

On average, drivers from these areas of Texas see annual car insurance prices around $1,000-$1,200. According to some reports, Waco is the cheapest Texas city, with the average auto insurance coverage costing $950 annually.

Remember that your Texas car insurance premiums are decided based on various factors, so your car insurance quotes can easily be above or below these averages if you live in one of the highlighted Texas cities.

Best cities for Cheap car insurance in Texas

HoustonDallas
LibertySan Antonio
Fort WorthArlington
PlanoLaredo
Corpus ChristiAustin
El PasoLubbock
IrvingGarland
AmarilloGrand Prairie
McKinneyFrisco
BrownsvillePasadena
KileenMcAllen
Mesquite CityMidland
DentonWaco
CarrolltonRound Rock
PearlandAbilene

*The cheapest annual rates for car insurance in Texas’s largest cities and towns.

How can you find Cheap car insurance in Texas?

Finding Texas’s cheapest car insurance coverage can be tedious, but it is doable. You may encounter roadblocks if you have an iffy driving record or a less-than-favorable credit score. However, with some time and effort, a reasonable car insurance rate in Texas is within reach.

Below are some tips and tricks to find Texas’s best car insurance rate.

Car insurance coverage requirements in Texas

Drivers must analyze their car insurance needs whenever their policy is up for renewal. A significant way to save money is to drop any unnecessary coverage.

Your vehicle is up there in age, and collision insurance coverage may be worth it. Or you are in a better financial position and can adjust your deductibles to lower your overall rates.

Making these small changes can save you some money on your rates in the long run. But ensure you only drop coverage you are confident you don’t need. You want to avoid driving underinsured, leading to many legal and legal problems with your Texas car insurance company.

Car insurance discounts in Texas

Ask your insurance agent about any discounts you qualify for. Insurance providers offer numerous deals to help get you the cheapest annual premiums.

A good driver discount can be beneficial for those with clean driving records. Some providers also offer breaks if you are a homeowner. Bundling policies is also a great way to save on auto insurance rates.

No matter your driving record, at least one or two discounts are available to get the cheapest premiums possible.

Improve your credit for better Car insurance rates

Your insurance provider will consider your credit score when purchasing coverage in Texas. The lower it is, the more expensive your rates will be. To reduce them, you should work towards raising your credit score.

Your credit score can improve by staying on your bills and paying off loans. The higher your credit score is, the more financially responsible you are perceived to be.

Insurers like drivers who are stable in this fashion because they think someone with a good credit score will get into fewer accidents and make fewer claims. Improving your credit score can take a while, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Get Car insurance quotes from multiple car insurance companies

You must shop around and not just settle for the first car insurance provider you come across. Ensure you get car insurance quotes from various insurance companies, businesses local to Texas, and national providers.

You can find the cheapest option regardless of your driving record or other personal factors. However, you should only settle for car insurance companies if they have the most affordable rates.

You want to ensure you are getting substantial coverage, or you are practically paying for nothing. Being a wise and patient car insurance shopper will pay off.

Practice safe driving habits

Practicing smart and cautious driving habits is the best way to keep your insurance rates low in Texas. Rates are less likely to rise if you say accident and claims-free.

Making smart decisions, like choosing not to drive after having a few drinks, will help you avoid collisions and claims. Those considered good drivers see some of Texas’s cheapest auto insurance rates.

Get the Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Texas from Insurance Navy™

Insurance Navy can help you get the cheap auto insurance you need, whether you live in Houston or one of its suburbs. Call an Insurance Navy Insurance Agent at 888-949-6289 or get a free quote online on our website. We’ll get back to you with cheap Texas car insurance quotes in three minutes or less.