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Here's what you need to know when driving in Texas

The average car insurance rate in Texas is $1,584 per year — 4% more than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Texas car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Texas based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive auto insurance quotes from top companies.

The best car insurance companies in Texas

1st place medal
USAA

Along with topping The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, USAA received a score of 879 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Powers' 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the state of Texas.

2nd place medal
Texas Farm Bureau

As a highly-rated regional carrier, Texas Farm Bureau scored an 850 on J.D. Power's 2021 auto study.

3rd place medal
Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual placed third with a score of 847 in J.D. Power's 2021 customer satisfaction survey.

Key takeaways
  • Texans pay about 4% more for car insurance at an average of $1,584
  • The cheapest major car insurance company in Texas is GEICO

The cheapest car insurance companies in Texas

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

GEICO logo
Cheapest carrier overall: GEICO

The cheapest rates are from GEICO at $1,432 annually, or $119 per month.

GEICO logo
Cheapest for drivers with bad credit: GEICO

Rates for GEICO come in at $2,195 annually, or about $183 per month.

GEICO logo
Cheapest for teen drivers: GEICO

For teen drivers, check out GEICO for the cheapest rates among major car insurance carriers.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
GEICO $1,432
State Farm $1,583
Nationwide $1,623
USAA $1,763
Progressive $2,325
Allstate $2,537
Updated: 03/14/23.

Dynamic auto insurance data methodology

Methodology: The auto insurance rates displayed above and throughout this page are dynamic, meaning the data will refresh when the most recent information is made available. Rates are based on a sample driver profile — a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord and full coverage. This profile was adjusted based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies, like age, coverage level, driving record and others.


Texas auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including Texas. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Texas, expect to pay an average of $548 annually. This expenditure is more expensive than the nationwide average by about 2%. 

For the legal minimum coverage level in Texas, expect to pay about $548 per year.

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of Texas, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:

  • Bodily Injury $30,000 per person
  • Bodily Injury $60,000 per accident
  • Property Damage $25,000 per accident

Optional coverage in Texas (varies by carrier):

  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Loan/lease payoff
  • Medical and funeral services
  • Rental car reimbursement
  • Roadside assistance
  • Personal injury protection*
  • Uninsured motorist bodily injury
  • Uninsured motorist property damage

*PIP coverage is automatically included in your policy unless explicitly waived.

car with blue windshield

If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in Texas, a full coverage insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,395, 159% more than liability-only car insurance. For a full coverage policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 1,661% more than you would for basic coverage.

In Texas, a full coverage insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,395, 159% more than liability-only car insurance

The Zebra's guide to Texas car insurance laws


Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Texas with our helpful guide.


Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Texas.

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Texas car insurance premiums by rating factor

Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Texas.

Cheap auto insurance in Texas for minimum coverage

The coverage level that you choose plays a big part in how much you pay. While it may be tempting to go for the bare minimum coverage in Texas, most insurance professionals would advise that this isn't the wisest choice as it leaves you and your vehicle exposed to risk. But if you want to see which companies offer the cheapest minimum coverage, have a look at the table below.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
GEICO $513
USAA $578
Allstate $664
State Farm $704
Nationwide $834
Progressive $837
Updated: 03/14/23.

Cheap auto insurance in Texas with bad credit

Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, Texas drivers with poor credit pay 169% more per year than those with exceptional credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
GEICO $2,195
Nationwide $2,509
State Farm $3,258
USAA $3,514
Allstate $3,848
Progressive $4,089
Updated: 03/14/23.

Cheap auto insurance in Texas with an at-fault accident

Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. Insurance companies look for previous accidents for which you have been at fault to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. An at-fault accident in recent years could see your car insurance rates increase to as much as $2,329 per year.

Safe driver discounts

In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $1,908
GEICO $2,077
Nationwide $2,649
USAA $2,666
Progressive $3,317
Allstate $3,975
Updated: 03/14/23.

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Texas

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Texas, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $3,614 per year — more than $2,085 more than the nationwide average.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
GEICO $5,453
State Farm $7,116
Progressive $9,273
Allstate $10,567
Updated: 03/14/23.

Texas auto insurance rate by violation

In Texas, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.

See below average auto insurance rates in Texas after a few common citations.

Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $1,986 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $2,003 1% $17
One comp claim $2,117 7% $131
Failure to show documents $2,118 7% $132
Not-at-fault accident $2,119 7% $133
Driving with expired registration $2,135 7% $149
Driving without lights $2,147 8% $161
Failure to wear a seat belt $2,148 8% $162
Two Med/PIP claims $2,154 8% $168
Child safety restraint $2,163 9% $177
Texting while driving $2,201 11% $215
Cell phone violation $2,201 11% $215
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $2,209 11% $223
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $2,209 11% $223
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $2,209 11% $223
Driving too slowly $2,219 12% $233
Speeding in school zone $2,219 12% $233
Failure to stop at a red light $2,220 12% $234
In 65 MPH zone $2,222 12% $236
Improper passing $2,227 12% $241
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $2,231 12% $245
Wrong way/wrong lane $2,233 12% $247
Illegal turn $2,238 13% $252
Failure to yield $2,238 13% $252
Two comp claims $2,238 13% $252
Following too closely $2,242 13% $256
Passing school bus $2,252 13% $266
Operating a vehicle without permission $2,261 14% $275
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $2,459 24% $473
Driving with a suspended license $2,769 39% $783
Racing $2,771 40% $785
Reckless driving $2,812 42% $826
Open container $2,858 44% $872
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $2,860 44% $874
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $3,160 59% $1,174
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $3,171 60% $1,185
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $3,226 62% $1,240
DUI $3,262 64% $1,276
Updated: 03/14/23.

Texas DUI laws

In Texas, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium to an average of $3,263. That’s 32% more than the national average rate hike after a DUI. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

 
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Texas

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Texas, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Texas, GEICO, advertises annual rates 38% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Texas is State Farm, while the priciest firm is Texas Farm Bureau Group, with prices 89% above average.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
GEICO $2,007
State Farm $2,316
USAA $2,563
Progressive $2,572
Nationwide $3,348
Allstate $3,969
Updated: 03/14/23.

There is no car insurer in particular that offers cheap DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Texas SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Texas to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Texas might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

 

How to acquire an SR-22 in Texas

For currently insured drivers

If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.

 

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.

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Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Troy, Texas, and the most expensive in Houston, Texas.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Texas's biggest cities.

City Avg. Annual Premium
Austin $1,966
Fort Worth $2,016
San Antonio $2,071
Dallas $2,340
Houston $2,365
Updated: 03/14/23.

Car insurance price trends in Texas

In Texas, average annual auto insurance costs increased by $86 in the past year. A typical Texas driver pays an average of $1,584 per year.

The recent pricing trend in Texas leans toward slightly cheaper car insurance costs. From 2018 to 2019, average annual rates in Texas dropped from $1,780 to $1,419. Since this significant drop, rates have increased moderately. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.

TEXAS CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS
Year Avg. Annual Premium — Texas Yearly Change — Texas Avg. Annual Premium — US Yearly Change — US
2021 $1,584 $86 $1,529 $46
2020 $1,498 $79 $1,483 $61
2019 $1,419 -$361 $1,544 $23
2018 $1,780 -$16 $1,521 $84
2017 $1,796 $234 $1,437 $69
2016 $1,562 -$323 $1,368 $88
2015 $1,885 $216 $1,280 $51
2014 $1,669 $155 $1,229 $34
2013 $1,514 -$63 $1,195 -$80
2012 $1,577 $323 $1,276 $82

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.


Texas car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Texas auto insurance.

Our data shows that GEICO is the cheapest car insurance in Texas at $716 for a 6-month policy or $119/month.

On average, car insurance in Texas costs $1,584 per year — 4% more than average. This is an average rate based on our user profile. Depending on your driving history, age, and vehicle, your rate can be cheaper or more expensive.

Insurance companies use the previous year's claims data to price their rates. Texas not only has more claims than other states, but they have more expensive claims. Thus making it more expensive to do business in Texas for insurance companies. In order to have a profit, insurance providers will raise rates. Your best option for finding the cheapest rates in Texas is to shop around as much as possible.

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RECENT QUESTIONS

Will an unreported car accident affect my premium?

If you were never cited for the accident and never filed a claim, there should be no insurance record of your accident. Insurance companies generally run two reports when you sign up for new insurance — your motor vehicle report (MVR) and another for claims history (CLUE).
Jun 1, 2020 Houston, TX

Does the address on my driver's license have to match the address on my insurance?

Thank you for reaching out to The Zebra!Great question. The short answer: yes, your insurance policy, your driver's license as well as your vehicle registration should all have the same (current) address.
Jan 30, 2023 Burkburnett, TX

Does a vehicle need car insurance if its in storage in New Jersey?

Every car that is registered needs to have insurance in New Jersey. Since you are not driving you can keep the state minimum liability on the vehicle.
Oct 21, 2018 Austin, TX

Getting a car insurance quote for 2 addresses

If you have two addresses you would need to list the address where the car is kept most of the time. This is called the garaging address.
Jun 26, 2018 Arlington, TX

About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.