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
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.
As a highly-rated regional carrier, Texas Farm Bureau scored an 850 on J.D. Power's 2021 auto study.
Liberty Mutual placed third with a score of 847 in J.D. Power's 2021 customer satisfaction survey.
- 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.
The cheapest rates are from GEICO at $1,432 annually, or $119 per month.
Rates for GEICO come in at $2,195 annually, or about $183 per month.
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 |
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
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 comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,395, 159% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 1,661% more than you would for basic coverage.
In Texas, a comprehensive 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.
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
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 |
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.
Find an affordable policy in Texas in minutes!
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 |
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.
| 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.
Save money on your next car insurance policy!
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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.