Here's what you need to know when driving in Texas
The average car insurance rate in Texas is $1,415 per year — 9% less than the US average.
However, auto insurance costs are affected by more than just state lines. Auto insurance premiums incorporate a number of factors, including a motorist's age, gender, marital status, credit, and driving history.
We reviewed Texas auto insurance premiums by each of the more significant pricing factors. Read on to see how much auto insurance costs in your state — or enter your ZIP code above to view unique rates from leading insurance companies.
Affordable Insurance Premiums in Texas
What's the cheapest car insurance in Texas?
| Rank | Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Travelers | $1,031 |
| 2 | Cal Casualty | $1,410 |
| 3 | USAA | $1,461 |
| 4 | Esurance | $1,478 |
| 5 | Mercury | $1,491 |
| 6 | State Farm | $1,574 |
| 7 | Texas Farm Bureau | $1,679 |
| 8 | Allstate | $2,516 |
| 9 | Dairyland | $3,012 |
| 10 | 21st Century | $4,006 |
See rates from over 60 insurance companies in Texas by entering your ZIP code below.
Compare auto insurance quotes from top companies now!
Affordable auto insurance for good drivers in Texas
Drivers with good records typically enjoy lower car insurance costs than drivers with histories of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUI citations. Texas drivers without a recent moving violation save 8% on their car insurance premiums, on average — compared to the national average of 25%. In addition to earning a cheaper premium for driving incident-free, you may qualify for a safe-driving bonus through your car insurance company. The amount of these discounts may vary, but they typically run between 5 and 10%.
If you feel like your rates are high in spite of your clean driving record, get car insurance quotes every few months to ensure you're getting a good deal.
TEXAS CAR INSURANCE AVERAGE SAVINGS FOR GOOD DRIVERS
| Rating Factor | $ Savings | % Savings |
|---|---|---|
| No Traffic Tickets | $247 | 17.47% |
| No Accidents | $253 | 17.87% |
| Good Credit | $946 | 51.82% |
Insurance rates by age bracket 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: $3,300 per year — more than $1,750 more than the nationwide average and over twice as much as a typical Texas driver.
TEXAS CAR INSURANCE RATES BY AGE GROUP
| Age | Annual Average Premium |
|---|---|
| 16 | $4,049 |
| 17 | $3,433 |
| 18 | $3,035 |
| 19 | $2,681 |
| 20s | $1,757 |
| 30s | $1,383 |
| 40s | $1,345 |
| 50s | $1,219 |
| 60s | $1,248 |
| 70s | $1,509 |
Average auto insurance costs in Texas by gender
While gender doesn’t have as significant an impact on car insurance costs as a driver's location or age, it is used as a rating factor by auto insurers.
TEXAS CAR INSURANCE PREMIUMS BY GENDER
| Gender | Average Yearly Premium |
|---|---|
| Male | $1,415 |
| Female | $1,396 |
Average car insurance rates by marital status in Texas
A benefit of nuptials — aside from the wedding gifts — is the better deal you may get on your car insurance policy. In Texas, married motorists save $99 per year on car insurance policies. This closely matches the national savings of $98 for married couples.
TEXAS AUTO INSURANCE COSTS BY MARITAL STATUS
| Marital Status | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Single | $1,415 |
| Married | $1,316 |
| Divorced | $1,415 |
| Widowed | $1,286 |
Average auto insurance rates by credit in Texas
Insurers rely on credit history as a way of determining how responsible a customer will be. Data trends show drivers with exceptional credit scores are more insurable car insurance customers: they less commonly file claims that cost auto insurance companies money.
Texans with excellent credit save $1,529 per year in insurance payments, compared to a driver saddled with a bad credit history. Learn more about how credit history can impact car insurance expenses:
TEXAS AUTO INSURANCE RATES BY CREDIT LEVEL
| Credit Tier | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Very Poor (300-579) | $2,771 |
| Fair (580-669) | $2,214 |
| Good (670-739) | $1,825 |
| Very Good (740-799) | $1,508 |
| Exceptional (800-850) | $1,242 |
Best Car Insurance Companies in Texas
Every auto insurance company advertises its low premiums. As with any product, the cheapest auto insurance policy isn't always the best choice. Considering the stakes, it's worthwhile to do your homework to discover an insurance policy that covers your vehicle adequately after an accident. It's worth comparing insurance options to find the best value, instead of settling for the most affordable car insurance in Texas.
Compare major insurers' financial strength and claims satisfaction ratings to better predict the level of service you will receive. Claims satisfaction — assigned by J.D. Power — is rated on a scale of 2 to 5, with 5 being "among the best" and 2 being "the rest." Financial strength — calculated by A.M. Best and ranging from "Poor" to "Superior" — assesses an insurance company's financial strength and ability to satisfy its policy and contractual obligations.
See insurance rates for Texas' best companies!
What is the best auto insurance coverage in Texas?
The minimum car insurance requirements in Texas are $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accident.
If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Texas, expect to pay an average of $576 annually. This expenditure is less expensive than the nationwide average by 8%. 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 $1,254, 118% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 160% more than you would for basic coverage.
Compare average rates for basic, better, and best Texas auto insurance levels below.
| Location | Liability-Only | Comprehensive — $1,000 Deductible | Comprehensive — $500 Deductible |
| Texas | $576 | $1,254 | $1,499 |
| National Average | $621 | $1,373 | $1,642 |
Texas Auto Insurance Laws
State minimum insurance requirements in Texas
In the state of Texas, the state minimum coverage requirement is liability insurance with limits of:
- Bodily injury liability: $30,000 per person
- Bodily injury liability: $60,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
Optional coverage in Texas (varies by carrier):
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- Additional Medical Coverage
- Comprehensive Coverage
- Collision Coverage
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance/Towing and Labor
Learn more about minimum auto insurance requirements in Texas.
Driving Laws in Texas
Texas texting and driving laws
- Ban on all cell phones for school bus drivers w/ passenger <17 drivers and drivers <18 years old
- Ban on text messaging for school bus drivers w/ passenger <17 drivers and drivers <18 years old
- Ban on text messaging in school zones for all drivers
Texas DUI laws
There is no maximum DWI lookback period in Texas. Instead, all prior DWI convictions are taken into account when an impaired driver is sentenced for a DWI offense. Penalties are enhanced when charged with DWI if a passenger under 15 years old is present.
First-time DWI offenses in Texas lead to:
- Three to 180 days in jail
- Up to $2,000 in fines
- Loss of driver’s license for up to a year
- Possible requirement to attend a DWI Education Program
- Possible requirement to install and use an ignition interlock device
Ticket Impact on Auto Insurance Rates in Texas
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.
| Violation | Avg. Annual Auto Insurance Rate | % Insurance Rate Increase | $ Insurance Rate Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hit and Run | $2,177 | 54% | $762 |
| Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test | $2,159 | 53% | $744 |
| DUI | $2,177 | 54% | $762 |
| Racing | $1,946 | 38% | $531 |
| Reckless Driving | $2,159 | 53% | $744 |
| Driving with a Suspended License | $2,071 | 46% | $656 |
| At-Fault Accident | $2,129 | 50% | $714 |
| Driving with an Open Container | $1,989 | 41% | $574 |
| Operating a Vehicle Without Permission | $1,537 | 9% | $122 |
| Passing a School Bus | $1,650 | 17% | $235 |
| Improper Passing | $1,537 | 9% | $122 |
| Following Too Closely | $1,537 | 9% | $122 |
| Speeding | $1,536 | 9% | $121 |
| Failure to Stop at a Red Light | $1,537 | 9% | $122 |
| Illegal Turn | $1,537 | 9% | $122 |
| Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $1,537 | 9% | $122 |
| Failure to Yield | $1,537 | 9% | $122 |
| Speeding in a School Zone | $1,536 | 9% | $121 |
| Driving Too Slowly | $1,536 | 9% | $121 |
| Distracted Driving | $1,537 | 9% | $122 |
| Driving with Expired Registration | $1,415 | 0% | $0 |
| Failure to Show Documents | $1,415 | 0% | $0 |
| Not-at-Fault Accident | $1,495 | 6% | $80 |
| Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint | $1,446 | 2% | $31 |
| Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | $1,446 | 2% | $31 |
| Driving Without Lights | $1,446 | 2% | $31 |
Get Texas car insurance now!
Texas Car Insurance FAQs
Who has the cheapest car insurance in Texas?
Our data shows thatTravelersis the cheapest car insurance in Texas at $515 for a 6-month policy or $86/month. Use ourcomparison toolto find the best and cheapest rate for you in Texas.
What is the average cost of car insurance in Texas?
On average, car insurance in Texas costs $1,415 per year — 9% less 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.Shop quotesfor car insurance in Texas today.
Why is car insurance so expensive in Texas?
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. Use ourcomparison toolto see rates and offers fromGEICO,Progressive,Travelers, andEsurance.
How much does car insurance cost in Texas cities?
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Killeen, Texas, and the most expensive in Dallas, Texas.
| Rank | City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dallas | $1,680 |
| 2 | Houston | $1,671 |
| 3 | Mesquite | $1,638 |
| 4 | Garland | $1,606 |
| 5 | McAllen | $1,580 |
| 6 | Grand Prairie | $1,561 |
| 7 | Pasadena | $1,546 |
| 8 | Beaumont | $1,529 |
| 9 | Brownsville | $1,522 |
| 10 | Irving | $1,518 |
| 11 | Amarillo | $1,516 |
| 12 | Arlington | $1,508 |
| 13 | Laredo | $1,507 |
| 14 | San Antonio | $1,501 |
| 15 | Carrollton | $1,481 |
| 16 | Lubbock | $1,453 |
| 17 | Fort Worth | $1,446 |
| 18 | El Paso | $1,442 |
| 19 | Plano | $1,428 |
| 20 | Austin | $1,424 |
| 21 | Corpus Christi | $1,416 |
| 22 | McKinney | $1,402 |
| 23 | Waco | $1,322 |
| 24 | Abilene | $1,294 |
| 25 | Killeen | $1,263 |
Recent Texas Car Insurance Questions and Answers
Do I need to report a fix-it ticket when applying for new auto insurance?
Is it illegal to carry liability insurance rather than full coverage on a financed vehicle?
Can I add a non-licensed, non-U.S. citizen to an auto policy?
Can a handicap permit from another country be used in the US?
Texas Tour Guide Scholarship
At The Zebra, we know better than most just what a pain buying car insurance can be. We also know that students suffer from higher-than-average policy rates. Talk about a double-whammy. That’s why, this year, we’ve decided to continue The Zebra’s annual scholarship with the goal of helping to alleviate the financial pressures of college-bound students in Texas, while also getting an insider view of the Lone Star State.
Prompt
So, students, we want to see your favorite road trip destination(s) in your state— from your unique perspective. If it makes sense to hit the open road and be our virtual tour guide, that's great! But there are no limits to what we're looking for: a narrated animation, a slideshow of memorabilia, an illustrated map of the best roadside attractions on the way. This is a chance for you to showcase any place you love in as an original way as possible.
How do I choose a location?
The length of the road trip to your feature destination is inconsequential. So if you have an awesome spot in mind that's just two miles from home, we want to see it.
Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled at or planning to attend a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States. Upon notification, winner(s) must supply a current proof of enrollment or letter of acceptance.
How to Apply
1. Create a video
Your original video should not exceed 2 minutes
2. Post online
The video must be hosted on YouTube or Vimeo
3. Submit by email
Email your submission to scholarships@thezebra.com
4. Please include...
your name, address, and phone number when you submit
Details
Award
Selected winner(s) will be awarded a check for $1,000
Deadline
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 31st, 2020
Notification
Winner(s) will be selected and notified by email by January 31st, 2021
Judges: The Zebra
The winner will be selected based on creativity in the content and presentation
*Upon notification, winner(s) must also supply a current proof of enrollment at a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States.
Fine Print
By participating, entrants represent that the video submitted is their sole and original work and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any other party. In other words, no copyrighted music or images may be used.
Employees of The Zebra and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.
Written credits for any technical or talent positions (e.g., editor, director, actors) should be included with your submission, along with any sources used to create the video.
