Everything You Need to Know About Car Insurance in Texas

As the birthplace of cowboy culture, you can still find lots of signs of the Wild West in Texas. Ranching, rodeos, cattle drives, and honky-tonk bars still exist in this South-Central state located along the Gulf of America. Historic towns like Fredericksburg and Gonzales, frontier forts, and even ghost towns are spread across the Lone Star State’s 268,596 square miles. They all help preserve the history of Texas, which became a U.S. state in 1845, just a few years after having won its independence from Mexico in 1836.

Oil was discovered here in the 1860s, and to this day, it is the primary industry in Texas. The Lone Star State is home to more than 50 Fortune 500 companies spanning sectors such as transportation, automotive, and IT.

As you travel through this state with over 30 million residents, drive with caution. Long stretches of open roadways, heavy traffic in cities like Houston and Dallas, rain, flooding, dense early morning fog, hailstorms, and tornadoes affect different parts of the state, contributing to crashes ranging from fender-benders to multi-car pileups. Protect your vehicle financially by asking an InsureOne expert agent for help with finding the best Texas car insurance.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Texas?

The average rates for U.S. drivers are $622 for a minimum liability policy and $2,014 for full coverage. Those same policies in the Lone Star State average $565 and $2,019. While you pay slightly more for full coverage car insurance in Texas, a minimum liability policy in this state is nearly 10% lower.

The high accident rate in Texas is attributable to many factors. Frequent fog near the Gulf Coast affects visibility. The I-45, especially in the Houston area, is a high-speed road with lots of congestion. Bumper-to-bumper traffic in urban areas lends itself to more minor crashes. Regardless of why they happen, the fact that they occur reinforces the importance of obtaining car insurance.

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What Does It Mean If Texas Is an At‑Fault State?

Texas is an at-fault state, which means that when there’s an accident, the driver who is found responsible has to pay for all the damages they cause. Texas’s at-fault vs. no-fault laws in other states differ mostly in how injuries are handled. In a no-fault state, each driver is reimbursed by their own insurer.

Driving in an at-fault state has a major impact on you as a policyholder. The minimum required liability insurance in Texas is $30,000 in medical coverage per person and $60,000 per crash. If you cause an accident in Texas and one or more people have to go to the hospital, the hospital bills may far exceed these numbers. Ask your agent the cost of increasing your coverage limits so that if you are responsible for a crash, you will not have to pay for the other party’s expenses out of pocket.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Texas

For a comparison of the average monthly premiums drivers pay in different cities across Texas, check out our breakdown below.

City Full Coverage Insurance Liability Insurance Coverage
Amarillo $171 $43
Brenham $152 $42
Dallas $184 $54
Fort Worth $192 $55
Fredericksburg $154 $41
Frisco $154 $49
Houston $215 $63
Plano $162 $52
San Antonio $165 $50

Based on a male driver, aged 30, with a clean driving record. Minimum liability is the state‑required minimum. Full coverage is a 100K/300K/100K policy. Your costs will be different, based on individual factors.

How Bundling Car and Home Insurance Can Save You Money in Texas

Bundling is when you get more than one policy from the same carrier. If you are shopping for auto coverage and also need renters insurance or homeowners insurance, your insurer will reduce your premiums by 5% to 25% if you bundle with them.

The exact percentage varies based on several factors. For example, there is more competition among insurers in larger housing markets like Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio, so providers are more willing to offer higher discounts to attract more business. Also, in cities like Fort Worth and Houston, where premiums are high, insurers feel a greater need to offer steep discounts than in towns where coverage is already more affordable.

Your agent will compare many car insurance quotes in Texas with your other policies to get you the best possible bundling discount.

What Types of Auto Discounts Are Available in Texas?

Whether or not you choose to bundle policies, your insurer has many other ways to lower your premiums. Most providers offer discounts for paying your policy up front, setting up auto pay, and taking a defensive driving course.

Here are some more examples of discounts for car insurance in Texas that your insurer likely offers, all of which are stackable, so you might qualify for several of them:

  • Multi‑car
  • Antitheft
  • Military
  • Low mileage
  • Good student
  • Loyalty
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Texas Car Insurance Laws

Every state sets its own laws regarding how much coverage drivers must obtain, penalties for not meeting these minimums, and factors insurers may use when determining your premiums. Below are some details on the regulations for auto insurance in Texas.

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Texas?

Some Texas auto insurance laws are pretty unique, such as the state mandating that you notify your insurer in writing if you wish to decline personal injury protection and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Otherwise, your insurer will provide them to you by default. Many states obligate drivers to obtain at least some level of coverage, and the Lone Star State is no different.

The minimum car insurance requirements in Texas are:

  • $30,000 of medical or funeral costs per person
  • $60,000 of medical or funeral costs per crash
  • $25,000 of property damage

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Texas?

If you drive, you must be insured. That is the law in Texas. If you get caught driving without a policy in place, you will be subject to these penalties:

  • Fines of $175 to $350 for a first offense
  • Fines of $350 to $1,000 for a second offense
  • Court costs and fees
  • Possible license and registration suspension
  • Requirement to file an SR‑22
  • Possible vehicle impoundment for 180 days, with a daily $15 vehicle storage fee (or $2,700 total).

If you do end up needing SR-22 insurance in Texas, your rates will definitely increase significantly, even though your Texas DMV insurance requirements will remain the same.

What Factors Does Texas Law Allow in Determining Your Premiums?

Some states prohibit insurers from using non-driving-related factors to determine your premiums. However, Texas does not have these restrictions. These are some of the factors insurers will use in the Lone Star State:

  • Gender
  • Age
  • Driving record and experience
  • Credit history
  • Marital status
  • Vehicle type
  • Location
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What Happens If I Damage Property?

Texas requires you to obtain a minimum of $25,000 in property damage coverage. So, if you are driving in traffic in the thick of Dallas rush hour and you tap the car in front of you, your policy will likely cover the damage. But if you cause a crash on the 45 while driving at a high speed, the damages may exceed the limit. In such cases, your insurer will cover up to $25,000, and you will have to pay the rest out of pocket.

At InsureOne, our expert agents will help you adjust your coverage levels as necessary and find the best auto coverage with customizable options that best meet your needs.

What Is Driving Like in Texas?

Texas is huge, and depending on where in the state you drive, you might meet some tough driving conditions at times. Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio are major urban areas with slow-moving traffic that will test your patience. Closer to the Gulf, you might encounter fog that will limit your view. Rain and hailstorms can occur throughout the state at times. Urban and suburban areas like Corpus Christi or Plano are more appealing to travelers.

The best thing to do is check local conditions before you head out, so you are aware of any issues you may face during your travels.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Texas?

Texas had a total of 423,953 crashes in 2024, 2,100 of which led to 2,263 fatalities. The following chart shows the number of fatal crashes in various cities across the state that year.

City Fatal Crashes in 2024
Amarillo 17
Brenham 2
Dallas 207
Fort Worth 106
Fredericksburg 1
Frisco 11
Houston 318
Plano 18
San Antonio 162

Source: Texas Department of Transportation

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Texas?

The Insurance Information Institute reports that 14.5% of Texas drivers were uninsured in 2023.

Given that if these drivers crash into your vehicle, you might have to cover the damages to your car on your own, consider adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to your policy. The cost will be reasonable, and it may save you significant money down the road.

Get the Best Car Insurance in Texas Today

At InsureOne, we give you more than just affordable car insurance in Texas. We provide you with a white-glove experience as we work on obtaining the best possible insurance for you and your family. Our expert agents listen to your needs and customize your policies based on your unique preferences.

Reach out to us to get the best coverage, and make sure to let us know if you need bilingual assistance. Get a quick quote online, visit us at a Texas office near you, or call us at (800) 836‑2240 to speak with an agent and learn how to get high-quality car insurance in Texas.