Everything You Need to Know About Car Insurance in Texas

Big, bold, and broad, Texas is the second largest state in the nation, spanning 268,596 square miles of land and water with scenery that changes as you drive through its varied landscapes.

From deserts and canyons to rolling pastures, prairies, forests, and lakes to 350 miles of shoreline that hug its Gulf Coast, Texas has a lot to offer. Delicious barbecue? Darn tootin’! Inspiring hikes across a variety of terrain? Reckon so. Quaint, charming cities and towns brimming with small shops and local lore? You betcha! Unfortunately, Texas roads aren’t very safe, with I-45 — a 300-mile highway that runs from Galveston to Dallas — considered one of the most dangerous roads in the U.S.

If you’re looking for an affordable auto policy to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road, InsureOne expert agents can help you find the best auto insurance at a great rate in Texas.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Texas?

Texas drivers pay an average of $2,019 and $565 in annual auto premiums for full and minimum coverage, respectively.

Full coverage premiums in the Lone Star State cost $5 less than the national average, which stands at $2,014. Basic coverage costs around $57 more for Texas drivers, with the national average at $622.

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

In an at-fault state like Texas, drivers who cause a crash are expected to pay medical costs to treat any physical injuries that others involved sustain. They also have to pay for any property damage. Your insurance will help you with this up to your policy limits.

For example, if you have the basic required minimum liability, your insurer will help you pay up to $25,000 (minus your deductible) for repair and replacement costs to another vehicle if you cause a wreck. Anything over that comes out of your pocket and there’s no money in that type of policy for your own repair costs.

This is why many drivers choose to increase their minimum amounts or purchase full coverage, which helps pay for your own repairs.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Texas

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

City Full Coverage Insurance Liability Insurance Coverage
Austin $157 $47
Dallas $184 $54
Houston $178 $54
El Paso $160 $44
Amarillo $175 $44

We arrive at our average auto insurance costs by using 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 and based on individual factors.

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

Bundling coverage can lower annual premiums anywhere between 5% and 25%. Combining coverage generally benefits homeowners, offering the steepest discounts.

If you own a house in Waco, Plano, or Beaumont, for instance, and bundle your home insurance and auto coverage, you’ll likely get the biggest rate cut — around 25%. Bundling renters insurance, by comparison, might see a 15% premium discount.

If you’re looking for bundled coverage options, an InsureOne agent can help you build a quality insurance package that meets your needs and budget. They do all the work, comparing offerings from top providers, which saves you time and money.

What Types of Auto Discounts Are Available in Texas?

Insurers usually offer a wide range of driving discounts that help bring down premiums. For example, if you’re eligible for a good driver discount, you can expect to pay 10% to 30% less for coverage annually than other drivers.

Other rate-reducing discounts include:

  • Multi-car
  • Anti-theft
  • Military
  • Low mileage
  • Good student
  • Loyalty
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Texas Car Insurance Laws

State law requires all drivers to have 30/60/25 liability coverage to pay for costs they cause in a crash. Here’s a closer look at what this means.

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Texas?

A basic policy must provide you with 30/60/25 liability coverage to pay for costs you cause in a crash. That means you’ll have:

  • $30,000 to cover medical or funeral costs per person involved
  • $60,000 to cover all injuries and deaths per crash
  • $25,000 to pay for property damage

Because Texas is an at-fault state, policies must include personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured motorist protection — unless you reject these coverages in writing. In recent years, the rising cost of medical care and vehicle repairs has led many drivers to increase their coverage limits.

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What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Texas?

Driving without insurance in the Lone Star State brings hefty penalties, with fines between $175 and $350 for first-time offenders and court costs and fees. The driver must also fill out an SR-22 form through their insurer to prove that they have liability coverage.

The penalties are much worse for repeat offenders, who face fines anywhere between $350 and $1,000 and will likely have their license and vehicle registration suspended. In more severe cases, the vehicle will be impounded for 180 days, with the driver being charged a daily $15 vehicle storage fee (or $2,700 total).

What Factors Does Texas Law Allow in Determining Your Premiums?

Under state law, insurers can use several factors to calculate auto premiums. Some of the most important factors are:

  • Gender
  • Age
  • Driving record and experience
  • Credit history
  • Marital status
  • Vehicle type
  • Location

What Happens if I Damage Property?

If you have a full coverage policy and cause a crash where you damage another vehicle, a home’s fence, or a road sign, for example, your insurer will help pay for all repairs. In Texas, a minimum liability basic policy, on the other hand, will only cover up to $25,000 for property damages — if the damage exceeds that amount, you’ll have to pay the outstanding balance.

At InsureOne, our expert agents help you find the best auto insurance with customizable options that best meet your needs.

What Is Driving Like in Texas

Driving in the Lone Star State can bring roadway conditions that vary as much as the landscape. The northwest panhandle and the northern edge of the state experience warm summers and colder winters that bring freeze warnings, which lead to hazardous road conditions. The southern half of the state is warmer but may experience torrential rains and roadway flooding, especially if a hurricane barrels into the state through the Gulf Coast.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Texas?

In 2021, 4,068 fatal crashes in Texas resulted in 4,498 deaths. The following chart shows the number of fatal crashes in various cities across the state that year.

City Fatal Crashes in 2021
Austin 109
Dallas 207
Fort Worth 117
Galveston 8
El Paso 78
San Antonio 186
Houston 322
Odessa 15
Abilene 16
McAllen 10
Lubbock 42
Amarillo 24
Corpus Christi 41

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Texas?

More than 8% of Texas drivers are uninsured or underinsured. In 2019, it ranked no. 40 among states with this growing issue.

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) adds just a small amount to your premium and is well worth it if you get hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist or a hit-and-run driver.

Get the Best Car Insurance in Texas Today

InsureOne offers a one-stop auto insurance shopping experience with expert agents who will listen to your needs and help you find top-quality insurance options that work best for you.

We will save you time and money by researching quotes and presenting several options that meet your needs. Get a quote online, visit us at a Texas office near you, or call us at (800) 836-2240 to speak to an agent.