What You Should Know About Car Insurance in Austin, TX

Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin housed many of the 20th Century’s top performers on their way to stardom. But the energy in this city of nearly a million residents goes way beyond music. Austin has lots of natural beauty, an ideal climate for most of the year, a bustling economy, and a vibrant culture. As the capital of Texas from before the state was even admitted to the U.S. in 1845, this city is a major success story with a reasonable housing market, lots of employment opportunities, and a welcoming environment for people of every type of background.

Contact an expert InsureOne agent to ensure you have the best auto insurance at the best price in Texas, and then hop into your car for a visit to this amazing city to feel the vibrancy and enjoy the sights.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Austin, Texas?

Rates for car insurance in Texas are very affordable. You will pay an average of $2,019 per year for a full coverage policy, which is only slightly higher than the national average of $2,014. If you are looking for a minimum liability policy, it should cost you about $565, more than 9% below the $622 average in the rest of the U.S.

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

When there’s an accident in a no-fault state, regardless of who was at fault, each driver has to go through their own insurance’s personal injury protection plan to recoup any medical expenses resulting from the accident. In an at-fault state, injured parties go through the insurance company of the person who caused the accident. When it comes to property damage, there is no difference between a no-fault or at-fault state.

Texas is an at-fault state. If you are involved in an accident in the Lone Star State, the person at fault for the accident would have to cover all expenses related to both personal injuries and property damages.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Texas

The following table shows rates for Austin and several other Texas cities, demonstrating how much coverage costs can vary by city:

City Full Coverage Insurance Liability Insurance Coverage
Austin $204 $59
Fredericksburg $154 $41
San Antonio $162 $49
Houston $215 $63
San Angelo $141 $35

How Bundling Your Car and Homeowners Insurance Can Save You Money in Austin

Many vehicle owners in Austin also own homes and need homeowners insurance. If you fall into this category, consider bundling your home and auto coverage with the same carrier. When you do this, in addition to keeping things simple by dealing with a single insurer and paying both bills to the same vendor every month, you can also save as much as 25% on both policies. Your InsureOne agent will compare pricing with various insurers and will include a customized package that includes the best car and homeowners insurance at the best prices available.

What Types of Car Insurance Discounts Are Available in Austin?

In addition to bundling, there are many other discounts that might be available to help lower your insurance premium even further. Ask your agent if any of these or others are available:

  • Anti-theft discount
  • Usage-based discount
  • Auto pay discount
  • Premium upfront discount
  • Loyalty discount
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Notable Car Insurance Laws in Austin

Austin relies on the state when it comes to insurance laws. The following are some Texas regulations that affect auto coverage in the state.

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Austin?

The Lone Star State requires its drivers to maintain at least a basic level of insurance. These are the minimum coverage requirements in the state of Texas:

  • $30,000 liability coverage for bodily injury per person
  • $60,000 liability coverage for bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 liability coverage for property damage

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Austin?

Driving without insurance in Texas is a serious offense. In addition to potentially having to shell out a lot of money if you cause an accident, if you are convicted of driving without a minimum policy, you will be subject to the following:

  • $175 to $350 fine, possibly lower in cases of economic hardship
  • $350 to $1,000 fine for a second offense
  • A yearly insurance surcharge of $250 for three years
  • Possible license suspension
  • Possible vehicle impoundment

Do Austin-Specific Laws Play a Role in Determining Your Insurance Premiums?

Each state determines which factors insurers may use to determine the cost of your policy. The following are some that Texas allows.

  • Vehicle safety rating: The more safety features you have to help prevent you from getting into an accident, the less you will pay on your premiums.
  • Probability of theft: If your policy provides theft protection, your insurer will consider theft rates in your area to help determine your coverage costs.
  • Cost of your vehicle: Since your carrier may have to replace your car if it is totaled or stolen, they check how much your vehicle costs before giving you a quote.
  • Options you choose: You can add options such as 24/7 roadside assistance or rental car reimbursement, but each option will add to the cost of your policy.
  • Deductible amount: Your deductible is the amount you pay for each claim before your insurer kicks in to cover the rest. The higher your deductible, the lower your premiums.
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Auto Insurance Rates for Young Drivers vs. Older People in Texas

As with other states, young teenagers getting behind the wheel for the first time pay very high rates for coverage. They quickly gain experience and get to see their premiums drop as long as they keep their record clean of accidents and moving violations. Experienced drivers with several years on the road pay the least for car insurance since they present a lower risk of causing a crash. Drivers in their senior years whose vision and cognitive skills may decline will start to see their rates rise as they age.

Regardless of your age, InsureOne’s expert agents will help you find the best auto insurance with customizable options that best meet your needs.

Typical Driving Conditions in Austin

Austin is a heavily traveled town and has its fair share of congestion throughout the day, with a public transportation system that does not cover much of the town. In particular, the Mopac Expressway and Highways 35 and 183 can have heavy traffic. The city is subject to flash floods and heavy rain during spring and summer, which makes for slippery roads and poor visibility. Temps can reach into the 100s, irritating drivers and sometimes causing blinding conditions.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Austin Per Year?

The Texas Department of Transportation reports the following as total crashes in Austin and several nearby cities in 2023:

City Total Crashes
Austin 12,138
Fredericksburg 218
San Antonio 40,077
Houston 67,644
San Angelo 2,415

 

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Austin?

The Insurance Information Institute reported that in 2022, 13.8% of Texas drivers were uninsured, while according to the Texas DMV, that number may be as high as 20%.

Get Covered by the Best Car Insurance in Austin, Texas Today

Finding the right balance between cost and coverage levels involves many intricacies. Our agents at InsureOne are here to simplify the process of obtaining the best coverage for the best price.

We are a one-stop shop that offers white-glove service from when you begin your search for a policy through signup and beyond. To get a personalized policy tailored to your needs, stop by one of our physical locations, call us at (800) 836-2240, or visit our website.