Texas Auto Insurance

Auto insurance in Texas

The purchase of auto insurance is imposed by the law, helping vehicle owners stay safe and protected in case of accidents. Whether the vehicle is used for personal or professional purposes, having adequate insurance is a must. Without adequate insurance, drivers are liable for fines of up to $1,000 or might have their driving documents suspended, for up to six months. This can refer either to the driver's license or vehicle registration. If you are looking to discover more details about the purchase of auto insurance in Texas, just keep on reading.

What type of car insurance do you legally need in Texas?

According to the Mandatory Liability Insurance Act, all Texas residents who intend to operate a moving vehicle must purchase a valid insurance policy. Should the vehicle owner not acquire the policy in question, the associated driving documents will be suspended for several months or more. An online insurance verification system can be used to verify whether a vehicle is insured or not.

For a resident to operate a vehicle in the state of Texas, the respective auto insurance must comply with specific guidelines. These include: bodily injury liability ($60,000 per accident and $30,000 per person), property damage liability ($25,000 per accident), uninsured motorist bodily injury ($60,000 per accident and $30,000 per person), personal injury protection ($2,500), uninsured motorist property damage ($25,000). The full coverage insurance is superior to the minimum liability coverage, as vehicle owners can add options, such as comprehensive and collision insurance. It is recommended to choose a higher liability coverage limit than the one required by law in Texas. Thus, you will be protected, should the worst-case scenario occur.

The sums mentioned above refer to the amounts insurance providers are able to pay, should one be involved in an accident for which he/she is at fault. According to the law, vehicle owners are required to carry a copy of their insurance policy while driving. It is illegal to drive without insurance in Texas, consequences including legal fines and the suspension of driving documents (driver's license, vehicle registration). If one continues to drive without a valid insurance policy, jail time might be chosen as the logical consequence for repeated infractions.

Average cost of auto insurance in Texas

The state minimum auto insurance policy in Texas has a value of $548. However, a full coverage insurance policy has an average value of $1,584 per year. Collision and comprehensive coverage are not always included in this policy, which means you will have to calculate your budget accordingly. Several factors influence the overall insurance rates, including: type of vehicle, presence of prior insurance, number of miles driven, location, driving record, age, gender, and marital status. It is advisable to choose an insurance policy with the best possible coverage, instead of the most affordable one.

It is worth mentioning that the average cost of auto insurance varies from one state to the other. Such variations are encountered in both the minimum and full coverage, including when it comes to options such as comprehensive and collision insurance. As for the factors influencing these values, they include: weather-related accidents, at-fault accidents, number of drivers in accordance with the general population, uninsured drivers in the respective location, and road conditions.

Texas has a lower rate for the average car insurance than the national median, which is around $1,770. Among the states with the most expensive policies, there are: Pennsylvania, New York, Nevada, Michigan, Louisiana, Florida, Colorado, and California. The most affordable states include: Wisconsin, Washington, Tennessee, Oregon, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nebraska, and Maine. New York is the most expensive, with $1,339 for the minimum one and $2,996 for the full coverage. Maine, on the other hand, is the most affordable, with $227 for the minimum one and $876 for the full coverage.

Within the state of Texas, vehicle owners might also notice differences between various cities. Austin has some of the most affordable rates to offer, while Houston stands at the top of the list in terms of costs. The average annual premiums are as follows: Austin - $1,966; Fort Worth - $2,016; San Antonio - $2,071; Dallas - $2,340; Houston - $2,365.

The age of the driver represents one of the chief factors influencing the value of auto insurance. This type of insurance is more expensive for young drivers, as they are seen by insurance companies as irresponsible and more prone to causing accidents. A teenage driver must cover annual premium of over $7,700, as opposed to a middle-aged driver, who might expect a premium close to $2,000. Gender differences are present as well, with the insurance policies for men being offered at more attractive rates. Married couples also enjoy the most affordable rates, as opposed to those who are single, divorced, or widowed.

When it comes to potential coverage policies, auto insurance companies will analyze the driver's credit history as well. A driver with exceptional credit can save significant sums on his/her car insurance premiums, in contrast to one with a poor credit history, who might struggle to meet the high rates. Prior driving offenses, such as reckless driving, at-fault accidents, DWI/DUI, or speeding, will increase the overall insurance rates. The overall rates also vary in accordance with the type of coverage. Vehicle owners can add both comprehensive and collision to the state minimum policy, in order to increase the level of protection offered.

Did not find your city or county on the list? Please use our auto insurance companies search box at the top to locate all the best auto insurance quotes in Texas. Find car insurance in Texas by city, zip code or county name.

Finding the right auto insurance in Texas

If you are having a difficult time finding the right insurance policy, perhaps you might rely on us for assistance. Thanks to the experience and knowledge accumulated in the field, we are happy to match drivers with the best policies for their needs and budget. Just give us a call and we will be more than pleased to offer all the necessary support. This service is free of charge.