Why Is Car Insurance So Expensive in Texas?


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Key Takeaways

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Texas drivers pay 10% more for minimum coverage and 20% more for full coverage auto insurance than the national averages of $726 and $1,493, respectively.

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State-specific factors, such as Texas's large urban population, higher-than-average theft rate and frequent natural disasters, contribute to higher car insurance costs across all demographics.

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Due to personal factors like driving record, age or credit scores, you may find car insurance in Texas expensive.

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Reasons Why Car Insurance Is Expensive for Texas Drivers

Texas drivers pay higher insurance premiums than the national average due to factors that increase crash and claim risks. Below are some of these factors.

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    Higher-than-average highway density

    Texas drivers face higher car insurance premiums due to the state's heavy traffic, dense highways and long roadways. Spending more time on crowded roads increases the likelihood of crashes, making drivers in Texas a higher risk for insurers.

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    High urban population density

    Auto insurance rates in Texas are often higher due to the state's large urban population. Urban areas tend to have more accidents, thefts and vandalism, leading to more claims. Insurers charge higher premiums to account for the increased risk.

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    Vehicle theft

    Texas has a high vehicle theft rate. In the 4th quarter of 2024, the state recorded 32,944 motor vehicle thefts. Insurers consider theft rates when setting premiums because they affect the number of comprehensive coverage claims.

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    High speed limits

    The high speed limits in the state contribute to the higher cost of car insurance. With a speed limit reaching 85 mph, Texas has the highest limits in the country. In comparison, the national average is only 69.8 mph. Faster driving speeds increase the risk of car crashes, so insurers tend to charge higher premiums to account for this added risk.

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    Frequent natural disasters

    Frequent natural disasters in Texas, such as wildfires, hurricanes, winter storms and tornadoes, increase the risk of vehicle damage and lead to more comprehensive and collision claims. This contributes to higher auto insurance costs in the state.

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    Uninsured drivers

    Around 20% of Texas drivers are uninsured. This adds to the financial burden for insured drivers, as insurance companies account for the higher likelihood of accidents involving uninsured motorists who can't pay for the damages they cause. When uninsured drivers cause accidents, the costs often fall on the insurance policies of responsible drivers through uninsured motorist coverage claims, ultimately driving up premiums for everyone who maintains proper coverage.

Factors That Affect Texas Car Insurance Rates

Car insurance rates in Texas depend on state-specific factors you can't control and personal factors you can influence. While the state-specific issues discussed earlier impact premiums statewide, the following individual factors also play a role in determining your costs.

Specific Texas Locations and ZIP Codes

Auto insurance rates in Texas differ based on location. Where you live within the state impacts your premiums due to varying local risk factors such as crime rates, traffic density, and weather exposure. Find your city and ZIP code below and see the average car insurance cost in your area.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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City:Abbott
Abbott76621$650$1,488

Car Insurance Companies in Texas

To find affordable car insurance in Texas, compare quotes from multiple providers, as rates vary by company. Prioritize affordability and excellent customer service to secure the best option. The table below compares rates from different insurers in Texas.

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Coverage:State Minimum Liability Only
State Farm$41$489
Geico$55$662
Mercury Insurance$56$667
AAA$60$723
Germania Insurance$66$797
Farmers$67$806
Dairyland$78$938
Allstate$86$1,028
Progressive$87$1,045
Chubb$91$1,089

Driver Age

In Texas, auto insurance rates vary by age. Younger drivers often pay higher premiums because insurers consider them high risk due to inexperience and statistical accident rates. The table below shows how rates change with age.

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Coverage:State Minimum Liability Only
Adult Drivers$68$814
Senior Drivers$88$1,058
Young Drivers$159$1,903

Driving Record and Texas Motor Vehicle Law

A poor driving record is a major factor in higher auto coverage costs in Texas. Violations like DUIs/DWIs or at-fault accidents can lead to significant rate increases, as insurers classify drivers with violations as high risk. The table below shows average car insurance rates in Texas for various violations.

Drivers With A Speeding Ticket$78$177
Drivers With An Accident$94$208
Drivers With A DUI$105$223

Credit Score

Drivers in Texas with good credit scores often pay less for auto insurance, as insurers consider them lower risk based on statistical correlations between credit responsibility and claim frequency. The table below shows average annual rates in Texas by credit score.

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Coverage:State Minimum Liability Only
Poor$154$1,852
Below Fair$110$1,319
None$95$1,141
Fair$87$1,040
Good$68$814
Excellent$55$656

Vehicle Make and Model

Your car’s make and model can greatly influence insurance costs. High-value vehicles have higher premiums due to increased repair or replacement expenses. Sports cars often cost more to insure because they’re at higher risk for accidents and theft. Older cars, with depreciated value, are often cheaper to insure than newer models.

Calculating Texas Car Insurance Estimates

Companies calculate car insurance premiums differently using various factors and algorithms. To find the best car insurance companies and most affordable options, compare quotes from multiple providers. Use MoneyGeek's calculator below to get accurate estimates based on your profile.

Car Insurance Calculator

MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.

$155
High
$114
Average
$64
Low

Rates updated:

Jul 05, 2025

Insurance Carrier
MoneyGeek Score
Average Monthly
Payment
1
92
/of 100
$64
2
GEICO

GEICO

74
/of 100
$94
3
Nationwide

Nationwide

88
/of 100
$104
4
67
/of 100
$127
5
Foremost

Foremost

70
/of 100
$138
6
71
/of 100
$155
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How to Find Inexpensive Car Insurance in Texas

Car insurance tends to be more expensive in Texas, especially for drivers in urban or high-risk areas. If your current premiums feel too high, there are practical ways to lower your car insurance costs without sacrificing essential financial protection.

  1. 1

    Compare rates from multiple providers

    Insurance companies calculate premiums differently. One of the easiest ways to cut costs is to get quotes from several carriers. Use MoneyGeek's quote tool to check potential savings based on your driving profile and location.

  2. 2

    Bundle your policies

    Bundling home and auto insurance is a smart way to lower your overall premiums. Many providers offer discounts to those who combine multiple types of coverage. Explore top companies for bundling to find one that fits your needs.

  3. 3

    Take advantage of discounts

    Drivers in Texas have access to several state-specific money-saving opportunities:

    • Defensive driving course credits: Complete a Texas-approved defensive driving course to reduce your premiums. These state-certified programs can provide ongoing discounts and help offset violation-related rate increases.
    • Good student discounts: Texas insurers offer discounts for students maintaining good grades. If you have a student driver in your household, ask about academic achievement discounts that can reduce your family's premiums.
    • Low mileage discounts: Perfect for Texas urban drivers working from home or those with short commutes. Many insurers offer discounted rates for people who log fewer miles annually.
    • Anti-theft device credits: If you live in an area with elevated theft rates, adding a certified anti-theft system can reduce your premiums. Since they can lower the risk of loss, insurers provide discounts to drivers who use these devices.
  4. 4

    Consider optional coverage adjustments

    Texas drivers can choose not to buy Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage. If you already have solid health insurance, adjusting these optional protections might lower your premiums.

  5. 5

    Increase your deductible

    Deductible refers to what you pay out of pocket when you file a claim. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premiums.

  6. 6

    Consider pay-per-mile insurance

    Texas residents who drive less than 12,000 miles annually may find pay-per-mile car insurance a more economical option. This type of coverage charges based on how much you drive.

  7. 7

    Drop unnecessary coverage

    Dropping comprehensive insurance can save money if premiums exceed 10% of your car's value, but ensure it won't leave you underinsured. Consider Texas's frequent severe weather when making this decision.

Why Auto Insurance in Texas Is So Expensive: Bottom Line

Auto coverage in Texas is costly due to dense highways, high vehicle theft rates, high speed limits, dense urban areas and frequent natural disasters. These factors increase both accidents and claims, driving up premiums across the state. This article explores these issues and offers strategies to help Texas residents save on car insurance.

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Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

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Texas Car Insurance Cost Factors: FAQ

We answer common questions about auto insurance rates in Texas to help you understand why your premiums are costly.

Why does Texas have higher car insurance rates than other states?

How do weather conditions affect car insurance rates in Texas?

Why are car insurance rates different between Texas cities?

How much does car insurance cost in Texas?

Why is my Texas car insurance expensive?

Do you have to have car insurance in Texas?

What is the minimum insurance requirement in Texas?

How does Texas's uninsured driver problem affect my rates?

How do Texas vehicle theft rates impact my premiums?

Car Insurance Rates in Texas: Our Review Methodology

Choosing car insurance in Texas isn't just about finding the cheapest rate. It's about securing financial protection that works when you need it most. With Texas drivers facing some of the nation's highest accident rates and insurance fraud levels, we designed our analysis to help you find coverage that balances affordability with real-world protection.

Our Data Foundation

We analyzed 328,384 auto insurance quotes across Texas, drawing from the Texas Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services. This comprehensive dataset covers 14 major insurers operating in 370 ZIP codes throughout Texas, ensuring our findings reflect the actual market you'll encounter when shopping for coverage 

Sample Driver Profile

Our analysis centers on a realistic Texas driver profile:

  • 40-year-old male driver
  • 2012 Toyota Camry LE (one of Texas's most popular vehicles)
  • Clean driving record
  • 12,000 miles driven annually

When analyzing rates for specific demographics, young drivers, seniors or high-risk drivers, we adjusted this baseline profile accordingly while maintaining consistent methodology across all scenarios.

Coverage Levels Analyzed

Minimum Coverage (Texas State Requirements):

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

Full Coverage Analysis:

  • $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $100,000 property damage liability
  • Comprehensive and collision coverage with $1,000 deductibl 

Bundled Home and Auto Analysis

For homeowners seeking package discounts, we included homeowners insurance with:

  • $250,000 dwelling coverage
  • $100,000 personal property coverage
  • All-perils coverage with $1,000 deductible

This approach reveals the true cost savings available through bundling, a strategy that can reduce your total insurance expenses by 5% to 25% depending on the insurer.

Learn more about MoneyGeek's methodology.

Texas Car Insurance Costs: Related Articles

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.


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