Texas Auto Insurance [Rates + Cheap Coverage Guide]

Credit History Rates in Texas by Company

One thing insurance companies look at is your credit history. The better your credit rating, the better rates you are likely to get.

Driving Record Rates in Texas by Company

How’s your driving record? DUIs, speeding tickets and accidents can all drive up your rates. The more you have, the more you’re likely to pay.

The 10 Largest Auto Insurance Companies in Texas

Remember, when it comes to loss ratio, you are looking for companies with a higher pay loss ratio. Geico and USAA hold the spots on the list as the companies with the highest loss ratios.

Number of Insurers in Texas

Texas has a great number of providers to choose from! Domestically, Texas has 199 providers, whereas when it comes to foreign providers, there are 937! The Lone Star State is top in the nation when it comes to the number of domestic providers, and close to the top when it comes to the number of foreign providers.

Now that you’re an expert on auto insurance in Texas, let’s get you up to speed on the laws!

Laws in Texas

In order to keep your auto insurance rates low, you must follow the law. And pleading ignorance on anything involving the law won’t work anywhere in Texas.

Pleading ignorance also won’t get you out of a fine for breaking the law!

Well saddle on up and let’s get going! Let’s take a look at the laws in Texas and commit them to memory.

Texas’s Auto Insurance Laws

Okay, there are a lot of laws to know and commit to memory. But, bear with me! They are important, as they keep dangerous drivers off the road and hold the insurance providers accountable.

This means that it’s good for you as a safe and responsible Texas driver.

How Texas’s Insurance Rates and Laws are Determined

The Texas Department of Insurance has a long history, dating all the way back to 1876. They have stepped in, when necessary when it comes to making sure Texas insurance companies play by the rules and play fair.

According to Texas law, it “requires insurance rates to be reasonable, adequate, not discriminatory, and not excessive.”

In other words, insurance rates have to be affordable, and insurance companies cannot discriminate against anyone who wants insurance.

The TDI states that “Auto insurance companies in Texas set their own rates and file them with TDI for review.” The forms are regulated under Chapter 2301 of the Texas Insurance Code. Also, “companies don’t have to get approval before using their rates, but TDI can make a company refund money to policyholders if it decides the company’s rates are excessive.”

High-Risk Insurance in Texas

In Texas, a high-risk driver must apply through TAIPA to receive a type of high-risk insurance called SR-22.

Why might you, as a Texas driver, need an SR-22?

• If you’ve been involved in multiple accidents.
• If you’ve received multiple tickets for moving violations.
• If you had an accident involving involuntary manslaughter.
• If you’ve received a DUI.
• If you are a criminally negligent driver.
• If you drive without a license or with a suspended license.

The above events are just a sampling of reasons a motorist would be required to carry this more expensive, high-risk insurance as proof of their liability in Texas, and you will have to carry this for three years.

Your insurance provider will file your SR-22 with the Texas DMV for all vehicles that are registered under your name or that are driven by you.

Low-Cost or Low-Income Insurance in Texas

Worried you can’t afford auto insurance required in Texas but don’t want to break the law? There’s a program in place that might be perfect for you!

TAIPA not only provides high risk insurance, but also affordable minimums for Texans who’ve been rejected by other insurance companies!

Here’s a list of requirements for drivers to qualify for TAIPA:

• Have a valid driver’s license.
• Be a resident of the state of Texas/have a vehicle registered in Texas.
• Certify you’ve been rejected by two insurance companies within the last 60 days.

And the best part! TAIPA offers convenient payment options!

Texas’s Windshield and Glass Repair Laws

There are no specific laws when it comes to windshields and the repair of windshields in Texas.

The Texas Department of Safety mentions this when it comes to windshields:

The windshield is NOT an item of inspection. However, the windshield wipers are. Be sure that the crack does not cause the wipers to tear and that the crack has not caused the windshield to become concave or convex so the wipers loose contact with the windshield.”

It is left purely up to an officer’s discretion as to whether to ticket you or not. Your car may pass inspection, but an officer can still ticket you if they determine your road vision is impaired.

It is also left up to your discretion on whether to repair or replace your windshield. If the crack is less than three inches in length, you can repair it and are allowed to repair it with aftermarket and used parts of like kind and quality. If the windshield is cracked in your line of sight, some shops might decline to repair it; if it’s too damaged you’ll have to replace it, which can cost you a few hundred dollars.

Automobile Insurance Fraud in Texas

Texas takes auto insurance fraud very seriously, and it is considered a crime.

Fact: Insurance fraud is one of the most costly white-collar crimes in America, ranking second to tax evasion.

Just in 2017 alone, 490 insurance fraud reports were opened for criminal investigation, and $18 million in fraud was identified!

A common fraud scheme in Texas has to do with people selling fake automobile insurance.

Another common insurance fraud practice in Texas is auto accident fraud.

When it comes to accident fraud, watch out for:

• Backing.
• Phantom vehicle.
• The “swoop and squat”.
• An accident-only existing on paper.
• Padding a claim with fake or inflated damages.
• Filing a claim for an accident that never happened.
• Reporting a vehicle lost/stolen when it is not.
• Giving up the right-of-way to cause an accident.
• People who cause a collision and make it look like you were at fault.

Texas’s Laws Against Insurance Fraud

Everyone pays for insurance fraud, according to the TDI:

“The National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates that property and casualty based insurance fraud cost Americans $30 billion per year…the average household pays an additional $200 to $300 in insurance premiums every year to offset the cost of fraud. The ‘hidden fraud tax’ paid in the form of higher prices for goods and services, may increase the cost to $1,000 per year, per family.”

Here are four ways the state of Texas works to fight fraud and protect insurance customers:

1. Texas law states that insurance fraud is a crime.
2. Texas has established a fraud unit, and where you can report cases online.
3. Texas lists the licensed status of all insurance agents and companies in the state.
4. Texas makes sure those who are victims of insurance fraud get restitution.

In addition, the Texas Insurance Fraud Statute, Penal Code, Title 7, Chapter 35, states:
“A person commits an offense if, with intent to defraud or deceive an insurer, the person solicits, offers, pays, or receives a benefit in connection with the furnishing of goods or services for which a claim for payment is submitted under an insurance policy.”
With the amount of fraud committed in Texas, no wonder some insurance bills are so high!

Texas Lemon Law

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! That’s what the Texas Lemon Law strives to help you do.

If you have purchased or leased a new car and it develops an issue that affects its ability to run properly, you may be eligible for relief under the Texas Lemon Law.

You have to allow the manufacturer a reasonable amount of time/attempts to fix the problem. What is considered a reasonable attempt?

• The Four Times Test.
• The Serious Safety Hazard Test.
• The 30 Day Test.

Cars, trucks, motorcycles, motor homes, and ATVs are all covered under the Lemon Law.

Do you think you might have a lemon of a car? Learn more about what you can do at the Texas DMV Consumer Protection website.

Texas’s Vehicle Licensing Laws

Are you frustrated with how expensive auto insurance in Texas is? You aren’t alone!

But let’s face it, it’s better to pay for the coverage than to break the law and drive without auto insurance.

Besides the fact that TexasSure can be utilized by law enforcement to check whether you are insured, it’s not worth it drive without insurance. Why?

Texas DMV has instated a Driver Responsibility Program or DRP. If you commit a traffic offense, a surcharge is added to your driver record. Driving without insurance gives you a surcharge of up to $250.

The Texas DPS reviews driver records and surcharges annually:

“The amount of a surcharge can vary with each annual assessment if convictions are added or removed from the driver record. The number of points on a record can vary each year based on convictions that are added or removed. Please be aware there is a lapse in time from the date you are convicted for an offense and the date your conviction is reported to DPS by the courts. As a result, points may be added to or deducted from your record for offenses committed in the previous 12-month period.”

Teen Driver Laws in Texas

In the state of Texas, teens can get a learner’s permit, at the age of 15.

A teenager might think that they are home free once they get a license, but there are certain restrictions:

• Cannot drive from midnight-5 a.m.
• Cannot have more than one passenger younger than 21.
• Cannot use a cell phone while driving.

The leash will be loosened eventually: any restrictions listed above expire at the age of 18.

License Renewal Procedures and Older Drivers in Texas

Did you know? No matter how old you are, every driver in Texas must get their license renewed every six years.

If you are 85 or older, you must get your license renewed every two years.

In addition:

1. You cannot renew online or through the mail.
2. You must provide proof of adequate vision with every renewal (79 or older).

These procedures, however, are a small price to pay for the freedom and mobility of driving a vehicle!

New Residents of Texas

Very Important! You have 30 days from the time you move to Texas to register your vehicle.

You must have your vehicle inspected, and you must show you have insurance coverage, the minimum being 30/60/25.

What if you want to travel to other places?

Driving in other states, Canada, and Mexico

Your insurance should cover you if you drive anywhere in the United States and Canada.

As a warning: your policy won’t cover you in Mexico because Mexico doesn’t recognize U.S. auto policies.

Some insurance companies do offer Mexico tourist endorsements to add to your policy:

This endorsement extends your liability coverage to pay costs exceeding a Mexican liability policy’s limits. It covers trips of any distance and any length of time. Ask your agent which endorsements your insurance company offers.

Driving Record Points in Texas

Racking up the points is good if you’re trying to win a game. They’re not so good when you’re talking about your driving record.

Texas Rules of the Road

After reading through all of the violations, penalties, and ways you can quickly pile on the points, don’t you want to do all you can to stay above the law?

We’re here to help!! Scroll down to quickly learn the MUST-KNOW LAWS in Texas that every driver needs to follow or else they’ll pay — in more ways than one.

Fault vs No-Fault

Texas is a “Fault State” in regards to auto insurance. But what does this mean??

When a car accident occurs in Texas, one of the drivers will be found to be at-fault by the police. The at-fault driver will have to pay for medical expenses, damages, and all other costs caused by the collision.

The liability limits are as follows:

• $30,000 for injury or death for one person.
• $60,000 for injury or death per accident.
• $25,000 for property damage liability per accident.

Keep in mind: This is just the bare minimum! According to the lawyers at Sutliff and Stout:

“Depending on the extent of damage to property, or injuries sustained by a person in an accident, the minimum might not cover the whole recovery amount. If the injured driver’s injuries or damages exceed the coverage amount of the at-fault driver’s insurance, then the injured driver would be able to sue the at-fault driver to collect the difference. In this situation, because Texas follows a Modified Comparative Negligence rule, an injured party would not be able to recover anything in court if it is found that he or she is at least 51% at fault regarding the accident.”

Speed Limits in Texas

Texas is one of the fastest states in the nation when it comes to speed laws.

Here are the speed limits across the state of Texas:

Seat Belt and Car Seat Laws in Texas

Since September 1, 1985, seat belt rules in Texas have been primary laws, meaning that police officers can pull over drivers if anyone in the car appears to be breaking the restraint requirements. When it’s a secondary law, officers need another, bigger reason to pull the driver over.

That’s not all! Texas is one of 30 states that has laws in place prohibiting passengers from riding in the bed of pick up trucks.

When it comes to children, Texans must place their kids in safety seats if they are seven years old or younger. There are other requirements and child safety laws in Texas.

Ridesharing in Texas

On May 29, 2018, Texas Governor Greg About signed House Bill 100 into law.

Drivers for rideshares must pass a background check that covers local, state, and national seraches. It also requires a state permit.

As an Uber or Lyft driver, you also must maintain proof of registration and insurance for every vehicle you use.

Automation on the Roads in Texas

Ahead of the game! While most states only allow automatic vehicles to be tested, Texas is one of only 12 states that allows “full deployment” of automatic vehicles on its public roads.

Laws regarding autonomous vehicles in Texas — as of September 2017:

Keep Right and Move Over Laws in Texas

If you’re going to drive slower than the average speed of the traffic around you, you must keep right as a driver in Texas.

Texas Transportation Code 544.01 states:
If, on a highway having more than one lane with vehicles traveling in the same direction, the Texas Department of Transportation or a local authority places a sign that directs slower traffic to travel in a lane other than the farthest left lane, the sign must read “left lane for passing only.”

Texas’s Laws Against Driving Impaired

This is not a ranking to be proud of: Texas is two spots away from the top 10 worst states for drunk driving, coming in at number 12. And in 2017, Texas had 1,468 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities.

What the heck is a look-back period?: the look-back or washout period is the amount of time an offense remains on your record.

In regards to a DWI, Texas Is one of about a dozen states where if you are caught Driving While Intoxicated, it is on your record for the rest of your life. For subsequent offenses, you have a five year look-back period where it’s determined if an offender must install an ignition interlock.

Here’s the break down for the first, second, and third DWIs in Texas:

So think about whether it’s worth it to get in a car in Texas if you are intoxicated.

Now, how about marijuana? Surely that’s safer than alcohol, right?

Don’t even think about it. Possession of marijuana and its use is illegal in the state of Texas.

Researchers at the TTI hope that with their research, they will learn about the safety impacts of marijuana use:

“Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2013–2014 National Roadside Survey of Alcohol and Drug Use by Drivers show alcohol use prior to driving is decreasing, while drug use (specifically marijuana) is increasing. ‘With the passage of the 2015 law, learning more about the traffic safety implications of medicinal and legalized marijuana use is critical for the future of our state,’ says Troy Walden, director of TTI’s Center for Alcohol and Drug Education Studies.

Distracted Driving Laws in Texas

Crash data proves that driving distracted can be just as deadly as driving impaired.

In Texas, a hand-held ban is imposed on “drivers in school crossing zones and on public school property during the time the reduced speed limit applies.”

Here are the laws in Texas regarding phone use behind the wheel:

The Texas texting ban recently took effect on September 1, 2017. Some cities have even gone above and beyond a texting ban and have instituted a hands-free ban of their own.

Texas Can’t-Miss Facts

We have given you quite a bit of information in this Texas Auto Insurance Guide so far. Skimming through the above guide would allow you to have a good understanding of the laws surrounding auto insurance in The Lone Star State.

So you know how auto insurance works and the laws governing drivers, but do you know the risks involved with driving and owning a car in Texas?

As much as we want you to have insurance for when things go wrong, it’s more important to us that you know how to avoid having things go wrong in the first place.

The section below will give you quick, clear facts to help you know what dangers to look out for as a responsible car owner and operator in Texas.

Vehicle Theft in Texas

What car do you drive? Check out these stolen vehicles totals for 2015:

Seems like Texas thieves love to target pickup trucks, as they take the top three spots for the most stolen vehicles.

Most people think this stuff doesn’t happen where they live . . . hate to break it to you, but it does.

Here are the totals provided by the FBI for 2013:

Houston takes the top spot, as do some of the other big cities in Texas.

Texas’s Deadly Car Crash Statistics

Let’s dive right into an alarming 10-Year Trend of Deaths resulting from car crashes on Texas roadways.

Big Question: “Where are these deadly crashes happening??”

Below are the ten cities in Texas with the highest death rates. The traffic death rate and the total number of deaths in 2016 are listed for each city; data collected by the NHTSA:

And, here is a five-year trend for the 10 counties in Texas with the most car crashes resulting in deaths:

Okay, we have covered the WHERE, now let’s move on to WHO.

What were these people doing when they were killed? Walking, riding a bike, travelling by car (and what type?), driving a motorcycle?

Here’s a five-year trend for Texas traffic deaths by who exactly was killed:

Now let’s answer another big question: “What types of crashes are killing all these people in Texas?”

Check out this very telling five-year trend for Texas’s traffic fatalities:

As you can, see motorists driving too fast is a huge problem in Texas.

Speeding has been the cause of over a thousand deaths in Texas for three consecutive years now.

Look below to see where specifically in Texas speeding is the biggest problem.

Still not convinced speeding is a big deal? Well, it is! Don’t do it.

Shaving a few minutes off of your commute isn’t worth killing someone!

See for yourself. Compare the speeding death counts above with the drunk driving death counts below.

Drunk Driving Deaths in Texas

Now that you know the DWI penalties in Texas including the fines and jail time, let’s look at the most serious consequence of driving drunk: death.

Check out this eye-opening trend for deaths caused by drivers impaired by alcohol in Texas:

You can clearly see how deadly drunk driving is by the number of lives it claims each year, but are you aware of how early this treacherous behavior is starting?

There is no age when drunk driving is acceptable, but under age (illegal) drinking mixed with less experienced teen drivers is a downright horrifying combination.

Here’s some Under Age Drunk Driving stats for Texas in 2016:

• Under 18 DWI Arrests: 421
• Under 18 DWI Arrest Rate: 8.4 percent
• Under 21 Drunk Driving Death Rate: 1.9

Note: The above drunk driving arrest rate is for every 100k residents under the age of 18, while the death rate listed is per 100k Texas residents of all ages.

EMS Response Time in Texas

Let’s see how fast Texas’s Emergency Medical Services are to arrive on the scene of an accident, or how fast they’d get to your home in the event you’re hurt in a zombie apocalypse.

If you’re hurt in a car accident, the state is well equipped with medical teams to help!

You fare better living in an urban area, as it takes them about five minutes to get on the scene as opposed to 10 minutes in a rural area. And in a rural area, it can take a little over an HOUR to get you to the nearest hospital — This is cut nearly in half in an urban area, as it takes about 38 minutes.

The average EMS response times in Texas listed above were provided by the NHTSA for urban fatal car crashes in 2016.

Texas Transportation

So, how many cars does the average Texan own?

Interesting Fact: In Texas, only two cars tend to grace most driveways.

In 2016, 21 percent of Texas households had one car, 42.5 percent had two, and 21.8 percent had three.

Employees in Texas find that it doesn’t take them too much time to get to work. The average commute time for Texans is 25.2 minutes, and only 2.34 percent of the Texas workforce report have commute times of 90 minutes or more.

Fun Fact: A study found longer commute times in Texas doesn’t necessarily lead to more stress, though researchers were unable to explain why.

On the topic of commutes, most Texans seem to like to go at it alone: 80.5 percent of Texans drive the herd into town alone.

While we are on the topic of traffic, let’s look at what parts of Texas have it the worst.

Texas Cities with the Most Traffic Congestion

Traffic congestion seems to be a problem in Texas, and quite so. It’s a big state.

But let’s see how traffic congestion in Texas cities compares to the rest of the world.

In 2018, INRIX (a team of traffic experts) performed the largest global traffic study in history, which analyzed congestion in over 1,360 cities in 38 counties.

Six cities are on the list, with averages being between 60 to 104 hours stuck in traffic each year.

Let’s take a look at the six cities that fare the worst:

Though these congestion times are still high, Texas is on a positive trend! For instance, San Antonio has more than cut its congestion time in half since 2017.

Don’t wait a minute longer to protect what’s most important — start comparing auto insurance today!