
Here are CheapInsurance.com’s top picks for the cheapest car insurance plans in Texas
Texas is America’s second-biggest state with one of the largest networks of roads and highways in the country.
In Texas, you can expect to pay around $1,823Â per year for full coverage car insurance. Minimum coverage, however, will set you back an average of $524 each year.
Finding cheap car insurance isn’t always easy, and knowing where to begin can often be the hardest part. So, here at Cheap insurance, we’ve narrowed down the cheapest car insurance in the state and done the hard work for you.
Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance In Texas
If you’re looking for affordable Texas car insurance rates, a policy that meets the Texas minimum liability insurance requirements would be your best option. These are plans that offer the lowest auto coverage allowed by state laws.
Minimum liability plans are inexpensive, but they may not provide greater security in the event of an accident.
The average cost of minimum liability car insurance in Texas is $162 per month. According to our research, Clearcover provides the cheapest car insurance rates for minimum liability coverage, costing on average $95 per month.
Provider | Average Monthly Price | Monthly Cost in Harris County | Monthly Cost in Dallas County | Monthly Cost in Tarrant County | Monthly Cost in Bexar County | Monthly Cost in Travis County |
Clearcover | $95 | $102 | $104 | $97 | $90 | $82 |
Elephant | $134 | $149 | $137 | $146 | $120 | $116 |
Mercury | $144 | $151 | $164 | $148 | $130 | $127 |
Liberty Mutual | $198 | $200 | $235 | $197 | $184 | $175 |
GAINSCO | $238 | $254 | $295 | $216 | $223 | $204 |
Key Point: Is Minimum Coverage Enough in Texas? While minimum coverage might be enough according to state laws, you’ll have to consider many  factors to decide if it’s right for you. If you drive regularly or own a newer car, then minimum coverage might not be the right option. On the other hand, if you want to insure an older vehicle which you don’t drive often, then minimum coverage could offer you adequate protection at a lower monthly price. |
Cheapest Full Coverage Insurance (Comprehensive Coverage) in Texas
The top three cheapest full coverage auto insurance companies in Texas are: Allstate, Mercury, and Elephant.
The average yearly cost of car insurance in Texas is $2,172 for full coverage or $156 per month. According to the Insurance Information Institute, between 2018 and 2019, the average yearly cost of insurance in Texas was $1,148, which is $83 higher than the national average of $1,065 over the same period.
Provider | Average Monthly Price | Monthly Price in Harris County | Monthly Cost in Dallas County | Monthly cost in Tarrant County | Monthly cost in Bexar County | Monthly cost in Travis County |
Allstate | $126 | $120 | $170 | $116 | $116 | $110 |
Mercury | $175 | $184 | $200 | $179 | $160 | $153 |
Elephant | $177 | $195 | $181 | $192 | $162 | $155 |
State Auto | $178 | $224 | $191 | $174 | $156 | $143 |
Liberty Mutual | $249 | $251 | $304 | $251 | $227 | $214 |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Good Drivers (Clean Driving Records) in Texas
If you haven’t had any serious traffic offenses on your record in the last five years, like speeding tickets, DUIs, or a car accident, you’ll likely be able to get some of the cheapest car insurance in Texas. You may even be able to qualify for a safe driver discount.
A car insurance company may also offer discounts on car insurance to drivers who complete qualified defensive driving courses. Just check with your agent before enrolling in a course to ensure that it will be eligible.
For drivers in Texas with a good driving record, Allstate offers the cheapest car insurance coverage in the state at an average monthly cost of $115. We also recommend looking at Elephant and Mercury’s car insurance plans for “good drivers.”
Provider | Average Monthly Price | Monthly Price in Harris County | Monthly Cost in Dallas County | Monthly cost in Tarrant County | Monthly cost in Bexar County | Monthly cost in Travis County |
Allstate | $115 | $108 | $151 | $107 | $105 | $102 |
Elephant | $155 | $170 | $158 | $168 | $141 | $136 |
Mercury | $158 | $166 | $180 | $162 | $144 | $140 |
State Auto | $164 | $205 | $179 | $161 | $143 | $133 |
Travelers | $262 | $267 | $280 | $262 | $255 | $246 |
Key Point: What Is Safe Driver Discount? A Safe Driver Discount may be available to drivers who have a record of clean driving for a specified time period. This means you could save on your car insurance if your household has had no:
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Cheapest Car Insurance for Bad Drivers (DUI, Traffic Ticket) in Texas
An insurance provider sees a high-risk driver as someone who is likely to file a claim in the future. . The following characteristics and past history play a role in the cost of your high-risk car insurance in Texas:
- Speeding tickets.
- At-fault accidents.
- Living in a high-risk area.
- Being a teen driver.
- Poor credit.
- DUI/DWI.
In Texas, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $762. That’s 44% less than the national average rate hike after a DUI. Mercury, Mendota, and Elephant remain the cheapest car insurance companies for “bad” drivers.
Provider | Average Monthly Price | Monthly Price in Harris County | Monthly Cost in Dallas County | Monthly cost in Tarrant County | Monthly cost in Bexar County | Monthly cost in Travis County |
Mercury | $227 | $205 | $268 | $241 | $213 | $207 |
Mendota | $257 | $285 | $282 | $260 | $236 | $224 |
Elephant | $278 | $222 | $344 | $316 | $258 | $248 |
GAINSCO | $295 | $314 | $365 | $267 | $276 | $252 |
Direct Auto | $318 | $342 | $338 | $302 | $322 | $288 |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers in Texas
Teenage drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents than adult drivers, making them riskier to insure.
As in most other states,, the premiums for a teenage driver will typically be higher for car insurance in Texas than premiums for the average middle-aged driver.
Through our research of car insurance companies, we found that Elephant is the most affordable car insurance company for young drivers, with their car insurance costing on average $255 per month.
Provider | Average Monthly Price | Monthly Price in Harris County | Monthly Cost in Dallas County | Monthly cost in Tarrant County | Monthly cost in Bexar County | Monthly cost in Travis County |
Elephant | $255 | $294 | $259 | $276 | $228 | $216 |
MileAuto | $403 | N/A | $465 | $396 | $378 | $373 |
Liberty Mutual | $435 | $441 | $498 | $420 | $382 | N/A |
Dairyland | $440 | $495 | $502 | $434 | $407 | $364 |
The General | $574 | $689 | $682 | $510 | $531 | $459 |
Find Cheap Car Insurance in Other States
If you’re looking for cheap auto insurance quotes or plans in other states, read our insurance state guides or use our online quote finder to get the best car insurance companies for 2022.
Top Car Insurance Companies in Texas
1. Elephant
Elephant is a subsidiary of Admiral Group, one of the UK’s leading insurers. With a presence in eight countries, the Admiral Group and its subsidiaries serve over 6 million customers.
In addition to auto and motorcycle insurance, Elephant offers roadside assistance coverage, with services such as:
- Towing.
- Jump starting.
- Lockout service.
- Emergency fuel.
- Help with a flat tire.
Elephant also writes policies for homeowners, renters, and condo owners.
It was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. Elephant currently also sells car insurance policies in seven other states, namely Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Georgia.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating:Â A+
2. Mercury
Mercury is a multiple-line insurance organization with over $4 billion in assets, roughly 4,500 employees, and more than 8,000 independent agents in 11 states.
The types of insurance they offer include:
- Personal automobile.
- Homeowners.
- Renters.
- Business.
The company was founded in 1961 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, but also operates in 10 other states, namely Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating:Â A
3. Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual Group is a diversified worldwide insurer based in the U.S., and it is the country’s sixth-largest property and casualty insurer.
Based on 2020 revenue, it is ranked 71st on the Fortune 100 list of the largest firms in the U.S.
Although Liberty Mutual has its headquarters in Boston, it operates in 29 different countries and economies around the world.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating:Â A+
4. State Auto
Based in Columbus, Ohio, State Auto Insurance specializes in Auto Insurance, Business Insurance, Homeowner’s Insurance, and Farm & Ranch Insurance in 33 states, including the midwest, Tennessee, and Texas.
The company sells its products primarily through independent agents. Its core insurance products for individuals include:
- Auto.
- Home.
- Personal.
- Umbrella.
The company was founded in 1921 and has grown to have assets of $4.6 billion.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating:Â A+
Key Point: What Is Umbrella Insurance? Umbrella insurance is extra insurance that provides protection beyond existing limits and coverages of other policies. |
5. GAINSCO
GAINSCOÂ Auto Insurance is one of the biggest property, casualty, and car insurance providers in Texas.
They concentrate on the nonstandard personal auto insurance market, focusing on low-cost nonstandard or high-risk car insurance.
GAINSCO was established in 1978 as a Texas corporation based in Dallas, Texas, with a regional office in Miami, Florida.
They are also available in the following 15 states: Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Ohio, Indiana, Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating:Â A
Average Car Insurance Costs in Different Parts of Texas
Car insurance providers calculate your rate depending on a variety of factors, one of which is the vehicle’s location.
Here are the average annual prices for car insurance premiums within some of the largest Texas cities:
City | Annual Price |
Houston | $2,146 |
San Antonio | $1,837 |
Dallas | $2,093 |
Austin | $1,796 |
Fort Worth | $1,856 |
El Paso | $1,830 |
Arlington | $1,915 |
Corpus Christi | $1,806 |
Plano | $1,819 |
Lubbock | $1,771 |
Average | $1,887 |
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Tips for Choosing Car Insurance in Texas
Minimum insurance requirements:Â A minimum amount of liability insurance coverage is required by law for Texas drivers. This includes minimum coverage for bodily injury liability and property damage liability.
Texas law requires you to have at least:
- $30,000 of coverage for injuries per person.
- $60,000 per accident.
- $25,000 of coverage for property damage.
This is called 30/60/25 coverage.
Lender requirements: If you’re financing or leasing your car, you’ll likely have to get car insurance to meet the needs of your lender. For example, if you still owe money on your car, your lender will require that you have comprehensive and collision insurance.
If you cancel or lose this coverage, your lender will buy single-interest coverage and add the cost to your loan payment which is expensive and only protects the lender.
Get multiple car insurance quotes: Before you sign a plan, it’s always a good idea to shop around to see if you’re getting the best deal. Whether you do it yourself or use a licensed insurance agent, you might be able to save a lot of money on your auto insurance premiums.
If you want to get multiple quotes or look at auto insurance rates from different providers, use our quote finder to find and compare your options.
Car Insurance in Texas FAQs
Am I required to carry car insurance in the state of Texas?
Texas law requires all drivers to have adequate auto insurance. According to state law, Texas drivers need to have minimum car insurance coverage of $30,000 per injured person, up to at least $60,000 per accident. Additionally, Texas drivers must have coverage for property damage of at least $25,000.
Which company has the cheapest car insurance in Texas?
We found that Clearcover offers the lowest quotes for minimum coverage insurance in Texas. They charge an average of $95 monthly for minimum coverage. The cheapest full coverage car insurance, however, is Allstate with $126 per month.
What is the cost of car insurance in Texas?
On average, minimum-coverage auto insurance in Texas costs $666 per year, or $56 per month, while full coverage costs around $156 per month or $1,872 per year.
What is the best car insurance in Texas?
Knowing what you’re looking for — the best pricing, the quickest customer service, a digital app, or speciality coverage — can help you figure out which providers will best suit your needs. You may then compare quotations from a few of these businesses to see which one is the best fit for you.
How much car insurance do I need in Texas?
Texas requires both liability insurance and uninsured motorist liability insurance. The minimum level of auto coverage required by state law is:
- Bodily injury liability coverage: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident.
- Property damage liability coverage: $25,000.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): $2,500 unless you reject this coverage.
- Uninsured motorist coverage: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident.
- Uninsured motorist property damage:Â $25,000 and a $250 deductible unless you reject this coverage.
Disclaimer:
Cheap Insurance strives to keep all listed information accurate and up-to-date. The information we provide shouldn’t be considered as the price or amount you will pay for any form of insurance provided by the auto insurance companies discussed on the CheapInsurance.com website. All information displayed on this website is presented without warranty and is non-binding. Visitors to the CheapInsurance.com website should contact CheapInsurance.com, their insurance broker, or their financial provider for final pricing, offers, and quotes.
Methodology:
Our researchers sourced insurance quotes from auto insurance companies that operate in the regions we investigated. We used a standardized base profile for each section to compare auto insurance offers. For the following sections:
- Minimum Liability Car Insurance
- Cheapest Full Coverage Insurance
- Cheapest Car Insurance for Good Drivers (Clean Driving Records)
- Cheap auto insurance for bad drivers
Base profile used:  Gender: Male   Marital Status: Married   Age: 32   Vehicle: The most popular sedan by sales in the state   Vehicle Year: 2017   Model Type: The most basic type/entry-level model.   Mileage: 12000 miles
- Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers
Base profile used:  Marital Status: Single   Age: 20   Gender: Male   Vehicle: Drives the most popular sedan by sales in the state   Vehicle Year: 2017   Model Type: The most basic type/entry-level model.   Mileage: 12000 miles
Minimum Texas Car Insurance Coverage
Texas law requires all drivers to carry a certain amount of liability insurance, including:
Bodily injury: $30,000 per injured person and $60,000 per accident
Property damage: $60,000 per accident
Getting Cheap Car Insurance In Texas
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to get lower car insurance rates in Texas. Here are a few tips to try:
- Start with the minimum: Minimum coverage is more affordable than full coverage, so it’s smart to start there when you’re on a budget.
- Compare several car insurance providers: Shop around to find the best rate for your needs.
- Be a defensive driver: Defensive driving is one of the best ways to keep a clean driving record and qualify for a cheaper premium.
- Texas insurance programs: Some state insurance programs offer reduced rates for qualifying drivers.
Texas Car Insurance Discounts
Get a free quote from Cheap Insurance to find out if you qualify for these discount programs.
Good Driver: Texas drivers who avoid accidents and traffic violations may be eligible for a good driver discount.
Good Student: Teenagers and young adult drivers could also be eligible for student driver discounts.
FAQ
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Texas?
Driving without insurance in Texas could result in serious penalties, such as fines or revoking a license and vehicle registration.
What is driving like in Texas?
Roughly 8% of Texas drivers are uninsured, and an average of 3,294 fatal car crashes occur per year.
How can I save money on my car insurance policy in Texas?
There are several ways to save money on car insurance coverage in Texas, such as:Â
- Multi-car discounts when insuring more than one car Â
- Young, mature driver, or good driver discountsÂ
- Discounts for airbags and other enhanced safety features
- Installment plansÂ
- High deductible plans
Other Types of Coverage
Sometimes minimum coverage isn’t adequate. Here are some other types of car insurance coverage to consider:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC)/Underinsured Motorist coverage (UIM)
Medical Payments Coverage
Physical Damage Coverage
Additional kinds of coverageÂ
Endorsements and Riders
- Towing and road service
- Rental car reimbursementÂ
- Gap insurance
Cities We Cover In Texas
Cheap car insurance is close! Here are the cities we serve in Texas:
- Abilene
- Allen
- Amarillo
- Arlington
- Austin
- Baytown
- Beaumont
- Brownsville
- Bryan
- Carrollton
- Cedar Park
- College Station
- Conroe
- Corpus Christi​
- Dallas
- Denton
- Edinburg
- El Paso​
- Flower Mound
- Fort Worth
- Frisco
- Garland
- Georgetown
- Grand Prairie
- Harlingen
- Houston
- Irving
- Killeen
- Laredo
- League City
- Lewisville
- Longview
- Lubbock
- Mansfield
- McAllen
- McKinney
- Mesquite
- Midland
- Mission
- Missouri City
- New Braunfels
- North Richland Hills
- Odessa
- Pasadena
- Pearland
- Pharr
- Plano
- Richardson
- Round Rock
- Rowlett
- San Angelo
- San Antonio​
- San Marcos
- Sugar Land
- Temple
- Tyler
- Victoria
- Waco
- Wichita Falls