Texas Car Insurance Guide (Cheap Rates + Best Companies)

If you’re exploring Texas by car, there may be something you haven’t considered lately: “Am I paying too much for car insurance?” How much is average car insurance in Texas? It’s important to know what to look for in a good policy, so you can get the best price.

As for Texas car insurance rates, motorists in Texas paid an average of $1,109.66 for car insurance in 2015. We’re going to go over the best car insurance in Texas now and more with this best Texas car insurance guide.

We know car insurance isn’t something you want to spend a lot of time on, so we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide about cheap car insurance in Texas. We’ve done the work for you so that you can get on with life. To get affordable Texas car insurance, enter your ZIP code to get started and find the best insurance in Texas.

How much are Texas car insurance coverage and rates?

Is car insurance expensive in Texas? The median household income in Texas in 2017 was over $59,206, and the average auto insurance rates in Texas were $1,109 (or $92.42 per month). We know everything is big in Texas, but no one wants to pay too much for car insurance. We’re not “big” on that.

What can you do about it? And, how do you find the best Texas auto insurance rates? You could spend endless hours searching and calling every company in the state, or you can keep reading and let us do the work for you.

In this guide, we’re going to show you what coverage is required in Texas, and other options, so you can choose the best coverage for your needs.

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

How much are average monthly car insurance rates in TX (liability, collision, comprehensive)?

Who has the best car insurance rates in Texas? The main concern of almost every Texas motorist is the rising cost of car insurance.

The table below shows data based on the state’s minimum requirements provided by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, which is an agency dedicated to keeping up with the changing costs of car insurance. As the data reflects, Texans pay $100 more than the countrywide average of $1,009.

This data is from 2016. So rates may have increased even more, and one thing to remember: your rates could be higher or lower based on your provider and individual circumstances. These are the average rates for a sample set of coverages. If you get more comprehensive coverage or collision coverage or less, it could dramatically change your rates as could a higher or lower deductible.

What are average monthly car insurance rates by age & gender in TX?

Inc.com wrote an article that says women pay $100,000 more for the same products as men do. Gender discrimination in car insurance rates is such a problem that California and other states banned gender discrimination and created gender-neutral insurance plans.

In the following table, we partnered with Quadrant data to show you what various folks pay for car insurance based on gender and marital status. This data is based on actual coverage purchased by the state population and includes high-risk drivers and those who purchased additional coverage.

As you see from the table, in some cases, car insurance for teenagers in Texas costs thousands more than for older drivers. Unfortunately, for parents, those insurance rates are thousands higher than what they pay. However, in some instances, married folks pay less than their single counterparts.

Which zip codes have the cheapest insurance in Texas?

In addition to gender and age, where you live can affect your car insurance rates. We’ve collected data on the least and most expensive ZIP codes, so search to see where your ZIP code lands on the list.

The table below reflects the top 25 ZIP codes in Texas with the lowest rates on car insurance.

It’s good news for State Farm customers who live in San Angelo. They pay the lowest rates in the state averaging $2,428 yearly. USAA also has cheap rates, but their coverage is only available to those in and affiliated with the military.

The table below reflects the top 25 ZIP codes in Texas with the most expensive rates on car insurance.

Texans who live in Laredo have the most expensive rates in the state, topping out at $11,340 per year.

Where are the cheapest car insurance rates by city in TX?

We’ve also collected data on car insurance rates by city. Below is a list of the least expensive and most expensive cities for car insurance. Enter your city in the search box to see if you made the list.

The table below reflects the top 25 cities in Texas with the lowest rates on car insurance.

Besides USAA, which is only for military-affiliated families, State Farm is a great option, occupying 18 of the top 25 slots for the least expensive car insurance in Texas.

The table below reflects the top 25 cities in Texas with the most expensive rates on car insurance.

The city of Weslaco leads the way for the city with the most expensive car insurance at $5,450 per year.

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

What Are Texas’ minimum car insurance coverage requirements?

If you own a vehicle and plan on driving it anywhere in the state of Texas, you are required by law to purchase insurance in case you are in an accident.

Let’s take a look at Texas minimum liability insurance requirements:

• $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person injured in an accident you cause
• $60,000 for total bodily injury liability when two or more people are injured in an accident you cause
• $25,000 for property damage per accident you cause

Liability insurance pays all individuals drivers, passengers, pedestrians, etc. who are owed compensation for property damage and injuries resulting from a car accident that you or anyone under your policy causes. If you are in an at-fault accident, liability insurance pays other parties affected by the crash. It does not cover your medical bills or auto repairs. Going with minimum only coverage saves you money on your annual premium, but the average cost of even a small accident could be in the thousands when you account for your expenses.

These numbers are for just the minimum requirements. You may want to purchase additional coverage based on your personal needs. Drivers typically buy personal injury protection in many states along with comprehensive and collision coverage. These cover the insurance holder’s costs.

What forms of financial responsibility count in TX?

What is financial responsibility, and how does auto insurance coverage play into it? Financial responsibility is proof that you have state minimum liability coverage. State laws require every driver and owner of a vehicle to have evidence they can cover a certain amount of liability at all times. Here are a few acceptable forms of proof of financial security in Texas:

• Valid liability insurance ID cards
• Copy of your current car’s insurance policy
• Valid insurance binder (a temporary form of car insurance)
• Electronic insurance ID card
• Picture proof of your insurance ID card (can be on your smartphone)

The penalties for driving without proof of car insurance in Texas include:

• suspension of driving privileges
• fines of up to $350 for a first offense and up to $100 for subsequent offenses
• vehicle impoundment for up to 180 days

Our best advice: Always carry the minimum requirements of insurance and never drive without proof of insurance.

Otherwise, you may find yourself meeting a Texas ranger.

How much are car insurance rates as a percentage of income in TX?

In Texas, the per capita disposable income is $44,720. On average, residents spend $1,109 a year on car insurance. To put this amount in perspective, the nationwide annual average for car insurance is $981.

This means people in Texas pay more than the countrywide average and more than neighboring states, New Mexico and Oklahoma, who pay yearly amounts of $920 and $985, respectively.

To explain further if income is $44,720, and residents spend $1,109 yearly on car insurance, that means Texans are paying 2.48% of personal income on car insurance. The good news, however, is that this percentage has decreased over the last three years from a high of 2.61 percent.

Do you need additional liability car insurance?

To assess the financial health of insurance companies, you should look at its loss ratios. Loss ratios are the money insurance companies payout on claims compared to the money they take in on premiums.

This video explains more:

https://youtu.be/2H_FkXcmAIM

For example, if an auto insurer collects $100,000 of premiums in a given year and pays out $45,000 in claims, the company’s loss ratio is 45% ($45,000 incurred losses/$100,000 earned premiums).

Check out the loss ratio for these types of coverage in Texas:

The additional coverage types above are all optional liability plans which can be added to any basic insurance policy.

Here’s an interesting fact:

14.1% of drivers in Texas are uninsured. Texas ranks 16th in the U.S. for uninsured and underinsured drivers.

Even though drivers aren’t required by law to carry these add-ons, it still might be a great addition to your policy.

Add-ons, Endorsements, and Riders for Car Insurance in TX

No one wants to have an accident, but if you do, will you have enough protection for you and your family? Have you considered adding extra coverages to your policy?

Choosing from a list of options can be daunting, and we know you want the best options for your family at affordable prices. To help you decide, we’ve made a list of affordable options to add to your policy.

Check out the selections below:

• Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP)
• Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP)
• Rental Reimbursement
• Emergency Roadside Assistance
• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
• Non-Owner Car Insurance
• Modified Car Insurance Coverage
• Classic Car Insurance
• Usage-Based or Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance

The great thing about these extra coverages is that they are optional, and therefore, not required in Texas.

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

What are the best Texas car insurance companies?

If you own a vehicle, there’s a good chance you are paying too much for your insurance. But it isn’t just cost that you should look for in a good policy

Who wants to spend time looking for the lowest price? That’s why we’ve done all the work for you and researched the best insurance carriers in Texas so you can make the best choice for your situation. We’ve looked at companies’ financial ratings, A.M.’s best ratings, and which companies have the most complaints.

Keep reading to learn more about car insurance providers in Texas.

What are the largest companies’ financial ratings in TX?

Loss ratios play a large part in how secure a company is doing financially. That’s why we want to include A.M. Best ratings, which look at loss ratios to determine if a company has solid financial security.

What are AM Best Ratings?

AM Best Ratings are how we measure a company’s financial strength. We can also measure a company’s strength by loss ratio percentages.

All of the companies listed below show AM Best Ratings of an A rating or higher. They also all have great loss ratio percentages.

Car Insurance Companies with Best Ratings in TX

Texas drivers who want greater insight into customer satisfaction can turn to J.D. Power. For years, the company has surveyed consumers and analyzed their feedback. J.D. Power delves into whether drivers are happy with their insurance company.

Through its 2019 U.S. Car Insurance Study, care insurance companies are ranked by region and measured in five areas (in order of importance):

• Interaction
• Policy offerings
• Price
• Billing process and policy information
• Claims

J.D. Power additionally assigns “Power Circle Ratings” to each insurer. They are:

• Five out of Five Circles, also known as “Among the Best”
• Four out of Five Circles/“Better than Most”
• Three out of Five Circles/“About Average”
• Two out of Five Circles/“The Rest”

Here’s a look at how insurers fared in the study’s Mid-Atlantic region. We placed them in order of their customer satisfaction index rating, from highest to lowest:

Of the larger providers, Allstate and Geico lead the way with an overall satisfaction score of 836. Conversely, Liberty Mutual is at the bottom of the list when it comes to customer satisfaction, with a score of 802. Additional top providers like State Farm and Farmers are only separated by two points when it comes to customer satisfaction.

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning USAA’s status on this list. Though the insurer is part of the study, it is not ranked. This is because USAA is only open to U.S. military personnel and their families, and therefore, is not included in J.D. Power’s overall rankings.

Next, let’s check out their record of official complaints.

Which car insurance companies have the most complaints in Texas?

One thing to keep in mind is that a high complaint index doesn’t necessarily mean you should avoid a company. You should also look at a company’s customer satisfaction ratings because how a company deals with complaints is also important.

If you want more details of the complaints or to check out other insurers, the data is provided in the Consumer Insurance Search section on the website of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Who are the cheapest car insurance companies in Texas?

Do you like saving money? We do. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the companies that have the cheapest rates in Texas. To save money, you should shop around to see what’s available. The table below displays the top auto insurance carriers in Texas and their average rate for all drivers and compares it to the state average of all companies.

According to the data, State Farm and Geico are the companies you should consider first if you’re looking for the cheapest car insurance.

But there are many factors that affect the price of car insurance rates in Texas

What are commuter car insurance rates by Companies?

At some companies, how far you drive each day influences your insurance rates. Beyond age, gender, location, marital status, and carrier, other factors that affect your quoted rates from each carrier are those specific to your situation, such as how much coverage you want, credit history, and driving record.

The tables below compare such factors based on each carrier.

Most company rates don’t change when the drive shortens to a 10-mile commute, except for Allstate, who offers rate reductions of over $260.

What are coverage level rates by car insurance companies?

Do you need better coverage, but don’t want to spend any more money? You might be surprised some companies offer more coverage with only small increases in rates.

For example, the data above shows State Farm has less than $300 increases from low to high coverage.

What are credit history rates by car insurance companies?

The quality of your credit score impacts your insurance rates. In Texas, the average credit score is 656, which is significantly below the nationwide average of 675. This means motorists may have difficulty getting great rates because of their below-average credit scores.

The table below shows what you can expect to pay yearly on car insurance based on your credit history.

If you have coverage through Geico and have poor credit, you can expect to pay nearly $4,000 more for car insurance than someone with good credit.

How does your driving record affect rates by car insurance companies?

Have you gotten a speeding ticket? Did you know it could raise your car insurance rates?

A clean driving record is the easiest way to keep rates down. As you can see from the information below, at Nationwide, just one speeding violation can raise your rate by over $400.

A better record equals better rates. We encourage you to obey posted speed limit signs and NOT drink and drive.

Who are the largest car insurance companies in Texas?

Here’s a list of the largest and best car insurance companies in Texas. State Farm is the largest provider in Texas, where 16.83% of Texans purchase their insurance. Take a look at this list of auto insurance companies in Texas and their market shares.

Who are the largest car insurance companies in Texas?

How many car insurers are in Texas?

Domestic insurance means a company is formed under Texas state laws, whereby a foreign provider is formed under the laws of any state in the country.

• Domestic Insurers: 199
• Foreign Insurers: 937

Up next, we discuss how insurance laws are formed, why they are essential to know, and much more.

What are Texas’ driving laws?

Insurance companies are subject to specific rules and regulations. These regulations are in place to protect the consumer against fraud and other untoward activities. Let’s look at some of the specific laws for consumers regarding car insurance.

How State Laws for Insurance are Determined

The states employ a variety of rate regulation mechanisms. Options include: 1) determined by Commissioner; 2) prior approval; 3) modified prior approval; 4) flex rating; 5) file and use; 6) use and file; and 7) no file.

Texas uses two processes: prior approval and by regulating policy forms as needed, according to Chapter 2301 (Art. 5.145 & Sect. 8, Art. 5.13-2, TX INS CODE).

Prior Approval: Rates/forms must be filed with and approved by the state insurance department before they can be used. Approval can be by means of a deemer provision, which indicates approval if rates/forms are not denied within a specified number of days.

It may be something you haven’t thought about a lot, but how laws are determined can have a significant impact on your car insurance rates.

Windshield Coverage

Unfortunately, there aren’t any laws regarding windshield repair in Texas at this time.

However, individual insurance companies may offer windshield repair coverage with a comprehensive insurance plan.

High-Risk Insurance

What happens with motorists who consistently accumulate points on their driving record? Initially, insurance providers raise their rates, but at times, it gets riskier to insure such motorists. When a motorist becomes high-risk, they can be denied coverage by insurance providers.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, high-risk drivers must file a Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22) to verify that they have liability insurance.

Texas also offers a program, the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA), to help “high-risk” drivers buy Texas car insurance. To qualify, at least two carriers must have denied them coverage within 60 days. Their insurance carrier must apply on their behalf. They don’t need proof of refusal to insure, but they must sign a statement.

TAIPA offers the state-required minimum coverage and the following types and levels:

• $2,500 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) — Medical Payments coverage not available
• $30,000/60,000/25,000 of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage

In this plan, high-risk drivers are distributed equitably among insurers who are licensed to write insurance in the market of Texas in proportion to their market share. This practice enables a fair risk-sharing between all insurance providers.

Low-Cost Insurance

Though Texas has a program to help high-risk drivers, it doesn’t have one for low-income drivers.

California, Hawaii, and New Jersey are the only states with government-funded programs to help low-income drivers pay for their car insurance.

Automobile Insurance Fraud in Texas

What is automobile insurance fraud? Creating a claim for damages or injuries that never occurred (such as faking an accident) or adding “extra” costs onto a legitimate claim are examples of fraud.

Car insurance fraud is a crime in Texas and includes the following penalties:

• When the claim amount is less than $50: Anything lower than $50 is considered a “Class C” misdemeanor, with a fine of $500.
• When the claim amount is more than $200,000: fines up to $10,000 and/or jail time of five to 99 years.

In 2017, the Texas fraud unit received 7,756 reports of motor vehicle insurance fraud, which made up more than 60% of the overall insurance fraud claims.

If you suspect insurance fraud and would like to report it, or you need assistance with an insurance claim, please contact the Texas State Department of Insurance at 512-676-6000, write to P.O. Box 149104, Austin, TX 78701, or visit their office located at the address listed below.

333 Guadalupe, Austin, TX 78701

Statute of Limitations

If you are in a car accident in Texas, there is a statute of limitations if you want to file a claim. Watch this video to learn more:

https://youtu.be/yr9vAqZVmlw

To recap, if you are involved in an automobile accident in Texas, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim for personal injury or property damage.

Texas Specific Laws

Every state makes its laws, and they may be similar to ones already on the books in other states. One rule we discovered which is unique to Texarkana is horse riders must have taillights on their horses while riding at night.

Whoa, there. Hold on a minute. We’re not sure how many horses will appreciate having taillights unless it’s a Ford Mustang, so we’ll just move along to other laws in Texas to help keep you safe and legal on the road.

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

What are TX laws about vehicle licensing?

Texas, just like every other state, has mandatory licensing laws in addition to the statute of limitations and car insurance laws we previously covered.

Below, we’ll cover the requirements for getting and renewing a driver’s license and the state’s “points” system for penalties.

REAL ID

Texas is in full compliance with the REAL ID Act passed by Congress and enforced by Homeland Security. This means that a driver’s license or state ID issued by the Lone Star State is an acceptable form of identification at federal facilities, airports, and nuclear power plants.

https://youtu.be/D0NwTNUuToo

One important date to remember is October 1, 2020. After that date, if you haven’t upgraded to the REAL ID, you may not be able to fly or enter certain government facilities.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

In Texas, you must show proof of insurance in the following situations:

• Whenever a police officer asks for it
• If you get into a car accident
• When you register or renew your car’s registration
• When you apply for or renew your driver’s license
• When your car undergoes an inspection

Government agencies, including local police and sheriff departments, use the online TexasSure program to verify whether drivers have car insurance. If the system shows a driver is uninsured or there is inconsistent information regarding their insurance, they may receive the following notices:

• Unmatched notice – Drivers will get this notice if they’re on record as having car insurance, but the coverage doesn’t match the car registration.
• Uninsured notice – Drivers will get this notice if they’ve registered a vehicle without car insurance.

But what if you are caught driving without insurance? According to the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Transportation Code, Title 7., these are the penalties you face:

It’s important to remember the best Texas auto insurance rates go to the safest, most responsible drivers.

Our best advice: drive legal and always carry the Texas minimum requirements for car insurance.

Teen Driver Laws

To begin driving in Texas, people who are 15 or older but under 18 must satisfactorily complete and pass the classroom phase of an approved driver education course to be issued a permit.

Check out these teen driving laws in the table below.

Teens can apply for a provisional or intermediate license if they’ve satisfied the requirements under the learner’s permit. These are the laws for young drivers with a restricted license.

Older Driver License Renewal Procedures

Texas has different license renewal requirements based on the driver’s age. Drivers younger than age 85 must renew their licenses every eight years. Those 85 or older must renew their licenses every two years.

Texans can renew their licenses within a year before they’re supposed to expire and up to two years after their licenses have expired. However, if two years have passed since the license expired, residents must apply for a new one.

Drivers age 79 or older must provide proof of adequate vision at every renewal.

New Residents

Are you moving to Texas? You need to make sure your insurance is updated to meet the minimum liability insurance required by the state. To do so, new residents will need to contact their current insurance provider to provide updated address information.

To apply for your new driver’s license, you will need to provide:

• Proof of identity (such as your valid out-of-state license)
• Proof of residency
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
• Proof of social security number
• Proof of vehicle registration in Texas (assuming you have a car titled to your name)

License renewal procedures

Methods of renewal: If you’re younger than age 79, you can renew your license by phone, mail, or online at every other renewal. Drivers under 18 and older than 79 must renew their licenses in-person at a local DMV office.

The DMV requires proof of adequate vision for drivers younger than age 79 if they renew in person.

Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS)

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, as of September 1, 2019, the state repealed its Driver Responsibility Program. As it states:

“The Department of Public Safety has reinstated all driver privileges that were previously suspended solely for having unpaid surcharges. If your license was suspended for other offenses, you may check the status of your driver’s license and determine any reinstatement requirements by visiting our License Eligibility page.

Additional information on the repeal of the program may be found at the Driver Responsibility Program (Surcharge) Repeal FAQs.”

Drivers will still be responsible for any other suspensions, fines, or fees on their driving records.

What are the Rules of The Road in Texas?

We all should obey the rules, but if you are new to the state, there may be laws you’re unfamiliar with. That’s why we’ve assembled a list of several relevant laws to help keep you in good standing and on the road.

Fault vs. No-Fault

Texas is an at-fault car accident state. If you cause an accident, you are held responsible for covering the costs of damages resulting from that accident.

The at-fault driver will also need to cover all medical bills of anyone needing medical intervention caused by the accident.

It’s always a good idea to have more insurance than the minimum amount required when you live in an at-fault state.

Seat Belt and Car Seat Laws

Seat belts can considerably reduce the risk of serious injury in a crash, and the laws of Texas require all front-seat passengers to wear a seat belt when the car is in motion. The following chart provides more information about the required use of safety belts.

[table “2071responsivescroll” not found /]

Children in Texas must also be properly restrained. The following chart provides more details.

If you are caught breaking these car seat laws, you could have to pay a fine of $45 plus fees.

It is illegal to ride in the cargo area of a pick-up truck in Texas.

Keep Right and Move Over Laws

Texas traffic laws mandate that you must keep right when traveling slower than the average speed of traffic around you. Generally, the left lane is for faster traffic and passing.

The “move over” law requires motorists to slow down and maneuver to the closest lane if they approach a stationary emergency vehicle, including Texas DMV vehicles and tow trucks using approved visual signals and traveling in the same direction.

Speed Limits

We know Texas is a large state, and you may be tempted to go over the speed limit once you get out on the open roads. To help keep you from getting a ticket, we’ve posted the speed limits on different types of roads in Texas.

Ridesharing

In 2017, Texas established statewide standards for Transportation Network Companies (TNC), also known as ridesharing companies.

State law requires rideshare drivers to undergo criminal background checks yearly and carry the minimum car insurance coverage. The state prohibits sex offenders from rideshare driving.

The liability insurance required while ridesharing is $1 million for bodily injury and property damage total for each incident.

The following providers offer rideshare insurance in Texas:

• Allstate
• Farmers
• Geico
• Liberty Mutual
• Metlife
• Progressive
• USAA

Automation on the Road

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):

Automation is the use of a machine or technology to perform a task or function that was previously carried out by a human. In driving, automation involves using radar, camera, and other sensors to gather information about a vehicle’s surroundings, which is then used by computer programs to perform parts or all of the driving task on a sustained basis.

Currently, in Texas, autonomous vehicles are in the deployment stage. State law mandates that the operator doesn’t need to be licensed or in the vehicle during operation. However, liability insurance is required for all vehicles.

The state has also formed a Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) Task Force to test self-driving cars.

What are safety laws in Texas?

Up next, we take a closer look at the safety laws in Texas so that you can arrive alive. Please don’t drink and drive.

DUI Laws

Driving while impaired has disastrous results for everyone involved, and that’s why strict laws are in place to prevent such tragedies. In Texas alone, drunk driving caused 1,468 deaths in 2017. Each state differs in how they address drunk driving and therefore have different penalties.

The table below shows detail on what a driver will face if they are charged and convicted of DUI.

Marijuana-Impaired Driving Laws

According to the Marijuana Policy Project, Texas allowed the first sales of low-THC medical cannabis in early 2018 under its Compassionate Use Program.

The law places a 0.5% cap on the level of THC prescribed to medical marijuana patients. Only patients with certain conditions can use it:

• intractable epilepsy
• multiple sclerosis
• ALS
• terminal cancer
• autism
• spasticity
• and incurable neurodegenerative diseases.

The state also allows the use of CBD oil. It hasn’t decriminalized marijuana use, and there are currently no laws in Texas that regulate driving under the influence of marijuana.

Distracted Driving Laws

Distracted driving can be just as life-threatening as impaired driving. Texas has regulated the use of cellphones in cars, so drivers pay more attention to the road. All it takes is a single second of distraction to cause a lifetime of complications.

The following table shows what restrictions Texas lawmakers have implemented to combat distracted driving in the state.

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

What do you need to know about driving in Texas?

Now that you have a good understanding of Texas state laws, let’s dive into some facts that you might not know. While insurance is essential, it’s also crucial to know what to keep your eyes out for on the road.

Vehicle Theft in Texas

No one wants to have their car stolen. In 2016, nearly 13,000 cars were stolen in Houston. When considering your next car purchase, one thing to consider is that certain vehicles are stolen more frequently, and thus, may have higher insurance rates.

The following shows a list of the top 10 stolen vehicles in Texas.

As is common in many states, the Honda Accord and multiple brand pickup trucks lead the way as the most stolen vehicles in the state.

Where you live also plays a role in the number of vehicle thefts. The FBI created a report on Texas vehicle thefts by cities, which are listed below.

If you’re worried about car theft in your city, we encourage you to lock your vehicle when not in use and purchase more than the minimum liability requirements if you own an expensive car.

How many road fatalities happen in Texas?

Accidents can and do happen, and next, we’re going to show you statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for different kinds of accidents in Texas.

Most Fatal Highway in Texas

Have you ever wondered where the most dangerous highway in your state is located? According to Geotab, US-83 (also known as the Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway), running north and south, is the most fatal highway. It has averaged 26 crash deaths every year for the past decade.

Fatal Crashes by Weather Condition and Light Condition

Since states have different weather conditions to watch out for, we want to take a look at fatalities in Texas during different types of weather conditions. The following table shows how many crashes occurred when weather and light conditions are a factor.

As the data reflects, most crashes occurred during daylight hours.

Fatalities (All Crashes) by County

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has collected extensive data on crashes in Texas. One of the first statistics we want to look at is how fatalities vary from county to county. The following table shows how many crashes occurred by county in the state of Texas.

Bexar, Dallas, and Harris counties had the most crash deaths in Texas. Of those counties, only Bexar saw a decrease in fatalities in 2017. Dallas and Harris experienced increases throughout the five years.

Traffic Fatalities

Car insurance companies, law enforcement, and the DMV consider all data collected over the years. To accurately report fatality data per year, these organizations separate the data by rural and urban categories.

In the table below, traffic fatality numbers for rural and urban areas are listed.

In our 10-year look back period, more fatal accidents occurred on urban roads than in rural areas.

Fatalities by Person Type

The type of car driven can sometimes show trends in fatalities, and car occupants aren’t the only ones at risk in a crash. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists die every year from vehicle accidents. In the table below, we examine fatalities by person type.

As the data reflects, most fatalities occurred in passenger cars, followed by light pickups.

Fatalities by Crash Type

Between 2013 and 2017, the greatest number of fatalities occurred in single-vehicle crashes, followed by roadway departures. Fatalities involving speeding decreased from 2016 to 2017. In the table below, we examine fatalities by crash type.

Sadly, driving alone and single-vehicle crashes are the leading cause of fatalities in Texas.

Five-Year Trend For The Top 10 Counties

These are the numbers of fatalities in the most populated Texas counties from 2013 to 2017.

Harris and Dallas County had the highest number of fatalities in 2017. Reviewing the data for all of the counties shows that the number of fatalities usually increased each year.

Fatalities Involving Speeding by County

Speed limits are implemented to not only save on the cost of gasoline but to help keep you safe. The table below shows the fatalities involving speeding listed by county.

Brexar, Dallas, and Harris counties have the most fatalities by speeding in the state. It doesn’t necessarily mean that residents of those counties are bad drivers, it’s more indicative that more people correlates to more accidents.

Fatalities in Crashes Involving an Alcohol-Impaired Driver by County

In 2017, there were 1,468 alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities in the state of Texas. Check out the table below to see fatalities in crashes that involved an alcohol-impaired driver with a BAC over .08.

Dallas and Bexar counties again were in the top spots when it came to fatalities. On average, you’ll find that risk-prone areas will have higher auto insurance rates by county.

We know everyone likes to have fun and celebrate the good times, but if you choose to drink, please have a designated driver.

Teen Drinking and Driving

In 26 states and D.C., under-21 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities per 100,000 population were at or below the national average of 1.2 deaths per 100,000 population.

The average teenage alcohol-impaired traffic fatality rate per 100,000 population for Texas was 1.9.

Texas has one of the highest teenage drinking and driving fatality rates in the U.S. But let’s look a little closer at the teenage drinking and driving arrest rates in Texas.

Texas is ranked 34th in the U.S. for under-18 drinking and driving arrests.

EMS Response Time

If you or someone you know is in an accident, you want help to arrive as fast as possible. Check out the table below for response times for emergency personnel in rural and urban areas.

In 2017, there were almost 800 more fatal crashes that happened in the city than in the country.

What is transportation like in Texas?

When you drive through your neighborhood, do you ever notice how many cars are sitting in your neighbors’ driveways? Usually, we can tell if someone is visiting by that extra car parked outside the house. The following data was sourced from the Census Bureau via the website DataUSA.io.

Car Ownership

Just like the national average, the average household in Texas has two cars. If you do have two (or more) vehicles, it’s always a good idea to talk to your insurance provider to determine if you qualify for a multiple vehicle discount on your auto premium. It could save you hundreds of dollars.

Commute Time

The average commute time in the U.S. is 25.5 minutes. Fortunately, Texans enjoy an average commute time that is slightly lower than this, at 25.2 minutes. A smaller number of Texans, 2 percent, have a “super commute” of 90 minutes or more — less than the U.S. average.

This news video explains more:

However long your commute is, we encourage you to obey posted speed limit signs so you can arrive safely.

Commuter Transportation

In every state, driving alone is the most common commute option, though people are beginning to turn to other commute options like carpooling and working from home.

Texas is no exception, as 80.6% of commuters drove alone.

Traffic Congestion

According to Inrix, the following six Texas cities have the most congested traffic. Drivers in those cities spend an average of 30 – 40 minutes stuck in traffic regularly.

.

Houston ranks the highest, at 77th worldwide. It’s also the most traffic-congested city in the Lone Star State. That time sitting in Houston traffic costs the average resident $1,365 a year.

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

How’s Texas’ car culture?

A big state means more mileage on your vehicle. In fact, Texans drive nearly 3,000 more miles yearly than the average American, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Another subject where Texas leads the way is the choice of vehicle most popular in the state.

One out of every six pickup trucks sold nationally is purchased in Texas

Whatever vehicle you drive, one thing we know for sure, is that you need to have the minimum coverage, if not more, to keep you legal and you and your family protected.

Now that you’ve read through this comprehensive guide and know everything there is to know about buying car insurance in Texas, it’s time to hit the road. Before you go, though, we’d like to know, did we miss anything in this guide? Which section was most helpful to you?

If you’re looking for Texas car insurance quotes, enter your ZIP code below to get a FREE quote comparison and start saving money today on your Texas car insurance.