Houston, TX – Car Insurance Quotes
Houston is the largest city in Texas and is located in the southeast portion of the state. Founded in 1836, the city has grown to be an economical and cultural center in the Lone Star State. A population of over 2 million makes road congestion and motor vehicle crashes a major concern for drivers in the Houston area. Houston vehicle owners are required to have car insurance on their vehicles so, we compiled the information drivers need to understand to make sure they’re properly informed about car insurance policies, getting free quotes and driving within Houston.
Car insurance is a legal requirement for drivers in Houston, Texas, and it’s important to have proper coverage to protect yourself and others on the road. Here’s a guide to understanding car insurance in Houston and the factors you should consider when selecting a policy.
Average Car Insurance Rates for Houston
The average cost for car insurance in Houston for state minimum coverage is $108 per month or $1,295 yearly. If you were looking for a full coverage policy you can expect to pay around $168 a month or $2,016 a year. Auto insurance quotes will vary depending on several factors, including your age, driving history, type of vehicle, coverage limits and other factors.
Houston is known for having relatively higher car insurance rates compared to other cities in Texas due to high population density, traffic congestion, and a higher incidence of accidents. Here is a breakdown of car insurance rates based on your current Houston county and car type for full coverage:
| Houston County: | Sedan: | SUV: | Coupe: | Truck: | Hybrid: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin | $1,185 | $1,012 | $1,123 | $1,195 | $1,260 |
| Brazoria | $1,159 | $997 | $1,105 | $1,160 | $1,219 |
| Chambers | $1,365 | $1,169 | $1,299 | $1,368 | $1,441 |
| Fort Bend | $1,282 | $1,106 | $1,232 | $1,274 | $1,339 |
| Galveston | $1,249 | $1,083 | $1,199 | $1,245 | $1,304 |
| Harris | $1,370 | $1,183 | $1,315 | $1,364 | $1,432 |
| Liberty | $1,375 | $1,176 | $1,307 | $1,379 | $1,453 |
| Montgomery | $1,326 | $1,141 | $1,271 | $1,324 | $1,392 |
| Waller | $1,341 | $1,149 | $1,274 | $1,346 | $1,417 |
| Avg. Yearly Costs: | $1,295 | $1,113 | $1,236 | $1,295 | $1,362 |
To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on car insurance costs in Houston, we recommend contacting insurance providers directly or using our online comparison tool.
Cheapest Auto Insurance Providers in Houston
The cheapest car insurance providers in Houston is USAA, Texas Farm Bureau, AAA and Progressive for the average middle-aged single person who drives a used 4 door car with a clean driving record.
Here is a breakdown from our cost database for yearly state minimum coverage and full coverage by insurance provider for a used vehicle:
| Insurance Provider: | State Minimum: | Full Coverage: |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $568 | $1,910 |
| Texas Farm Bureau | $638 | $2,025 |
| AAA | $763 | $2,284 |
| Progressive | $782 | $2,472 |
| GEICO | $908 | $2,424 |
| State Farm | $942 | $2,610 |
| All State | $1,292 | $2,750 |
New Car Insurance Rates in Texas
The average cost for auto insurance for a newer 2022 – 2023 vehicle on average will cost $738 for state minimum coverage and $2,656 for a full coverage policy. Below you’ll find a breakdown insurance providers for both coverage types on a new vehicle:
| Insurance Provider: | State Minimum: | Full Coverage: |
|---|---|---|
| USAA: | $530 | $2,280 |
| GEICO: | $838 | $2,588 |
| AAA: | $763 | $2,672 |
| Progressive: | $720 | $2,766 |
| State Farm: | $838 | $2,974 |
How Does Age Affect Car Insurance Costs?
Age is a significant factor that affects Houston auto insurance rates. Generally, younger and older drivers tend to pay higher premiums compared to drivers in the middle age group. Here’s how age can influence car insurance costs:
- Young drivers (under 25): Statistically, young and inexperienced drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents. They are also prone to riskier driving behaviors, such as speeding or distracted driving. As a result, insurance companies consider them higher risk, and their premiums are typically more expensive.
- Middle-aged drivers (25-65): This age group is generally considered to be more experienced and responsible behind the wheel. They are statistically involved in fewer accidents and tend to have lower insurance premiums compared to younger and older drivers.
- Senior drivers (65 and older): As drivers get older, their risk profile may change due to factors such as declining vision, slower reflexes, and potential health issues. Insurance companies may increase premiums for older drivers to reflect these factors and the increased likelihood of accidents.
Here is a comparison of the amounts you can expect to pay based on age in Texas – as you can see young drivers will pay much more on premiums until there is a significant drop in costs at age 29. Your auto policy continues to get cheaper until age 65 when it slowly starts increasing as you age.
| Driver’s Age: | State Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | $2,686 | $7,193 |
| 18 | $2,346 | $6,376 |
| 20 | $1,664 | $4,752 |
| 22 | $1,248 | $3,659 |
| 24 | $1,068 | $3,172 |
| 29 | $865 | $2,654 |
| 34 | $833 | $2,530 |
| 39 | $829 | $2,496 |
| 44 | $825 | $2,460 |
| 49 | $813 | $2,425 |
| 54 | $791 | $2,329 |
| 64 | $807 | $2,270 |
| 74 | $982 | $2,622 |
| 76 | $1,049 | $2,761 |
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements for Houston
Houston drivers must carry a minimum level of liability insurance, including $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. This is often referred to as 30/60/25 coverage.
What Type of Car Insurance Do I Need?
When reviewing car insurance types it’s important to make sure you select the correct coverage and policy type. Here are the different coverage options for Houston drivers to choose from:
- Liability Coverage: Liability insurance covers damages to others if you are responsible for an accident. While the minimum coverage meets the legal requirements, it’s generally recommended to opt for higher coverage limits to protect your assets in case of a severe accident.
- Comprehensive and Collision Coverage: These optional coverages provide protection for damages to your vehicle. Comprehensive coverage protects against non-accident-related incidents such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters, while collision coverage covers damages resulting from accidents.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault in an accident. Texas does not require PIP coverage, but it can be beneficial, especially if you don’t have health insurance.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or has inadequate coverage. It helps cover your medical expenses and property damage.
Factors Affecting Insurance Premiums
Several factors can influence your car insurance premiums in Houston, including your driving record, age, gender, location, type of vehicle, annual mileage, and credit history. If you have a clean driving record and take advantage of available discounts, you may be able to lower your premiums.
What Car Insurance Discounts are Available in Houston?
Houston insurance providers often offer discounts that can help reduce your premium and overall costs. Some common discounts include safe driver discounts, multi-policy discounts (if you have multiple insurance policies with the same provider), anti-theft device discounts, and good student discounts. You will often receive a discount for bundling insurance types such as a home and car policy bundle.
Compare Multiple Insurance Quotes Online:
It’s essential to compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best coverage at an affordable price. Consider reaching out to multiple insurers or using online comparison tools to compare rates and coverage options.
Be sure to also choose the right deductible amount when comparing multiple quotes. A deductible is the amount you’re responsible for paying out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Higher deductibles can lower your premiums but remember to choose a deductible that you can comfortably afford to pay if you need to file a claim after an accident.
Understanding Policy Terms:
Before purchasing car insurance, make sure you understand the policy terms and conditions. Read through the policy document carefully and ask your insurance agent or representative to clarify any uncertainties. The verbiage used in your policy will ultimately determine your overall coverage.
Remember, it’s crucial to maintain continuous car insurance coverage in Houston. Driving without insurance or allowing your coverage to lapse can result in fines, license suspension, and other penalties. Be sure to review your policy regularly to ensure you have adequate coverage based on your changing needs. Insurance Quotes can help you compare multiple rates online fast with one simple form.
Drinking & Driving Laws in Houston
In Texas, a driver faces a DWI charge if he or she has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher, according to the state Department of Transportation. However, a driver can be considered impaired due to alcohol or other drugs, no matter what the BAC is. A driver or passenger faces a fine of up to $500 for keeping an open alcohol container in a vehicle.
A first-time DWI offender in Texas faces:
- A fine up to $2,000
- A jail sentence up to 180 days
- Loss of your driver’s license for up to a year
- An annual fee of $1,000 or $2,000 for three years to keep your driver’s license
If a driver receives at least two DWI convictions within five years, he or she must install a special ignition switch that prevents that person from driving after drinking. This will also increase overall costs of your car insurance rates.
In Texas, you can be accused of child endangerment for driving while intoxicated if any passengers under 16 were passengers in your vehicle. A conviction can lead to a $10,000 fine, a two-year prison sentence and loss of your driver’s license for 180 days.
