Best Car Insurance in Texas

Last Updated on October 18, 2026

By James Shaffer Reviewed by Thomas Rockford, insurance industry executive and financial analyst, on October 18, 2026 How we fact-check

Texas drivers often pay higher-than-average car insurance premiums—especially in large metro areas where traffic density, repair costs, and claim frequency tend to be higher. The fastest way to find a good price is to estimate your own rate (using the calculator above) and then compare quotes from multiple insurers.

CarInsurance.com’s rate study dated September 2, 2026 puts the average cost of car insurance in Texas at $3,106 a year for full coverage and $1,006 a year at state-minimum limits, against a national full-coverage average of $2,578. The study priced a 40-year-old driver carrying 100/300/100 limits with $500 comprehensive and collision deductibles, which is why your own quote can land well above or below it.

Texas Minimum Coverage Is 30/60/25: Texas drivers must carry at least $30,000/$60,000/$25,000 in liability coverage to legally drive.
Full Coverage Costs Vary a Lot by City and Driver Profile: Metro areas and higher-risk profiles often pay much more—use the calculator and compare multiple quotes.
PIP and UM/UIM Are Often Included Unless You Reject Them: Many Texas policies include Personal Injury Protection and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage unless declined in writing.
Driving Uninsured Can Trigger Bigger Problems Than a Ticket: Beyond fines, you may face reinstatement requirements, an SR-22 filing, and higher premiums later.

Table Of Contents

Texas Car Insurance Quick Facts
Top 10 Auto Insurance Companies in Texas
Texas Insurance Requirements
Driving Without Insurance in Texas
Car Insurance in Texas With a DUI
Car Insurance in Texas With At-Fault Accidents
Car Insurance in Texas With Speeding Tickets
Car Insurance in Texas for Young Drivers
Car Insurance in Texas With Poor Credit
SR-22 Insurance in Texas
FAQs on Car Insurance in Texas
Conclusion: How to Find the Best Auto Insurance in Texas
Sources

Texas Car Insurance Quick Facts

Minimum Liability Limits	Texas requires 30/60/25 liability coverage (details below).
Proof of Insurance	You’ll typically need proof of current liability insurance for vehicle registration actions in Texas. The Texas DMV also runs electronic verification through TexasSure.
Uninsured Motorists	Texas has an estimated 14.5% uninsured motorist rate (recent state estimate).
Common Add-Ons	Collision & comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM), personal injury protection (PIP), rental reimbursement, roadside assistance.

Top 10 Auto Insurance Companies in Texas

Texas has a competitive auto insurance market, and the “best” company depends on what you value most (lowest price, strong claims handling, broad discounts, local agents, military eligibility, and so on). Below are 10 well-known options to consider—then use the calculator and compare real quotes to find your best fit.

1) Texas Farm Bureau

Texas Farm Bureau is a top-tier option for drivers who value local expertise and personalized service. Because they focus exclusively on Texas, their agents understand the unique risks drivers face here—from hail damage in North Texas to hurricane risks on the Gulf Coast.

To get a policy, you must be a member of the Texas Farm Bureau, which requires a small annual fee. However, the potential savings on auto premiums and the highly-rated claims service often make the membership cost negligible for many Texas families.

2) GEICO

GEICO is a powerhouse in Texas, particularly for drivers in major metros like Houston, Dallas, and Austin who want a fast, digital-first experience. Their mobile app is consistently rated highly, making it easy to manage policies, view ID cards, and file claims without needing to call an agent.

Beyond convenience, GEICO is often one of the most affordable options for drivers with clean records. Learn more here: does GEICO have the cheapest auto insurance?

3) Republic Group — no longer an option

If you were looking for Republic Group as the regional, independent-agent alternative to the national brands, you can no longer buy it. Republic left personal lines in 2020, when AmTrust agreed to move the book to Safeco across Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi and New Mexico, and Liberty Mutual has since retired the Safeco brand too.

If what appealed to you was the independent-agent route rather than the name, that route still exists: an independent agent in Texas can quote you across several regional carriers at once, including Texas Farm Bureau above. Ask which company would actually write the policy before you pay.

4) Progressive

Progressive is a favorite for Texas drivers who want flexibility. Their “Name Your Price” tool helps budget-conscious shoppers find a policy that matches their wallet, while their “Snapshot” telematics program can reward safe driving behaviors with lower rates.

They are also widely known for being more accepting of high-risk drivers. If you have a DUI, speeding tickets, or a history of accidents in Texas, Progressive is often one of the most competitive options for getting back on the road with an SR-22 filing if needed.

5) AAA Auto Insurance

AAA Texas is famous for its roadside assistance, but their auto insurance product is also a strong contender. If you are already a AAA member, bundling your auto insurance with your membership can unlock significant discounts and streamline your billing.

Coverage through AAA is typically sold through regional clubs, meaning the underwriting and specific policy features are tailored to the local Texas market. It’s a solid choice for drivers who value reliability and want the peace of mind that comes with the AAA brand.

6) State Farm

State Farm is the largest auto insurer in both Texas and the U.S., and for good reason. With more local agents than almost any other carrier, they are the go-to choice for Texans who prefer sitting down with a real person to discuss their coverage needs.

Their “Drive Safe & Save” program is widely available in Texas and offers substantial discounts for low-mileage and safe drivers. Additionally, State Farm is known for handling weather-related claims—like hail and flood damage—efficiently, which is crucial in this state.

7) Nationwide

Nationwide offers a robust set of features for Texas drivers, including their “SmartRide” program which rewards safe driving habits. Nationwide also sells Vanishing Deductible, an optional coverage still listed on its coverages page when we checked on October 18, 2026. It takes $100 off your comprehensive or collision deductible for every year of safe driving, up to $500, and availability varies by state, so ask whether it is offered in Texas and what it costs.

While they have moved towards a more independent agent model, their coverage options remain top-notch. They are particularly strong for drivers looking to bundle auto with home or life insurance for maximum multi-policy savings.

8) USAA

Headquartered in San Antonio, USAA is practically a Texas institution. For active-duty military, veterans, and their families, USAA is often the gold standard for price, customer service, and claims satisfaction.

Their policies are designed with military life in mind, offering flexible payment schedules and vehicle storage discounts during deployment. As always, remember that USAA auto insurance is only available to military members and certain family members.

9) Allstate

Allstate offers a wide range of coverage options and a massive agent network across Texas. Their “Milewise” pay-per-mile insurance is a standout option for remote workers in Texas who don’t drive much and want to save money based on actual usage.

They also offer “Accident Forgiveness,” which ensures your rates won’t go up after your first accident. For families with teen drivers, this feature alone can provide significant financial peace of mind.

10) Mercury

Mercury Insurance is known for offering competitive rates that often undercut the larger national brands. They position themselves as a low-cost alternative for drivers who want reliable coverage without paying for expensive advertising campaigns.

Sold primarily through independent agents, Mercury is a great option to include in your comparison if you are price-sensitive. They are particularly good at finding competitive rates for drivers with minor violations or those who have had a lapse in coverage.

Texas Insurance Requirements

Texas drivers must meet the state’s financial responsibility requirements, which most people satisfy by carrying auto insurance. For more detail on the rule itself, see: is car insurance required in Texas?

Texas minimum liability insurance limits are commonly written as 30/60/25:

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

Texas DMV guidance for new residents and registration also references these limits, along with the need to show insurance in common registration scenarios. You can see the state’s language here: TxDMV “New to Texas” and TxDMV “Register Your Vehicle”.

Important: state minimums help you drive legally, but they may not be enough after a serious crash. Many drivers choose higher liability limits and add physical damage coverage. If you’re comparing bare-minimum policies, this guide can help: minimum coverage auto insurance.

Coverage Type	What It Helps Pay For	Common Texas Choice
Liability (required)	Other people’s injuries and property damage when you’re at fault	Often purchased above the minimum for better protection
Collision	Repairs to your car after an at-fault crash (or single-vehicle crash), minus your deductible	Common for newer or financed vehicles
Comprehensive	Theft, vandalism, hail, animal strikes, weather damage, etc., minus your deductible	Very common in hail-prone areas
UM/UIM	Your injuries/property damage if the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough	Often included unless you reject it in writing
PIP	Medical bills and certain losses regardless of fault (up to the policy limit)	Often included unless you reject it in writing

Texas also has consumer protections around certain coverages being included unless you reject them in writing. For example, Texas law requires insurers to provide UM/UIM coverage unless rejected in writing, and similarly requires PIP unless rejected in writing (see Texas Insurance Code §§1952.101 and 1952.152).

High Texas premiums can come from multiple factors beyond the minimum limits—urban density, claim frequency, repair costs, and more. If you want a deeper dive, see: why auto insurance is so expensive in Texas.

Driving Without Insurance in Texas

Driving without insurance is illegal in Texas—and it can get expensive quickly. Texas has also historically had a significant uninsured driver problem; recent state estimates put Texas at 14.5% uninsured motorists.

Under Texas law, the fine for a first offense is generally $175 to $350, and subsequent offenses can be $350 to $1,000 (plus court costs and other consequences depending on the situation).

Texas previously had a surcharge program (the Driver Responsibility Program), but it was repealed effective September 1, 2019. Even without surcharges, driving uninsured can still trigger license/registration headaches, a possible SR-22 requirement, and higher premiums later—especially if your insurer views the lapse as higher risk. (This guide explains common reasons premiums jump: top causes of car insurance rate increases.)

Car Insurance in Texas With a DUI

A DUI/DWI conviction typically causes a major premium increase because insurers reclassify you as a higher-risk driver. How much your rate changes depends on your insurer, prior record, how long ago the conviction was, and your coverage choices.

If you want a general benchmark on what to expect, start here: how much does insurance go up after a DUI? Then, if you’re trying to keep costs down, this guide may help: cheap DUI/DWI car insurance.

Tip: After a DUI, compare quotes at renewal and consider adjusting deductibles (if you can afford the out-of-pocket cost) to reduce premium.

Car Insurance in Texas With At-Fault Accidents

At-fault accidents can raise your premium for multiple years. Some insurers are more forgiving than others (and some offer “accident forgiveness” on qualifying policies). If you’re unsure how fault impacts your claim and your future premiums, see: what happens with insurance if you’re at fault in an accident?

Tip: If you have an older car, re-check whether collision coverage is still worth the premium, especially after an accident-related rate increase.

Car Insurance in Texas With Speeding Tickets

Speeding tickets can increase your insurance—sometimes mildly, sometimes significantly—depending on the severity of the ticket, your insurer’s rating rules, and your prior record. If you’re wondering what a single ticket might do to your premium, see: how much will a single speeding ticket increase your rates?

Tip: The best “repair” after a ticket is often time and a clean record. Keep shopping each renewal, because some insurers penalize less than others.

Car Insurance in Texas for Young Drivers

Young drivers usually pay more because insurers see them as higher risk. One of the biggest ways families save is keeping a young driver on a parent’s policy when it’s allowed and practical. Here’s a helpful guide: how long a child can stay on their parents’ auto insurance policy.

Tip: Ask about good student discounts, driver training discounts, and usage-based/telematics programs (if you’re comfortable with the tracking).

Car Insurance in Texas With Poor Credit

Texas law allows insurers to use credit scoring as part of underwriting/rating (with rules against unfair discrimination). That means poor credit can translate into higher premiums for many drivers—even with a clean driving record.

More on the basics here: does credit score affect car insurance rates?

Tip: If credit is hurting your rate, comparison shopping matters even more—different insurers weigh credit differently, and the “best” company can change over time.

SR-22 Insurance in Texas

An SR-22 is a financial responsibility filing that proves you’re carrying at least the state-required liability coverage. In Texas, SR-22 requirements are commonly tied to serious violations, certain suspensions, or reinstatement conditions.

If you’re trying to understand timing and rules, start here: how long does an SR-22 last? Then, if you’re trying to keep premiums manageable, this may help: is it possible to find cheap SR-22 insurance?

Tip: If you must carry an SR-22, avoid coverage lapses. A lapse can restart the clock and create additional reinstatement issues.

FAQs on Car Insurance in Texas

What Is the Minimum Car Insurance Required in Texas?

Texas minimum liability limits are 30/60/25: $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accident. This is the legal minimum to drive, but many drivers choose higher limits for better protection.

Is Full Coverage Required in Texas?

No. Texas only requires liability coverage (30/60/25). However, if you finance or lease a vehicle, your lender usually requires collision and comprehensive (often called “full coverage”).

What Happens If I’m Caught Driving Without Insurance in Texas?

Driving uninsured is illegal and can lead to fines, court costs, and additional consequences depending on your situation. Repeat violations typically bring higher fines and can trigger reinstatement requirements and an SR-22 filing.

Does Texas Require PIP or Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Texas doesn’t force drivers to carry PIP or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as a personal requirement, but insurers generally must include/offer these coverages and you can decline them by rejecting them in writing. Many drivers keep them for extra protection.

How Long Do Tickets and Accidents Affect Car Insurance in Texas?

It varies by insurer and the type of incident, but many carriers consider tickets and accidents for several years. The impact is usually largest right after the incident and can shrink over time if you maintain a clean record.

Will My Credit Affect My Car Insurance Rate in Texas?

In many cases, yes. Texas allows insurers to consider credit scoring in rating/underwriting (subject to state rules). If your credit is hurting your price, shopping multiple insurers can be especially important because companies weigh credit differently.

What Is an SR-22 in Texas and When Do I Need One?

An SR-22 is a financial responsibility filing that proves you carry at least the state-required liability insurance. It’s commonly required after certain violations or suspensions. The reinstatement notice from the state/court typically explains when you need it and for how long.

Conclusion: How to Find the Best Auto Insurance in Texas

Texas car insurance can be expensive, but there’s still plenty of room to save. Use the calculator to estimate your costs, then compare quotes with the same coverages and deductibles across multiple insurers. Focus on the big levers: safe driving, the right liability limits, smart deductibles, and selecting only the add-ons you actually need.

Sources

Checked October 18, 2026

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