Car insurance in Texas, like gas or rent, is expensive yet necessary. It doesn't just protect your car from dents; it protects you and other drivers from both bodily harm and financial ruin. For that reason, Texas auto insurance isn't just something that drivers in the "Lone Star State" should have; it's something they
have.
Texas auto insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. You may be able to save by shopping around, declining unnecessary coverage and trading high deductibles for lower premiums. Indeed, you can cut costs, but you can't cut corners. If you drive in Texas, you need auto insurance in Texas. Here's what kind and how much, according to Texas state law:
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Browse Texas auto insurance quotes online
If you need Texas auto insurance quotes, the Internet is a good starting point. Available from all major Texas auto insurance companies, online quotes offer a fast and convenient way to research and compare premiums.
I recommend: For an auto insurance online quote, Texas drivers should look to websites like
InsWeb,
Insurance.com,
InsuranceUSA and
InsuranceFinder, or from companies like
Progressive and
Esurance, which quote both their own and competitors' rates.
Solicit a Texas auto insurance quote from national providers
Most major car insurance carriers offer auto insurance in Texas and all provide competitive Texas auto insurance rates.
I recommend: Among the largest and most popular Texas automobile insurance companies are
AIG,
Allstate,
Chubb,
Farmers,
GEICO,
The Hartford,
Liberty Mutual and
State Farm. National associations like
AAA and
AARP are also good sources for affordable Texas auto insurance.
Get Texas auto insurance from local and regional companies
In Texas, auto insurance rates can vary dramatically; for some of the most affordable, consider locally based providers.
I recommend: For car insurance, Texas-based drivers should try Texas-based companies. Insurance providers in Texas include
Massil Insurance Group,
American National Insurance Company,
Texas Auto & Home Insurance and
Insurors of Texas. Also consider local programs, like the
Texas Automobile Insurance Plan, which exists for drivers who can't easily find auto insurance in Texas.
Use an independent agent to find Texas auto insurance bargains
To buy car insurance, Texas drivers should consider using an independent insurance agent, who can expose them to new resources, practical advice and special rates.
I recommend: To find an independent agent who can sell you auto insurance in Texas, use the “find an independent agent” feature at the
Independent Insurance Agents of Texas.
Choose Texas auto insurance companies that you can trust
Before doing business with car insurance companies, Texas drivers should review their records with consumers to make sure they are reliable, reputable and responsible.
I recommend: If you subscribe to
Consumer Reports, you can check up on the auto insurance companies of Texas. Another good resource is the
Texas Department of Insurance, which licenses
insurance providers in Texas and compiles statistics on
complaints against auto insurance companies in Texas.