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Search by Quote ID → Search by Date of BirthCar Insurance Texas
In a state as big and adventurous as Texas, you never know what the road might throw your way. Whether it’s a sudden hailstorm or serious accident on I-35, staying prepared is essential. That’s why you need the right car insurance to help protect you, your passengers, and your vehicle from the unexpected. Plus, it’s required by state law. If you’re looking for reliable auto insurance without breaking the bank, Mercury offers a range of affordable options to suit your budget and lifestyle.
Texas Auto Insurance Requirements
To legally drive in Texas, you’re required to have a minimum level of liability insurance, which includes:
- Bodily injury liability: At least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. If you’re at fault in an accident that injures someone else, this coverage helps pay for their medical expenses.
- Property damage liability: A minimum of $25,000 per accident. This coverage helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing someone else’s property if you’re at fault in an accident.
There are also optional auto insurance coverages you can add to your policy to give you better protection, including:
- Collision protection: This covers damage to your own vehicle in the event of an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.
- Comprehensive coverage: This protects your vehicle from non-accident-related damage, like theft, vandalism, or weather events.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This helps cover your costs if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance or any insurance at all.
- Medical payments coverage: This provides financial assistance for medical bills for you and your passengers, no matter who was at fault.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): PIP offers coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault.
What Is Full Coverage Car Insurance in Texas?
Full coverage insurance in Texas typically includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. While liability insurance takes care of damages to others, comprehensive and collision coverage protect your own vehicle from damage — whether it’s caused by a collision or non-collision events like theft, vandalism, or weather events.
Texas-Specific Car Insurance Laws
Texas has a few key laws that drivers should be aware of when it comes to auto insurance:
At-Fault State
Texas is an “at-fault” state, which means if you’re responsible for causing an accident, you’re also responsible for covering the costs. Your liability insurance helps pay for damages to the other driver’s car, their medical bills, or any property damage.
SR-22
An SR-22 is a l form that proves you have the required amount of insurance in Texas. It’s usually needed if you’ve had some trouble on the road, like a DUI or driving without insurance. Your insurance company files this on your behalf to let the state know you’re covered. You’ll usually have to keep this form on file for a couple of years, depending on your situation.
Towing and Labor Coverage
While towing and labor coverage isn’t required by Texas law, it’s an optional add-on that can be a lifesaver when you find yourself stranded on the side of the road. This coverage helps cover the costs of towing your vehicle and basic labor, like changing a flat tire or jump-starting your battery.
How Much Is Car Insurance in Texas?
According to Bankrate, the average cost of car insurance in Texas is $2,458 per year for full coverage and $713 per year for minimum coverage. However, your rate will vary depending on factors such as location, age, and driving history.
Get Car Insurance Savings & Discounts in Texas
Mercury is all about helping Texans save on their car insurance without compromising on coverage. That’s why we offer a variety of discounts to make your policy more affordable. Here are some ways to lower your premium:
- Multi-Car Discount: Got more than one car? Insure them on the same policy and save with our 14% discount for multiple vehicles.
- Paid-in-Full Discount: Pay your policy in full and get up to 12% off your premium.
- Automatic Payment Discount: Set up automatic payments from your checking or savings account and enjoy a 3% discount.
- Multi-Policy Discount: Save up to 14% when you bundle your car insurance with a homeowners or renters policy through Mercury.
- Good Student Discount: Full-time students under 23 who maintain a good academic record (e.g., on the Dean’s List or have a GPA of 3.0 or higher) can receive a 10% discount.
- E-Signature Discount: Sign all your documents electronically and get an easy 3% discount.
These are just a few of the discounts available. Contact your local Texas agent to find out what you might qualify for.
How to Get Car Insurance in Texas
Ready to get started with reliable, cheap car insurance? Contact a local Mercury agent to discuss your options and get a personalized quote. You can also start a quote online or call us at (800) 657-3542.
Factors Affecting Car Insurance Rates in Texas
Several factors can impact how much you pay for coverage. Here’s a breakdown of what insurance companies consider when determining your premium:
- Driving record: If you’ve had accidents, speeding tickets, or other violations, you’re seen as a higher risk to insure, which can drive up your rates. On the flip side, if you have a clean driving record, you’ll likely enjoy lower premiums as a reward for safe driving.
- Age and gender: Young drivers, particularly teens, usually pay more because they’re more likely to be involved in accidents. Gender can also affect your rate, with young male drivers typically paying more than their female counterparts due to higher accident rates.
- Type of vehicle: If you’re driving a luxury or high-performance car, expect to pay more for coverage since repairs or replacements are pricier. On the other hand, vehicles with high safety ratings or built-in safety features can help lower your premiums.
- Location: If you’re in a busy urban area like Houston or Dallas, you’ll likely face higher rates because of the increased risk of accidents, theft, or vandalism. Rural areas tend to have lower rates since there’s less traffic and fewer opportunities for accidents.
- Credit score: Insurers often use credit history to assess how likely you are to file a claim. Drivers with higher credit scores typically pay less, while those with lower scores may face higher premiums.
Top-Rated Auto Insurance in Texas
Mercury Insurance has a long history of providing best-in-class auto insurance, and over the years, we’ve earned recognition for our commitment to customers. Forbes has named Mercury one of America’s Most Trustworthy Financial Companies multiple times, recognizing our dedication to financial responsibility and customer satisfaction. In 2021, we were named Best Insurer for Overall Satisfaction in the Shopping Segment of the J.D. Power U.S. Digital Experience Study. We were also honored by Forbes as one of the Best Insurance Companies in America for 2022. Read about their experiences.
Texas drivers also praise our products and services. Here’s what they love about Mercury:
Excellent company
from Mercury Customer
Little D in Waco
I have referred this company to several other people and they are now customers. Very good company all the way around!
I will definitely be adding other vehicles
from Mercury Customer
just3dayz in Granbury
I use it for my auto insurance and I was really surprised on how good of a price that I got saved me a lot of money from my old insurer. I will definitely be added a few more vehicles, my Harley, and looking into changing my homeowners over to it.
Better price w/ better coverage...couldn't be more satisfied
from Mercury Customer
Gngr in Canyon Lake
Has been seamless and easy to setup.
Mercury Insurance Coverage in Texas
Here are the products Mercury offers to Texas residents:
Learn More About Car Insurance
Check out our top blogs to learn more about auto insurance:
What’s the Difference Between At-Fault vs. No-Fault States?
Your Guide to Car Insurance Requirements State-by-State
What Do You Need to Know About Car Insurance After Marriage?
Car Insurance When Moving States: Steps to Ensure a Smooth TransitionTexas Car Insurance FAQs
What is the average car insurance payment in Texas?
According to Bankrate, the average cost of car insurance in Texas is $2,458 per year for full coverage and $713 per year for minimum coverage.
Is auto insurance considered expensive in Texas?
The state’s insurance costs are slightly higher than the state averages, which are $2,388 for annual full coverage and $688 for annual minimum coverage — according to Bankrate.
Does the Texas DMV take electronic proof insurance?
Yes, the Texas DMV does accept electronic proof of insurance.
Does hail damage claim raise car insurance rates in Texas?
A hail damage claim can potentially raise your car insurance rates in Texas, but it depends on your specific insurance company and policy. Review your policy and speak with your insurance provider to understand how weather-related claims like hail damage might affect your rates.
Can I have out-of-state car insurance in Texas?
No, you can’t have out-of-state car insurance if you’re a Texas resident.
How much car insurance do I need in Texas?
You need to have at least the state’s minimum coverage to legally drive in Texas. However, this may not be enough coverage for your needs. Contact a Mercury Insurance agent to discuss your specific situation and get recommendations on how much coverage is right for you.
Does insurance follow the car or the driver in Texas?
In Texas, car insurance typically follows the car, not the driver. This means that if someone else is driving your car with your permission and gets into an accident, your insurance policy will generally cover the damages. However, it’s best to discuss the specifics with your insurance provider.
Is Texas a no-fault car insurance state?
No, Texas is not a no-fault car insurance state. Texas follows an at-fault system, which means that the driver who’s responsible for causing an accident is also responsible for covering the damages.
What happens if you don't have car insurance in Texas?
If you drive without car insurance, you could receive up to $350 for the first offense. Repeat offenders can face higher fines, a driver’s license suspension, and even a vehicle impoundment.
Can I get car insurance in Texas without a license?
You may be able to get car insurance in Texas without a driver's license. For instance, if you own a car but don’t drive it, you might want to insure it for someone who does, like a family member or a designated driver. Speak with an insurance agent who can help you find the right coverage for your specific situation.
Do I need Texas insurance to register a car?
Yes, you need car insurance to register a car in Texas.
How to lower my car insurance in Texas?
To lower your car insurance in Texas, you can take several steps:
- Shop around: Compare rates from different insurers to find the best deal.
- Raise your deductible: Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premium, but be prepared to pay more out of pocket in case of a claim.
- Bundle policies: Combine your car insurance with other policies, like homeowners or renters insurance, to receive a discount.
- Take advantage of discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for good driving, having multiple cars, paying in full, setting up automatic payments, or being a good student.
- Improve your credit score: In Texas, your credit score can affect your car insurance rate, so improving it may lower your premium.
Can you buy a car without insurance in Texas?
You might be able to purchase a car without auto insurance, but you need car insurance to register and drive the car legally.
Does Texas require uninsured motorist coverage?
No, Texas doesn’t require uninsured motorist coverage.
What are helpful resources for Texas drivers?
Here are some helpful resources for Texas drivers: