Welcome to the world of car insurance in Harlingen, TX! Car insurance is like a superhero shield for your vehicle, offering protection and peace of mind on the roads of Harlingen. Imagine it as a safety net that helps cover the costs if your car meets an unexpected bump or needs repairs. In Harlingen, having car insurance isn’t just a good idea – it’s a rule set by the state to keep everyone safe. So, buckle up as we explore the ins and outs of car insurance in Harlingen, making sure you understand the powers that come with it!
For Texans, it is fairly easy to separate Brownsville and Harlingen, but visitors may have a little more difficulty. These two cities form a metropolitan area that has been a major influence in Texas and beyond. If you’re considering a move to the Brownsville-Harlingen metropolitan area in Texas, it’s important to research a variety of factors, including auto insurance rates, to ensure you’re prepared for the cost of living in the area.
Quick Facts About the Area
Students come from all around to study at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. And natives and tourists alike love to visit areas of Brownsville near the coast to experience serious wildlife refuges and hiking opportunities.
Of course, you can’t hike everywhere. To get the most out of these cities, you need to have a car and some reliable car insurance. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about car insurance and road conditions in this metro area!
Driving Conditions in Brownsville-Harlingen
How much insurance you need is typically dependent on the driving conditions of an area. And one of the ways you can determine if it is safe to drive is by analyzing how many wrecks and fatalities happen in the area each year.
In 2020, in the combined Brownsville-Harlingen metro area, there were 12 fatal accidents with a total of 14 people killed. In Brownsville, none of the fatal car accidents involved a drunk driver, although there were five suspected serious crashes in 2020 that involved someone who had been drinking. In Harlingen, two of the fatal accidents involved a drunk driver.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Brownsville-Harlingen?
Fortunately, very few drivers will ever be involved in a fatal car accident. There is a bigger threat to you and your car, though: poor local infrastructure. In 2021, Texas civil engineers gave the state of Texas a C in terms of infrastructure.
So, what is the road and bridge infrastructure like for the area? Historically, the infrastructure has been relatively bad, with some deteriorated roads and bridges that contribute to both wear and tear on your vehicle and occasional traffic backups.
But things are looking up. Brownsville recently proposed a $65 million infrastructure improvement plan. And Harlingen has released a master plan for their port to improve surrounding infrastructure, and the planned port upgrades and renovations should further improve driving conditions.
Texas Car Insurance Requirements
Generally speaking, it’s up to individual drivers to determine how much car insurance coverage they need and how many types of coverage. However, the state of Texas establishes a minimum level of coverage that all drivers must meet.
What is that minimum? Minimum car insurance requirements in the Brownsville-Harlingen area include the following amounts of liability coverage:
- $30,000 for injury/death per person
- $60,000 for injury/death per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Brownsville-Harlingen?
Driving without enough insurance usually results in drivers having to pay quite a bit for things like car and property repairs. But if you drive without any insurance at all, the penalties are much worse!
For the first offense of driving in Texas without car insurance, the fine may be $175 to $350. For the second offense, the fine could be $350 to $1000. Further violations may cause you to have your license suspended and your car impounded.
Factors Allowed in Brownsville-Harlingen Car Insurance Rates
In the state of Texas, all of these factors may be considered by your insurance company:
- Age
- Zip code
- Education & occupation
- Marital status
- Credit score
- Gender
You never know when a change (such as improving your credit or moving to a safer neighborhood) may save you money on your premium, so make sure you keep your insurance carrier in the loop!
How Much Is Car Insurance in Brownsville-Harlingen?
Whether you live in Brownsville, Harlingen, or anywhere else in Texas, you probably feel like you’re paying too much for car insurance. But how much is “too much” in this case?
The monthly average cost of full coverage car insurance in the Brownsville-Harlingen metro area is $177. It is slightly higher than the state average car insurance of $168 and the national average of $167. The average monthly cost of the state-required minimum, or liability, car insurance is $54, compared to $47 overall in the state of Texas.
But how does this metro area stack up to car insurance in other cities throughout Texas? Below, we have a breakdown of different car insurance costs in various Texas cities. In this table, we’ll look at monthly premiums based on the state-required minimum coverage.
City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
Austin | $204 | $59 |
Dallas | $184 | $54 |
El Paso | $158 | $42 |
Harlingen | $173 | $53 |
Houston | $186 | $58 |
Brownsville-Harlingen Low Cost Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
There are many different factors your insurance carrier uses to determine the cost of your premium. Location is one factor, and moving to different cities in Texas may dramatically affect how much you pay for car insurance.
Interestingly enough, even a change in zip code is enough to affect how much you pay, even if you don’t leave the metro area. Below, we have a breakdown of how much you can expect to pay based on your zip code.
Zip Code | Liability Insurance Coverage | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
78520 (Brownsville) | $176 | $54 |
78521 (Brownsville) | $176 | $53 |
78526 (Brownsville) | $178 | $53 |
78550 (Harlingen) | $173 | $53 |
78551 (Harlingen) | $173 | $53 |
Brownsville-Harlingen Affordable Car Insurance Rates by Age
Another factor that affects the cost of your car insurance is your age. No matter where you move to, your age will impact the cost of your premium.
To help you understand how much you should be paying for car insurance, we have a breakdown of the average monthly car insurance rate for each age group in the metro area:
Age | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
18 | $568 | $201 |
20 | $387 | $131 |
30 | $176 | $54 |
40 | $165 | $51 |
50 | $155 | $49 |
60 | $149 | $47 |
70 | $172 | $60 |
*Unless otherwise specified, we use the following methodology to arrive at our average cost: male, age 30, lowest possible legal coverage allowed by state. Your rates will be determined by several factors, including your age, your gender and the amount of coverage you want to purchase.
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How to Reduce Car Insurance Premiums in Harlingen
Reducing your car insurance premiums in Harlingen is easier than you might think. One effective way is to maintain a good driving record. By avoiding accidents and traffic violations, insurance companies are more likely to offer you lower rates. Additionally, consider bundling your car insurance with other policies, like home insurance, for a discount. Taking these steps can help keep your premiums affordable and your coverage intact.
Safe Driving and Its Impact on Insurance Rates
Safe driving is like a superpower when it comes to keeping your car insurance rates low in Harlingen. Insurance companies reward those who avoid accidents and follow traffic rules with lower premiums. By being a responsible driver, you not only protect yourself and others on the road but also save money on your insurance. So, buckle up, obey speed limits, and stay focused – your wallet will thank you!
Car Insurance Discounts: Student, Multi-Car, Anti-Theft Device, and More
Did you know you could qualify for discounts on your car insurance in Harlingen? If you’re a student with good grades, that could mean savings. Own more than one car? You might get a multi-car discount. Installing an anti-theft device can also lead to reduced premiums. Check with your insurance provider to see which discounts you qualify for, and watch your insurance costs drop.
How Comparison Shopping Can Help Save Money
Shopping around for car insurance is like finding the best deal on your favorite video game – it’s worth it! In Harlingen, insurance rates can vary between companies, so comparing quotes is essential. Take the time to explore different options, considering both coverage and cost. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to find a policy that fits your needs and saves you money. It’s like getting the best weapon for your car insurance battles!
Discounts for Car Insurance in Brownsville-Harlingen
If you really want to save money on your monthly insurance premium, you may not need to do much beyond contacting your insurance carrier. That is because each insurance company has special discounts it can offer to drivers based on things like their driving history.
Here are some common discounts available in the Brownsville-Harlingen area:
Remember, you can always ask prospective insurance companies about their discounts as well. This lets you save money by shopping for different carriers while still maximizing your discounts.
Get a Brownsville-Harlingen Cheap Car Insurance Quote Today!
Now you know the most important details about car insurance in the Brownsville-Harlingen area. But do you know where you can get the best car insurance at the most affordable prices?
Freeway Insurance has you covered! We can easily get you started with a quote online. But if you’d rather visit in person, you can always come to one of our local offices. Or, if you prefer to just use the telephone, you can always call us at (800) 777-5620 for a quote today!