Cheap Car Insurance in Houston
Houston, home of Nasa’s Space Center and the largest coastal metropolitan area in Texas, ranked 224th in the world’s most congested cities. In 2019, drivers lost 119 hours waiting in rush hour traffic. That’s 4 days, 23 hours, or 840 shuttle trips to space orbit. Although, time lost in traffic has decreased significantly for 2020 to approximately 71 hours. Many will be happy to be off the roads, but auto insurance is a must and an inexpensive protection against the potential dangers of driving in Houston for those who still are behind their steering wheel.
Get Low-Cost Texas Auto Insurance
Quick Facts
- Houston’s average annual premium is $1,454.
- Houston’s traffic fatalities were lower than the state average at 10.95 deaths per 100,000 people.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Houston?
Houston ranks highest for the average car insurance premium in the state of Texas. With more roads and more drivers, it’s important to search out the best Texas car insurance to protect yourself and others. Full coverage premiums average $1454 in Houston, about $100 more compared to other metropolitan areas in Texas.
| City | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Houston | $1,454 |
| Dallas | $1,359 |
| San Antonio | $1,249 |
| Austin | $1,188 |
| Fort Worth | $1,137 |
| El Paso | $1,020 |
Insurers base premium rates on a number of factors. Some of the factors that play a role in determining your rate are the zip code of the area you live in and your age. Other criteria that may be used are the area statistics, which may include common vehicles in that zip code, income levels, crime rates, the population of the area, number of accidents, and household income. Age does play a major part. New drivers who have not spent years on the road, typically younger drivers with minimal experience, may have more accidents. They are considered high-risk drivers.
Houston Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
Your location in Houston is a determining factor in what your car insurance will cost. Zip code 77036, Southwest Houston, has the highest average premiums at $1,733, while 77095, the Copperfield Place area, has the lowest premium at $1,429.
Zip code statistics are influential factors in your average rate. To see how they can impact your rates, both 77036 and 77095 have different population densities. The population density for 77095 (the less expensive of the two zip codes) is about 4,322 people per sq mi, and the exact measurement for 77036 is over 10,113 people per sq mi. Insurance providers will weigh the chances higher that accidents will occur in more densely populated areas.
Listed below is a table by zip code that lists the average premium cost according to your Houston location.
| ZIP Code | Average Premium |
|---|---|
| 77084 | $1,508 |
| 77373 | $1,817 |
| 77449 | $1,961 |
| 77082 | $1,552 |
| 77077 | $1,453 |
| 77083 | $1,628 |
| 77007 | $1,453 |
| 77511 | $1,908 |
Houston Car Insurance Rates by Age
In addition to your zip code area, another factor that determines car insurance rates is age. Other criteria like gender and your marital status do not play a major part in the coverage cost.
Younger drivers will pay more for their auto insurance coverage. Teens have the highest average annual premiums, with policy costs dropping as individuals move into their 20’s, 30’s, and upward.
| Age | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Teens | $4,263 |
| 20s | $2,168 |
| 30s | $1,645 |
| 40s | $1,603 |
| 50s | $1,454 |
| 60s | $1,508 |
| 70s | $1,862 |
Safe driving with no tickets or accidents will keep your car insurance premiums affordable.
Driving Conditions in Houston
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Houston?
Houston was higher in accident fatalities than other cities and towns in Texas. They were number one in 2019, with 240 deaths due to traffic accidents. Dallas came in at number two, having 185 fatalities.
2019 Houston statistics show that over 28% of the fatalities were due to driving while intoxicated (67 people), with at least one driver having an alcohol level beyond allowable limits. Many fatalities across the state of Texas might have been prevented if drivers and passengers wore their seatbelts. 2019 statewide statistics list 42.42% of accident fatalities caused by individuals not wearing seat restraints.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Houston?
Within the city limits, the Houston Department of Public Works maintains the roads and highways. They take care of repairing potholes and positioning signage. In addition, they stay on top of the more extensive projects, such as resurfacing roadways, repairing bridges, installing guardrails, replacing streetlights, and more.
A 2021 report, generated by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), gave Texas an overall grade of C on their infrastructure, an average rating. Bridges fared better, with a grade of B-. However, Texas roads overall received a poor rating of D+.
ASCE Ratings don’t always reflect that the department is doing a poor job in maintaining its infrastructures. Given Texas’s population, the organization notes that city streets, highways, and bridges will see significant use and wear. State and city agencies use these ratings to help direct the limited resources they have toward the more critical infrastructure projects.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Houston
Houston drivers are required to carry the minimum in auto liability insurance. The rates are considerably higher when compared with other cities across the U.S.
Drivers in the Houston, Texas area must follow the minimum limits:
- $30,000 for each injured person
- $60,000 for injuries per incident
- $25,000 for property damage
Factors Allowed in Houston Car Insurance Rates
Insurers use a number of criteria in calculating your car insurance rate. Houston insurance providers may use some of the following information:
- Age
- Zip code
- Education & occupation
- Marital status
- Driving record
- Credit score
- Gender
Discounts for Car Insurance in Houston
There are a variety of discounts available to Houston drivers that will help you save money. Talk to your insurance representative to determine if you are eligible for any of the following:
- Good driver discount
- Multi-car discount
- Anti-theft discount
- Student discount
- Military discount
- Multi-policy discount
- Mature, retired, or senior discount
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Houston?
Driving without insurance is punishable by law. All Houston drivers must have car insurance coverage. First-time offenders will pay fines from $175-$350. If you have not obtained coverage and are caught a second time, fines will run from $350-$1,000, with a possible suspension. In some cases, your car will be impounded.
Get a Quote for Car Insurance in Houston Today!
It’s more than just a legal requirement. Insurance is an inexpensive way to protect yourself from the tremendous risks of daily driving in Houston. Don’t let yourself be lassoed with substantial medical expenses and car repair bills that often result from collisions. Get started with a quote online, visit us at a Houston office near you, or call us at (800) 777-5620 for a quote.