Cheap Car Insurance in Port Arthur, TX
Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Texas
Midwesterner Arthur E. Stilwell founded the Gulf Coast city of Port Arthur, Texas, in 1895 to connect Kansas City to Texas with his railroad. Today, Port Arthur has a reputation for hurricanes, being the hometown of Janis Joplin, and petrochemicals. But a large number of Cajuns have migrated from Louisiana to Port Arthur over the years giving it another reputation — that of the “Cajun Capital of Texas.”
Texas requires drivers to have liability insurance or to prove financial responsibility by depositing a check of at least $55,000 with the county judge. Drivers caught without car insurance in Texas or proof of financial responsibility may suffer serious consequences. For more information about Port Arthur auto coverage, including ways to save on your premiums, keep reading.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Port Arthur, Texas?
Port Arthur, Texas, residents can expect to pay an average of $52 for liability car insurance and $150 for full coverage each month. This compares to the national monthly average of $48 for liability and $147 for full coverage.
Reasons Why Car Insurance Is So Expensive in Texas
Texans are driving more often on long, crowded highways, which means drivers face heavier traffic and an increased risk of collisions—there was an increase of 330 accidents in Texas from 2019 to 2020, and this number continues to climb. Texas has the highest speed limit in the country, with some areas at 85 miles per hour, and a higher rate of auto theft than the rest of the United States.
More people are driving uninsured, and the cost of these uninsured drivers is passed on to those buying insurance. An uptick in extreme weather like hurricane flooding or drought has also led to an increase in claims. Factor in the increased cost of car repairs and healthcare, and it all adds up to increased premiums so insurance companies can cover their added expenditures.
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Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Texas
Here is a comparison of what Port Arthur residents pay for their average monthly premiums compared to residents in other parts of Texas:
| City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Port Arthur | $150 | $52 |
| Amarillo | $132 | $75 |
| Corpus Christi | $132 | $96 |
| Houston | $208 | $124 |
| Fort Worth | $183 | $110 |
Affordable Port Arthur Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
The four Port Arthur zip codes show about the same rates, which means accident and theft rates are comparable in all four zip codes, as shown below:
| Zip Code | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 77640 | $174 | $52 |
| 77641 | $174 | $53 |
| 77642 | $173 | $53 |
| 77643 | $174 | $53 |
Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates by Age in Port Arthur
Due to a higher rate of risky behaviors — such as cell phone use while driving — and, therefore a higher accident rate in younger drivers, those in their teens may find themselves with a higher premium. If they maintain a good driving record, these drivers may then find their rates decrease when they enter their 20s and every year after until they reach their 60s, when rates climb due to a general decline in vision and reaction time, which puts them at higher risk of accidents. The chart below shows the average cost of full and liability coverage for Port Arthur residents broken down by age:
| Age | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Teenagers | $506 | $141 |
| 20s | $176 | $43 |
| 30s | $146 | $34 |
| 40s | $140 | $34 |
| 50s | $128 | $32 |
| 60s | $135 | $36 |
| 70s | $161 | $47 |
* Methodology: To determine the average monthly premiums for Port Arthur residents, we used the following demographic: a 30-year-old male carrying the state’s minimum liability and the state’s full coverage requirements. Premiums vary due to elements such as deductible amount, discount program eligibility, liability limits, type of car, residence zip code, age, and more.
Driving Conditions in Port Arthur
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Port Arthur?
Statistics show 11 fatal accidents in Port Arthur in 2022.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Port Arthur?
To keep its nearly 56,000 citizens and the area’s visitors safe, the City of Port Arthur Public Works Streets Department works diligently to maintain 340 miles of Port Arthur concrete and asphalt streets and the area’s sidewalks to include upkeep where tree branches might hang over and cause a driving hazard.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintains Port Arthur’s Rainbow Bridge, the highest bridge in Texas that connects Port Arthur to Bridge City on Highway 87.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Port Arthur
Port Arthur residents are required to have the state-mandated minimum liability coverage to drive legally:
- Bodily injury/death coverage per person: $30,000
- Bodily injury/death coverage per accident: $60,000
- Property damage per accident: $25,000
While this coverage acts as a safeguard for you, it only covers damages for the other party in an accident you cause up to the policy’s limits. In some serious accidents, the cost to cover damages may go beyond these limits — and Texas allows drivers to sue for bodily injury and property damage for up to two years from the accident date.
To protect yourself, consider adding extra liability coverage and collision to cover your own bodily injury and property damage if you cause an accident. Bumping up to full coverage will cover non-collision damage such as auto theft or pits left in your car from hailstones and damages if you’re hit by an uninsured driver.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Port Arthur, Texas?
Port Arthur residents caught driving without insurance or proof of financial responsibility may face significant penalties, including:
- Fines
- Impounded vehicle (and associated fees)
- License suspension
- Vehicle registration suspension
- SR-22 requirement
If you cause an accident while uninsured in Port Arthur, Texas, where the accident leads to someone’s death, you may be fined up to $4,000 and spend up to one year in jail. You will also be completely responsible for paying out of pocket for the damage you cause.
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Factors Allowed in Port Arthur Car Insurance Rates
To come up with your auto policy rates, Port Arthur agents look at several factors, including:
- Driving record
- Area of residence
- Number of miles you drive
- Your age
- Your marital status
- Your gender
- Your credit score
- Motor vehicle type and age
- Claims history
Non-personal factors can also affect rates. A rise in inflation can mean cars and their parts are more expensive to repair and replace. Companies that pay out for a lot of claims may charge more for insurance to recoup their losses. An increased occurrence of natural events, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, usually leads to more claims, which may then lead to higher rates. Making an adjustment in your deductible and coverage amount may help you find premiums that fit your budget.
Insurance That Helps You Prepare for the Future
As a Port Arthur resident living in a high-risk hurricane and tornado zone, you know life is unpredictable. But one thing you can count on is a good policy for when the unexpected happens.
Whether it’s liability to cover someone else’s property you damaged or collision for your own vehicle, your policy protects that nest egg you’ve been saving up by covering damage you’d otherwise pay out of pocket.
Comprehensive insurance covers damage your vehicle suffers as a result of natural events. Did your car flood? Covered. Did a tree fall on your car in a hurricane? Covered. Did the tornado carry away your car? Covered. Other items covered include hail damage, corrosion from saltwater, or mechanical failure from water exposure. In order for the coverage to be in effect, you must have comprehensive coverage before the storm appears.
What Are the Best Discounts for Car Insurance in Port Arthur, TX?
Be sure to ask your agent about saving money on car insurance through discounts. You may qualify for one or more of the following:
Your agent may reward your loyalty if you stick with them for a long time — this is sometimes referred to as a customer retention insurance discount. If you maintain a good driving record with no tickets or accidents for three to five years, you may save up to 30% off your rates.
Get an Online Quote for Car Insurance in Port Arthur Today!
If you live in one of the Port Arthur, Texas, households with two cars and a 23-minute commute, why not do yourself a favor and secure the best auto insurance policy?
Freeway Insurance agents are standing by to help you find the cheapest car insurance in Port Arthur. Get started with a quick and easy quote online, speak with a helpful agent at our Port Arthur office, or give us a call at (800) 777-5620.