Cheap Car Insurance in Rio Grande City, TX
Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Texas
Rio Grande City, established in 1847 and the county seat of Starr County, borders the Rio Grande River and sits 100 miles from Laredo, Texas. About 77% of the city’s approximately 15,000 residents have a solo commute of about 19 minutes to work. One of the area’s most popular outdoor destinations, where visitors boat, fish, swim, hike, and bird-watch, is the 500-acre Falcon State Park.
Before you hit the road to take in the local beauty, remember that Rio Grande City residents must carry the minimum liability-only car insurance to drive legally. If a police officer pulls you over or you’re in an accident without car insurance in Texas, you may receive one or more serious penalties, including fines. Keep reading to learn information, such as whether Texas is an at-fault state, elements underwriters consider when figuring out your rates, and how to get auto policy discounts.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Rio Grande City, Texas?
The average cost for liability car insurance in Rio Grande City is $124 a month, and full coverage is about $243 a month. The national monthly average is $48 for liability and $147 for full coverage.
What Does It Mean If Texas Is At-Fault?
When you cause an accident in the Lone Star State, you’re responsible for the damage you’ve caused someone else, which means your insurance company steps in and covers costs up to your auto policy’s limits. This is because Texas is an at-fault state.
These accident damages may include property damage (e.g., vehicles or structures), medical bills, and lost wages. In such a situation, having the state-mandated minimum liability-only coverage helps protect your pocketbook.
If the damages cost more than your policy’s limits, though, you’ll be on the hook for the remainder. You’ll also need to pay for your own property damage and medical bills out of pocket.
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Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Texas
Rio Grande City residents pay a bit more on average for their premiums compared to other Texas residents:
| City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Rio Grande City | $243 | $124 |
| El Paso | $188 | $70 |
| Austin | $207 | $92 |
| Lubbock | $149 | $113 |
| San Antonio | $199 | $119 |
| Fort Worth | $183 | $110 |
Affordable Rio Grande City Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
Rates can vary from zip code to zip code within one city due to car theft and accident rates — a higher incident rate means a higher premium for that zip code’s residents. Rio Grande City has only one zip code with the following average rates:
| Zip Code | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 79772 | $180 | $51 |
Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates by Age in Rio Grande City
As a teenage driver, you will most likely pay more for insurance due to your lack of driving experience. Rates tend to decrease as you gain experience and as you prove you follow the rules of the road. Maintaining a ticket and claim-free driving record can lead to lower rates. Drivers of any age who fit into the new driver category, though, may pay higher rates due to a lack of driving experience. As drivers reach their 70s, rates tend to increase due to age-related risks such as poor vision and reaction time and their effects on driving. Rio Grande City residents can expect to pay the below rates for the average monthly premiums at each 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: We used the following demographic to determine the average monthly premiums for Rio Grande City residents: a 30-year-old male carrying the state’s minimum liability requirements and the state’s full coverage requirements. Premiums vary due to factors such as age, deductible amount, liability limits, discount program eligibility, type of car, and more.
Driving Conditions in Rio Grande City
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Rio Grande City?
There were three fatal accidents in Rio Grande City in 2022.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Rio Grande City?
The Rio Grande City Public Works Department maintains the city’s streets and sidewalks, which helps keep the roads safe for drivers and pedestrians. The city also promotes safe driving through workshops for city employees, such as the Distracted Driving Training program.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintains Farm to Market roads 755, 3167, and 649 in and around Rio Grande City, as well as the Rio Grande City-Camargo Bridge, which connects the city to Camargo in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas on the U.S. border.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Rio Grande City
Texas requires you as a state resident to have the following minimum liability insurance coverage to protect others you may harm in an at-fault accident:
- Bodily injury per person: $30,000
- Bodily injury per accident: $60,000
- Property damage: $25,000
If you cause an accident, this minimum liability coverage will pay for the other person’s damage up to the policy limits. If damages exceed these limits, you can be held responsible and even sued.
To protect yourself, consider bumping up these minimums and adding collision and comprehensive to cover your own damage, regardless of fault.
There is one exclusion: If you have $55,000 in the bank, you can file to opt out of carrying liability coverage by depositing this chunk of change with the county judge. The funds would then be used to cover damages if you cause an accident.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Rio Grande City, Texas?
If the police catch you driving uninsured (or without having followed the approved exclusion) in Rio Grande City, you may suffer the following:
- Vehicle impoundment (and associated fees)
- SR-22 requirement
- License suspension
- Vehicle registration suspension
- Up to a six-month jail sentence (when there has been an accident)
For a first offense, you may also receive a fine of $350 and a $250 driver’s license surcharge for three years. For subsequent offenses, these fines can increase up to $1,000, and you may receive an additional three-year driver’s license surcharge. All these fines may add up to more than you would have paid for good Rio Grande City auto insurance.
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Factors Allowed in Rio Grande City Car Insurance Rates
Rio Grande City agents look at a variety of factors when coming up with your policy rates, including:
- Claims history
- Ticket history
- Deductible amount
- Coverage amount
- Your home zip code
- Your age
- Vehicle age
- Vehicle make and model
Other factors, such as credit history, may also be considered, as underwriters may consider those with good credit to be more responsible drivers.
Here’s What You Need to Know When Driving in Texas
Ten Texas counties have a speed limit of 80 miles per hour. Remember to pull over to the right except to pass if you’re one of the slower drivers, but keep in mind that research has shown slower driving can be unsafe.
Texas may experience extreme weather, such as storms and heat. Be sure to drive according to current conditions. Rain may produce altered visibility and call for slower driving. In flash flood conditions, get off the road as fast as possible. When you’re driving in heat, watch for erratic drivers.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles reports that 20% of drivers are currently uninsured. This statistic means you should be extra vigilant in protecting yourself with good insurance, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
What Are the Best Discounts for Car Insurance in Rio Grande City, TX?
Auto insurance discounts can help knock down your premiums, putting money back into your pocket. These discounts include:
Bundling your policies is another great way to save money: If you have two cars at your home address, like the average Rio Grande City household, buying both car policies through one insurer can save you money on your rates. If you own a home like about 77% of other Rio Grande City residents, bundling your homeowners with your auto insurance can save you up to 15% on your premiums.
The same is true of your renters and motorcycle coverage. Many insurers also offer RV, boat, life, and mobile home insurance, which you can bundle with your auto insurance to save money on premiums.
Get an Online Quote for Car Insurance in Rio Grande City Today!
If you’ve driven through one of those unexpected Rio Grande City storms that ravage the area with heavy winds, rain, and hail and undermine driver visibility, you know how important it is to have good auto insurance.
Let the expert Freeway Insurance agents find you the cheapest car insurance in Rio Grande City. Just start by filling out a quick online form, visiting our Rio Grande City office to speak with a helpful agent, or calling (800) 777-5620.