Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Texas
Tyler, the largest city in northeastern Texas and the seat of Smith County, became a city in 1907. By 1920, its prolific rose-growing industry led to the development of the Texas Rose Festival. Today, the city’s notable 14-acre Tyler Rose Garden features over 500 rose varieties on 35,000 bushes along with bridges, fountains, ponds, and a meditation garden and contributes to the city’s nickname as the Rose Capital of the World. Visitors and the area’s approximately 110,000 residents also enjoy outdoor activities at the area’s many parks, such as the Boulders at Lake Tyler and Tyler State Park.
Before you drive off for a day of hiking at Whispering Pines Nature Trail, protect yourself with good car coverage. Residents must have liability car insurance in Texas to drive legally, which covers someone else’s damages (up to policy limits) if you crash into them. Keep reading to learn more about the average cost of insurance in Tyler and available discounts that may save you money on your auto policy.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Tyler, Texas?
Liability car insurance in Tyler, Texas, costs about $47 a month, and full coverage costs about $157 a month. The national monthly average is $48 for liability and $147 for full coverage.
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What Does It Mean If Texas Is an At-Fault State?
Imagine you’re trying to make that aggravating left turn onto Rice Road from a popular shopping center parking lot, and you misjudge the distance between you and an oncoming car. You’ve caused a fender bender. Now what?
Since you caused the accident, you are financially responsible for the damage you’ve caused. As an insured driver, your liability will pick up the tab (up to the policy’s 30/60/25 limits). If the damage costs exceed those limits, though, you’ll be on the hook to pay the rest out of pocket (and the driver has up to two years to sue you for the remainder).
If you only have the state-mandated liability coverage, you’ll also be on the hook for your own damages. That’s why, unless you’ve got a nice bundle of cash put away to cover accident expenses, it’s a good idea to have full coverage for those errors in judgment — and unexpected events — on the road.
Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Texas
The chart below shows what residents in other Texas cities pay for monthly premiums compared to Tyler residents:
City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
Tyler | $157 | $47 |
Plano | $153 | $52 |
Dallas | $192 | $58 |
Laredo | $171 | $48 |
Houston | $201 | $63 |
Affordable Tyler Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
If you live in an area with high auto theft and insurance claim rates, you’ll likely pay more for your policy.
Residents in each of the nine Tyler, Texas, zip codes pay about the same rate for auto insurance:
Zip Code | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
75701 | $157 | $48 |
75702 | $158 | $48 |
75703 | $156 | $47 |
75704 | $157 | $47 |
75705 | $160 | $46 |
75706 | $157 | $46 |
75707 | $156 | $46 |
75708 | $158 | $46 |
75709 | $158 | $47 |
Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates by Age in Tyler
If you think your auto coverage rates might be higher because you’re a teen driver, you’d probably be right. Statistics show teen drivers can expect to pay more for insurance because they’re more likely to engage in risky driving and have more auto accidents. However, if you’re a good student (usually with at least a B average) and pass a defensive driving course, you may be able to find cheaper insurance for young drivers.
As you age — assuming you maintain a clean driving record — you’ll most likely see your rates decrease until you reach your 60s when accident risk increases. Tyler residents can expect to pay around the following rates within each age range:
Age | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
Teenagers | $506 | $141 |
20s | $176 | $43 |
30s | $157 | $47 |
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 Tyler 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 Tyler
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Tyler?
There were 11 fatal accidents in Tyler in 2022.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Tyler?
The City of Tyler Street Department maintains the city’s 730 miles of streets, including repairing potholes, concrete repair and maintenance, brick-street maintenance, street sweeping, tree and brush maintenance, and public alley maintenance to enhance public safety for travelers. In 2023, the city spent $2 million on alley maintenance, brick street repairs, and street improvements on 25 miles of city streets.
All bridges for public use in Texas undergo safety inspection every 24 months. Recent area projects included repairing six bridges and resurfacing the Tyler State Park Bridge.
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Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Tyler
To drive legally, Tyler residents must carry the following insurance:
- Liability bodily injury per person: $30,000
- Liability bodily injury per accident: $60,000
- Liability property damage: $25,000
Liability doesn’t cover your own damages if you cause an accident — you’ll need collision coverage for your vehicle damage. You’ll need personal injury protection (PIP) or medical coverage to pay your medical bills. PIP also covers lost wages benefits.
If you purchase a car with an auto loan, be prepared to purchase full coverage, as lenders usually require this insurance.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Tyler, Texas?
If a police officer catches you driving uninsured, expect any of the following outcomes:
- Fines
- Vehicle impoundment and fees
- License suspension
- Vehicle registration suspension
- Fee to reinstate driver’s license
- SR-22 and higher insurance premiums
Fines for driving uninsured vary from between $175 to $350 for a first-time offense up to about $4,000 if you cause a serious accident that results in someone’s death. In that scenario, you could also go to jail for up to a year.
Factors Allowed in Tyler Car Insurance Rates
There are several factors underwriters review when coming up with your premium, including:
- Your age
- Your driving record
- Your occupation
- Residence zip code
- Car make and model
- Car age
- Claims history
Underwriters may also review your credit history. However, the Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Bill of Rights says insurers cannot refuse to insure you based solely on poor credit due to a major illness or injury, temporary job loss, recent divorce, identity theft, or the death of a spouse, child, or parent.
Here’s What You Need to Know When Driving in Texas
Texas has a high number of tourists and over 31,000,000 residents. Texas also has some of the highest speed limits in the country, which means the state’s highways see a lot of fast-moving cars.
Here are a few tips for safe driving:
- If you see a “Left Lane for Passing Only” sign, drive in the right lane and use the left lane only for passing. Driving in the left lane can warrant a fine of up to $200.
- If you are driving in the left lane where permissible and a driver wants to get by, move over and let the other driver pass.
- Weather can change rapidly in Texas. Drive to the conditions. If there is fog or rain, adjust your speed for safe driving.
- If you find yourself stranded on the road in a non-emergency situation, you can call the number on the back of your driver’s license for help — The Texas Department of Public Safety Stranded Motorist Hotline at 1-800-525-5555. Please note, though, that some of the provided services require a fee.
What Are the Best Discounts for Car Insurance in Tyler, TX?
Auto policy discounts can help you save money on your coverage. Ask your agent if you qualify for any of the following:
You may save up to 14% by bundling your auto coverage with another type of insurance, like homeowners or renters insurance. And if you insure multiple vehicles with one carrier, you may save up to 25% off your premiums.
If you work from home and drive fewer miles than the average Tyler resident’s 21-minute commute, you may qualify for a discount for having low mileage.
Get an Online Quote for Car Insurance in Tyler Today!
Before you face speeding traffic on Toll 49, give yourself peace of mind knowing you have the best car insurance in Tyler.
The friendly Freeway Insurance agents are ready to help you find the cheapest car insurance in Tyler. You can start with a quick quote online, stop by for an in-person visit at our Tyler office, or call us at (800) 777-5620.