Want to learn how to buy cheaper auto insurance rates in Houston, TX? Locating the cheapest insurance for a car in Texas can turn out to be difficult, but you can learn the following methods to save time. There are both good and bad ways to shop for auto insurance so you’re going to learn the proper way to price shop coverage on a and get the lowest price either online or from Houston insurance agents.
If you are insured now or just want to reduce your rates, use these money-saving tips to reduce premiums without sacrificing coverage. Comparing rates for affordable coverage in Houston is not as hard as you may think. Drivers only have to learn the most efficient way to shop using one simple form.
Cheapest auto insurance companies in Houston
The providers in the list below have been selected to offer price quotes in Houston, TX. If the list has multiple companies, we suggest you get rate quotes from several of them to get the best price comparison.
Make, Model, and Trim Level | Annual Policy Premium | 6-month Policy Premium | Monthly Premium | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Crew Cab 4WD | $1,260 | $630 | $105 | ||||
Dodge Ram Quad Cab Laramie 4WD | $1,270 | $635 | $106 | ||||
Ford Escape Limited 2WD | $998 | $499 | $83 | ||||
Ford Explorer XLT AWD | $1,240 | $620 | $103 | ||||
Ford F-150 Lariat Crew Cab Harley 4WD | $1,132 | $566 | $94 | ||||
Ford Focus SES 2-Dr Coupe | $1,282 | $641 | $107 | ||||
Ford Fusion SE 4-Dr Sedan | $1,278 | $639 | $107 | ||||
Honda Accord LX-P 4-Dr Sedan | $1,118 | $559 | $93 | ||||
Honda CR-V LX 2WD | $864 | $432 | $72 | ||||
Honda Civic SI 4-Dr Sedan | $1,090 | $545 | $91 | ||||
Kia Optima EX | $1,322 | $661 | $110 | ||||
Mazda 3 S Grand Touring 4-Dr Sedan | $970 | $485 | $81 | ||||
Nissan Altima 3.5 SR 4-Dr Sedan | $1,402 | $701 | $117 | ||||
Toyota Camry SE | $1,252 | $626 | $104 | ||||
Toyota Corolla XRS | $1,378 | $689 | $115 | ||||
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD Sport Package 4WD | $1,310 | $655 | $109 | ||||
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Data variables include married male driver age 50, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $500 deductibles, and Texas minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include safe-driver, multi-vehicle, claim-free, homeowner, and multi-policy. Estimates do not factor in Houston location which can affect price quotes noticeably.
Impact of careless driving on Rosenberg car insurance rates
The illustration below demonstrates how citations and at-fault collisions can raise Ford Fusion auto insurance rates for different age groups. The premiums are based on a married female driver, full coverage, $250 deductibles, and no discounts are applied.
Ford Fusion rates are for example purposes only. To get rates for your specific vehicle, click here.
Smart buyers know how to buy car insurance for less
It’s important that you understand a few of the rating criteria that go into determining the price you pay for car insurance. When you understand what controls the rates you pay, this helps enable you to make changes that can help you get better car insurance rates. Many different elements are taken into consideration when premium rates are determined. Some are pretty understandable such as your driving history, but other factors are not quite as obvious like where you live and annual miles driven.
Five star NHTSA crash test rating saves money – Safe vehicles are cheaper to insure. Safe vehicles reduce occupant injuries and better occupant protection translates into savings for insurance companies which can mean better rates for you.
Premiums are high for teenagers – Young drivers in Texas have been known to be more careless when behind the wheel therefore car insurance rates are much higher. Mature drivers are more cautious drivers, are lower risk to insure, and tend to be get fewer driving tickets.
Poor driving leads to higher costs – Whether or not you get tickets can have a huge impact on auto insurance premiums. Attentive drivers receive lower rates as compared to those with violations. Having a single moving violation can boost insurance rates forty percent or more. Drivers with multiple tickets like DUI or reckless driving may be required to prove financial responsibility with their state’s department of motor vehicles in order to legally drive a vehicle.
Liability coverage claims can be big – The liability coverage on your policy will protect you if you are found to be at fault for personal injury or accident damage. It will provide legal defense starting from day one. This coverage is very inexpensive compared to physical damage coverage, so buy as much as you can afford.
Prices can change based on your address – Living in a rural area can save you money when trying to find low car insurance rates. People in densely populated areas tend to have traffic congestion and more time behind the wheel. Fewer drivers and short commutes means a lower chance of having an accident and also fewer theft and vandalism claims.
Discount Houston auto insurance quotes
Car insurance is not cheap, but you might already qualify for some discounts to help offset the cost. Certain reductions will be credited when you complete an application, but a few need to be manually applied prior to getting the savings.
- Telematics Data – Insureds who allow their auto insurance company to analyze driving habits by using a small device installed in their vehicle like Allstate’s Drivewise could see a rate decrease if they exhibit good driving behavior.
- Discount for Low Mileage – Keeping the miles down can earn cheaper prices.
- Safety Course Discount – Successfully completing a driver safety course may get you a small discount depending on where you live.
- Safety Restraint Discount – Drivers who require all occupants to buckle up before driving could cut 10% or more off the personal injury premium cost.
- Anti-lock Brake Discount – Anti-lock brake equipped vehicles can stop better under adverse conditions so you can save 10 percent or more.
- Buy New and Save – Insuring a new car can get you a discount due to better safety requirements for newer models.
- Discounts for Cautious Drivers – Accident-free drivers could pay up to 40% less compared to rates paid by drivers with frequent claims.
- Federal Employees – Active or former government employment could qualify for a slight premium decrease but check with your company.
- Life Insurance – Larger companies have lower auto insurance rates if you buy some life insurance in addition to your auto policy.
- Student Discount for Driver Training – Have your child complete a driver education course in school.
Policy discounts save money, but some credits don’t apply to the overall cost of the policy. Most only apply to specific coverage prices like collision or personal injury protection. So even though they make it sound like adding up those discounts means a free policy, insurance companies wouldn’t stay in business.
A few popular companies and some of their more popular discounts are detailed below.
- Esurance offers discounts for online shopper, good driver, multi-policy, Switch & Save, good student, and anti-lock brakes.
- The Hartford may offer discounts for good student, defensive driver, vehicle fuel type, bundle, driver training, anti-theft, and air bag.
- AAA has savings for anti-theft, good driver, education and occupation, good student, and multi-policy.
- GEICO discounts include defensive driver, anti-lock brakes, federal employee, multi-policy, seat belt use, good student, and membership and employees.
- State Farm offers discounts including multiple policy, multiple autos, driver’s education, accident-free, and anti-theft.
If you want low cost Houston car insurance quotes, ask every company which discounts you qualify for. Some discounts listed above might not be offered in Houston. If you would like to view providers that offer multiple discounts in Houston, click here to view.
Auto insurance agents can give valuable advice
Many drivers still like to go talk to an agent and that is recommended in a lot of cases Good insurance agents can answer important questions and help file insurance claims. An additional benefit of getting free rate quotes online is that drivers can save money and get the best rates and still have a local agent.
By using this short form, the coverage information is immediately sent to participating agents in Houston that provide free Houston car insurance quotes for your business. There is no reason to contact any insurance agencies due to the fact that quote results will go to you. If you want to compare prices from a specific insurance company, you would need to visit that company’s website and give them your coverage information.
Picking a insurer is decision based upon more than just the premium amount. Before buying a policy in Houston, get answers to these questions.
- Is the quote a firm price?
- Do they have a Better Business Bureau rating in Houston?
- Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
- Do they assist clients in filing claims?
- Is there a Errors and Omissions policy in force?
- Do you qualify for any additional discounts?
After receiving acceptable answers as well as an affordable premium quote, you may have found an insurance company that is reputable and can adequately provide insurance. Just keep in mind you can terminate your policy whenever you want so never assume you’re contractually obligated to any specific agency for the full term.
Can you really save that much by switching?
Texas consumers can’t escape the ads that promise big savings for switching from companies such as GEICO, State Farm and Progressive. They all seem to convey the message about saving some big amount just by switching to their company.
How is it plausible that every one can charge less that you’re paying now? Here is how they do it.
Different companies have specific guidelines for the type of driver that will be a good risk. For example, a desirable risk might be between the ages of 40 and 55, has had continuous coverage, and has great credit. Any new insured that hits that “sweet spot” will get a cheap rate quote in Houston and will most likely save when they switch companies.
Insureds who may not quite match these standards will see higher premium rates which translates to business going elsewhere. If you listen to the ad wording, they say “drivers who switch” not “everyone that quotes” can save as much as they claim. This is how companies can truthfully state the savings. That is why you really should quote coverage with many companies. You cannot predict with any certainty which company will be your best fit.
Which is the best insurance?
When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage, there really isn’t a “best” method to buy coverage. Your financial needs are unique and your policy should reflect that.
These are some specific questions may help you determine if your insurance needs might need an agent’s assistance.
- Can I get by with minimal medical coverage if I have good health insurance?
- How much liability coverage do I need in Texas?
- Are rock chip repairs covered?
- Is my teenager covered with friends in the car?
- Are my custom wheels covered?
- Am I covered if I crash into my own garage door?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions, then you may want to think about talking to an insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form or go to this page to view a list of companies. It is quick, free and you can get the answers you need.
Claim statistics by make and model
Are you driving a vehicle that ranks well for claims? The data below list the best and worst vehicles for likelihood of having large claims organized by coverage.
Lowest Claim Amount | Highest Claim Amount |
---|---|
Volvo V60 | Porsche Panamera GTS |
Nissan Leaf | Maserati Granturismo |
Chevy Spark | BMW M6 |
GMC Sierra 2500 | Maserati Quattroporte |
Infiniti QX50 | Bentley Continental GTC |
Chevy Silverado 2500 | Audi S7 |
Statistics Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2013-2015 Model Years
Lowest Claim Amount | Highest Claim Amount |
---|---|
Acura MDX | Mitsubishi Lancer |
Audi A6 | Hyndai Accent |
Subaru Outback | Mitsubishi Mirage |
Volvo XC60 | Kia Rio |
Subaru Forester | Chevrolet Sonic |
Fiat 500 | Dodge Charger |
Statistics Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2013-2015 Model Years
Lowest Claim Amount | Highest Claim Amount |
---|---|
Jeep Wrangler | Nissan GT-R |
Ford Edge | BMW M6 |
Ford F-250 SuperCab | Bently Continental GT |
Smart ForTwo | Maserati Ghibli |
Ford F-150 SuperCrew | Bently Continental GTC |
Chevrolet Colorado | Ferrari 458 |
Statistics Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2013-2015 Model Years
Lowest Claim Amount | Highest Claim Amount |
---|---|
Audi A4 Allroad | Nissan Sentra |
Chevrolet Silverado 3500 | Chrysler 200 |
Chevrolet Corvette | Mitsubishi Lancer |
Ford F-250 SuperCrew | Mitsubishi Mirage |
Ford F-350 SuperCrew | Chevrolet Sonic |
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 | Nissan Versa |
Statistics Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2013-2015 Model Years
More effort can pay off
While you’re price shopping online, do not reduce coverage to reduce premium. There have been many situations where consumers will sacrifice liability limits or collision coverage and found out when filing a claim that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. The aim is to purchase a proper amount of coverage for the lowest cost, not the least amount of coverage.
Throughout this article, we presented a lot of techniques to get a better price on auto insurance in Houston. The key thing to remember is the more quotes you get, the better your comparison will be. You may even find the biggest savings come from a smaller regional carrier. These companies may often insure only within specific states and give better rates than the large multi-state companies such as State Farm or Progressive.
Additional detailed information is available at these sites:
- When is the Right Time to Switch Car Insurance Companies? (Allstate)
- How Much are Auto Insurance Quotes for High Risk Drivers in Houston? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Car Insurance Rates for Drivers Over Age 70 in Houston? (FAQ)
- Prom Night Tips for Teen Drivers (State Farm)
- Auto Insurance Basics (Insurance Information Institute)