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Best cheap car insurance in Houston for 2024
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Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
The best car insurance companies in Houston
Bankrate’s insurance editorial team analyzed average premiums obtained from Quadrant Information Services to identify companies offering the cheapest car insurance in Houston. But drivers here may also want to consider other factors in their search for the best auto insurer in Texas. Our proprietary Bankrate Score goes beyond average rates to look at potential discounts, coverage options, policy features, digital tools and third-party data on customer satisfaction and financial strength to rate each provider out of a possible five points. The carrier details below are designed to help you quickly compare providers and choose which ones to get quotes from.
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why Geico made our list: Geico is well known for its cost-effective car insurance and nationwide availability. The company’s digital resources and online chat functionality make it easy for those who like to manage their policies when and where it’s most convenient. For policyholders who prefer a more personal touch, Geico has several local agents throughout the Houston area.
Why Geico is the cheapest auto insurance overall: Our review of data from Quadrant Information Services shows that Geico has the cheapest average rates for full and minimum coverage car insurance in Houston. This company also has a wide variety of discount opportunities not found with other providers, such as savings for certain club memberships and professional affiliations.
| Bankrate Score | 4.4 |
| J.D. Power | 801/1,000 |
| AM Best score | A++ |
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why State Farm made our list: Not only is State Farm one of the cheapest car insurance companies in Houston on average for full coverage, but it also earned a solid Bankrate Score of 4.2. In Texas, the company ranks second place for overall customer satisfaction in the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study, so it might be a good choice for drivers who value a positive customer experience. Teen drivers may want to consider State Farm, as well — it offers several teen driver discount opportunities and potential savings for teens who enroll in its Steer Clear telematics program. However, State Farm does not offer gap insurance, which could be a drawback for drivers with new vehicles.
Why State Farm is the best for local agents: Houston drivers who prefer to have an agent help them with their policies in person may appreciate that State Farm has agents throughout the Houston area. Texas sees its fair share of extreme weather, so having access to local agents may be beneficial during a catastrophic loss.
| Bankrate Score | 4.3 |
| J.D. Power | 838/1,000 |
| AM Best score | A++ |
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why USAA made our list: With a strong Bankrate Score and cheap average rates, USAA may offer the best car insurance in Houston for some drivers. The company also earned the highest J.D. Power score in Texas for customer satisfaction; however, USAA is not eligible for official ranking due to its eligibility restrictions. Regardless, it might be a good option for those in the National Guard or those stationed at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base who value good customer service and coverage tailored to the military.
Why USAA is the best for military-focused coverage: Since coverage with USAA is limited to active-duty military, veterans and their immediate family members, many benefits are geared to meet this cohort’s needs. USAA allows members to select their own due date, and members who are deployed may save money with USAA’s storage plan.
| Bankrate Score | 4.2 |
| J.D. Power | 860/1,000 |
| AM Best score | A++ |
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why Mercury made our list: Even though Mercury is a lesser-known insurance company than others on our list, it offers Houston drivers cheap average rates and lots of optional endorsements, including rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance. The company does not offer gap insurance, though, so it may not be the best choice for drivers who recently purchased a new car with a loan.
Why Mercury is the best for rideshare coverage: Not all car insurance companies offer rideshare insurance. Even if they do, it might come with stipulations like coverage that only applies while passengers are in the vehicle. Mercury offers ride-hailing insurance with coverage for policyholders throughout all ridesharing phases and personal use.
| Bankrate Score | 3.8 |
| J.D. Power | |
| AM Best score | A |
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why National General made our list: National General is an Allstate subsidiary with nationwide availability and various discount options. This company also offers standard and preferred tiered packages called Customer360 coverage. If your vehicle is damaged in a covered claim, you may have the repairs permanently guaranteed if you use a National General Gold Medal Repair Shop.
Why National General is the best for high-risk drivers: For Houston drivers classified as high-risk due to poor credit, multiple moving violations or several accidents, National General may offer you cheaper car insurance rates than other carriers. National General has policies designed specifically for high-risk drivers. If your license is suspended or you’re convicted of a DUI, National General can file an SR-22 on your behalf to help you meet state requirements.
| Bankrate Score | 3.3 |
| J.D. Power | |
| AM Best score | A+ |
Bankrate's trusted insurance industry expertise
Read our full methodologyBankrate's editorial team, which includes licensed agents with real-world experience, understands that providing simple and accurate information can help you make the best decisions regarding auto insurance and your personal finances. The average rates we provide are determined by analyzing recently quoted premium data from Quadrant Information Services. We combine this information with third-party customer satisfaction reviews, financial strength ratings, coverage availability and carrier perks and drawbacks to highlight top companies that may meet your needs.
46
years of industry experience
122
carriers reviewed
34.5K
ZIP codes examined
1.2M
quotes analyzed
The cheapest car insurance companies in Houston
Houston is the fourth most populated city in the U.S. and a hot tourist destination, which means you can typically count on dense traffic here. Additionally, Texas has historically experienced natural hazards that can damage vehicles, such as wildfires, tornadoes and flooding. Since population and climate play a role in the price of auto insurance, Houston drivers may need help finding affordable car insurance in Texas.
| Insurance company | Average annual min coverage premium | Average annual full coverage premium |
|---|---|---|
|
$564
|
$1,957
|
|
|
$592
|
$2,107
|
|
|
$614
|
$2,121
|
|
|
$719
|
$2,236
|
|
|
$664
|
$2,629
|
How much is car insurance in Houston, Texas?
Houston drivers pay an average of $835 per year for minimum-required car insurance. This is 19 percent more than the state’s average cost. Full coverage car insurance in Houston averages $2,804 per year, which is 14 percent more than the state average. However, you can still find affordable options. Here are our picks for the best cheap car insurance in Houston to help give you a starting point in your search for the right policy.
Houston rates for teens
Car insurance companies factor a driver’s age into their rates in most states — Texas included. Teen drivers tend to pay more for auto insurance than any other age group as driving stats show that young drivers speed more and don’t regularly wear a seat belt. These behaviors are tied to more frequent accidents and higher fatality rates.
Teen drivers are typically categorized as high-risk but can usually save a significant amount of money by remaining on their parents’ car insurance policy for as long as possible.
| Insurance company | 16-year-old* | 18-year-old* |
|---|---|---|
|
$1,282
|
$1,137
|
|
|
$1,443
|
$1,291
|
|
|
$1,612
|
$1,173
|
|
|
$1,757
|
$1,117
|
|
|
$1,831
|
$1,490
|
| Insurance company | 16-year-old* | 18-year-old* |
|---|---|---|
|
$4,032
|
$3,574
|
|
|
$4,407
|
$3,987
|
|
|
$4,550
|
$3,786
|
|
|
$5,037
|
$3,472
|
|
|
$5,198
|
$4,452
|
Houston rates for young drivers
Car insurance rates start to decline as drivers get older and gain more experience. Around the age of 20, many young adults move out on their own. At this point, some insurers require young drivers to purchase their own policy. While rates can be expensive, you may be able to save by looking into discounts for completing a driver training course, getting good grades or something else (depending on the carrier). Or if the insurer allows it, a young driver may find their rates to be significantly cheaper if they remain on their parents’ policy until age 25.
| Insurance company | 20-year-old | 25-year-old |
|---|---|---|
|
$1,029
|
$775
|
|
|
$1,228
|
$647
|
|
|
$1,311
|
$680
|
|
|
$1,687
|
$946
|
|
|
$2,280
|
$860
|
| Insurance company | 20-year-old | 25-year-old |
|---|---|---|
|
$3,380
|
$2,675
|
|
|
$4,124
|
$2,386
|
|
|
$4,306
|
$2,316
|
|
|
$5,635
|
$3,523
|
|
|
$6,017
|
$2,616
|
Houston rates for adults
After age 25, the youthful driver rating factors are removed. Drivers who have maintained a clean driving record may transition into the standard risk group or even the preferred risk group if they meet the insurance company's underwriting criteria. According to data from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), crash fatality rates among adults usually remain fairly consistent, so age doesn’t usually influence rates as much as it did when drivers are younger.
| Insurance company | 30-year-old | 40-year-old | 50-year-old |
|---|---|---|---|
|
$564
|
$564
|
$545
|
|
|
$586
|
$592
|
$578
|
|
|
$653
|
$614
|
$596
|
|
|
$714
|
$719
|
$671
|
|
|
$720
|
$664
|
$644
|
| Insurance company | 30-year-old | 40-year-old | 50-year-old |
|---|---|---|---|
|
$1,966
|
$1,957
|
$1,831
|
|
|
$2,157
|
$2,107
|
$1,988
|
|
|
$2,315
|
$2,121
|
$1,980
|
|
|
$2,365
|
$2,236
|
$2,100
|
|
|
$2,886
|
$2,629
|
$2,440
|
Houston rates for senior drivers
Later in life, car insurance rates can get more expensive again. Changes in reaction time and worsening vision can start to impact driving and the ability to avoid accidents and sudden changes in road conditions. Houston drivers who complete a defensive driving course or choose a low-mileage plan may be able to combat rising costs with discounts.
| Insurance company | 60-year-old | 70-year-old |
|---|---|---|
|
$528
|
$656
|
|
|
$550
|
$583
|
|
|
$580
|
$737
|
|
|
$585
|
$742
|
|
|
$659
|
$779
|
| Insurance company | 60-year-old | 70-year-old |
|---|---|---|
|
$528
|
$2,004
|
|
|
$550
|
$1,997
|
|
|
$585
|
$2,251
|
|
|
$659
|
$2,394
|
|
|
$580
|
$2,568
|
The cheapest car insurance in Houston by driving record
Your driving record is one of the most impactful factors when it comes to car insurance rates. As much as we try, mistakes can happen — most people experience an accident or moving violation at some point. Our editorial team analyzed proprietary data provided by Quadrant Information Services to help you find the cheapest Houston car insurance if your driving record is less than perfect.
Car insurance with a speeding ticket in Houston
Speeding increases your risk of an accident and can cause heavy fines and higher auto insurance rates. According to the City of Houston's fine schedule, speeding tickets can cost drivers as much as $534. Houston's average cost of full coverage car insurance after a speeding conviction is $3,147 per year — 12 percent more than the city average for driver’s with a clean record. However, not all carriers rate speeding tickets the same way. Comparing quotes from several carriers can help you find the most affordable coverage.
| Insurance company | Average min coverage rate | Average full coverage rate |
|---|---|---|
|
$625
|
$2,187
|
|
|
$666
|
$2,299
|
|
|
$693
|
$2,404
|
|
|
$816
|
$2,913
|
|
|
$905
|
$3,105
|
Car insurance after an accident in Houston
Car accidents can occur for many reasons. Drowsy driving, speeding and distracted driving are just a few. If you are considered at-fault for an accident, it can drastically increase your auto insurance premiums. In Houston, the average cost of full coverage car insurance after an at-fault accident is $4,317 per year. This is 0 percent more than average cost of car insurance for drivers with a clean record here.
| Insurance company | Average min coverage rate | Average full coverage rate |
|---|---|---|
|
$757
|
$2,543
|
|
|
$776
|
$2,697
|
|
|
$1,030
|
$3,414
|
|
|
$1,130
|
$3,417
|
|
|
$1,403
|
$5,075
|
Car insurance after a DUI in Houston
For drivers with a DUI, finding car insurance can be a challenge. Impaired or drunk driving is considered a high-risk behavior that not all insurance companies can underwrite. If you have received a DUI and are required to file an SR-22 in Texas, you can ask your insurer if they are willing to file one on your behalf. If not, you’ll need to seek out a new insurance company.
On average, Houston drivers pay $4,176 for full coverage car insurance after receiving a DUI. This is 0 percent more than the Houston average for the same level of coverage.
| Insurance company | Average min coverage rate | Average full coverage rate |
|---|---|---|
|
$832
|
$2,602
|
|
|
$888
|
$2,869
|
|
|
$927
|
$3,492
|
|
|
$953
|
$3,136
|
|
|
$973
|
$3,127
|
Minimum coverage requirements in Houston
Like most states, car insurance is required to drive legally in Texas. Houston drivers must carry at least the following car insurance coverage to meet the state’s minimum requirements:
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person
- $60,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability per accident
Insurers in Texas must also offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, along with personal injury protection (PIP), but policyholders can reject these coverage types in writing. Most experts recommend purchasing more than minimum insurance, though, since it does not cover the cost of damage to your own vehicle if you cause an accident. Minimum coverage could also leave you vulnerable in the event your vehicle is damaged by weather, vandalized or stolen and unrecoverable. For better financial protection, consider adding collision and comprehensive coverage, often informally referred to as full coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze April 2024 July 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a single, 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2022 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket and single DUI conviction.
Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 20-70 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.Teens: Rates were determined by adding a 16- or 18-year-old teen to their 40-year-old married parents' policy. The rates displayed reflect the total cost of a driver this age added to their parents’ policy.
Bankrate Score
Our Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.
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Cost & ratings 50%
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Coverage & savings 30%
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Support 20%
Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlighting where they fall short.
