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Best cheap car insurance in San Antonio for 2024

Updated Oct 25, 2024
Drivers seeking affordable car insurance in San Antonio may want to get quotes from Geico, State Farm and Mercury.
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Best cheap car insurance companies in San Antonio

To help drivers find the best car insurance companies in San Antonio, Bankrate’s editorial team analyzed third-party ratings from J.D. Power along with the latest premium data available from Quadrant Information Services. We looked for Texas car insurance companies whose average rates were below the citywide average of $2,466 per year for full coverage and $745 for state minimum coverage.

Best for discounts

Bankrate Score

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Avg. min coverage premium

$516

Min. coverage

Avg. full coverage premium

$1,843

Full coverage

Why Geico made our list: Geico has the highest Bankrate Score of any carrier on our list, with 4.4 out of 5.0 stars for its auto insurance product. According to our research, Geico typically offers some of the lowest rates on San Antonio car insurance, including those with high risk profiles like young drivers or drivers with violations. The company ranked above average for shopping in the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study, so it may be a convenient option for consumers shopping online for auto insurance.

Why Geico may be best for discounts: Geico’s website lists 16 available auto insurance discounts for factors such as vehicle safety equipment, driving history and driver education. Among Geico’s most generous discounts are a Good Driver discount with potential savings of 22 percent off your premium for staying accident-free for five years and an emergency deployment discount of up to 25 percent for U.S. military members. Geico also offers the DriveEasy telematics app, which could save you money if you avoid unsafe driving behaviors — but unlike some usage-based insurance apps, DriveEasy also has the potential to raise premiums.

Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 4.4
J.D. Power 653/1,000
AM Best Rating A++
Read full review
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Best for policy management options

Bankrate Score

Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3

Avg. min coverage premium

$544

Min. coverage

Avg. full coverage premium

$1,934

Full coverage

Why State Farm made our list: With stellar financial strength ratings and a third-place ranking in Texas on the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study, State Farm stands out for its reliable customer service. The company also scored above average in the 2023 J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. It also consistently offers some of the lowest rates in San Antonio, according to our research. Drivers who want reliable car insurance from a provider with a network of highly rated local agents may want to get quotes from State Farm.

Why State Farm may be best for policy management: The State Farm mobile app gives easy access to policy management tools, from bill pay, claims filing and proof of insurance to autopay enrollment and opportunities to adjust your coverage or get new quotes, earning it an above average ranking the 2024 J.D. Power Digital Experience Study. For drivers who prefer a more traditional experience, State Farm’s extensive network of local agents can help consumers manage their policies and costs.

Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 4.3
J.D. Power 654/1,000
AM Best Rating A++
Read full review
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Best for military-focused coverage

Bankrate Score

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2

Avg. min coverage premium

$589

Min. coverage

Avg. full coverage premium

$1,833

Full coverage

Why USAA made our list: San Antonio’s many military members may be eligible for auto insurance through USAA, which may offer the lowest rates to many U.S. Armed Forces members. Although USAA’s strict eligibility criteria make it ineligible for J.D. Power awards, the company received the highest customer satisfaction score in Texas in the 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study and tied for the third-highest score in the 2023 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. With a high Bankrate Score of 4.2, USAA may be a good choice for anyone eligible for coverage in San Antonio.

Why USAA may be best for military-focused coverage: USAA focuses solely on auto and home insurance coverage and other financial services for U.S. military members and veterans. The company offers unique discounts for vehicles garaged on a military installation, along with storage discounts and flexible payment plans for deployed service members. USAA members also get access to a wide range of financial resources, including pre-deployment support and additional insurance options.

Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 4.2
J.D. Power 710/1,000
AM Best Rating A++
Read full review
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Best for bundling options

Bankrate Score

Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4

Avg. min coverage premium

--

Min. coverage

Not available

Avg. full coverage premium

--

Full coverage

Not available

Why Nationwide made our list: With a strong Bankrate Score of 4.0 out of 5.0, Nationwide is one of the best car insurance companies offering coverage in San Antonio. Nationwide’s two usage-based insurance programs — SmartRide, which offers discounts based on safe driving habits and SmartMiles, which uses a pay-per-mile plan to lower the cost of coverage for low-mileage drivers — could significantly reduce car insurance costs for some drivers.

Why Nationwide may be best for bundling options: In addition to its high Bankrate Score for auto insurance, Nationwide received a Bankrate Score of 4.3 for its home insurance. The company advertises a discount of up to 20 percent for customers who purchase both car and home insurance from Nationwide, which could make it a strong choice for homeowners in San Antonio. Nationwide also offers bundling discounts for auto and renters, motorcycle and renters, multi car policies and customers who purchase auto, home and life insurance.

Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 4
J.D. Power 639/1,000
AM Best Rating A+
Read full review
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Best for lower rates

Bankrate Score

Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8

Avg. min coverage premium

$579

Min. coverage

Avg. full coverage premium

$2,239

Full coverage

Why Mercury made our list: Mercury offers auto insurance rates below the national average for many drivers, along with some less-common coverage options like ridesharing insurance and mechanical breakdown coverage. As a smaller regional carrier, Mercury was not included in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, but it received a 2024 Bankrate Score of 3.8 for car insurance and 4.3 for home insurance.

Why Mercury may be best for lower rates: According to our research, Mercury’s average car insurance rates are below both the state and national averages. In addition to below-average base premiums, Mercury offers a generous suite of discounts. Installing an anti-theft device on your vehicle, opting for autopay or e-signatures and paying your bill in full could all earn you potential discounts from Mercury. Drivers looking for the cheapest rates in San Antonio may want to get quotes and explore their discount eligibility with Mercury.

Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 3.8
AM Best Rating A
Read full review
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Bankrate logo

Bankrate's trusted insurance industry expertise

Read our full methodology

Without up-to-date industry information on the latest rates, it’s hard to find the cheapest car insurance companies in your area. Bankrate’s editorial team, which includes licensed agents and decades of combined industry experience, sources the most recent data from Quadrant Information Services based on ZIP codes in your area. We understand the importance of finding savings while avoiding the pitfalls of poor customer service and overpriced coverage.

46

years of industry experience

122

carriers reviewed

34.5K

ZIP codes examined

1.2M

quotes analyzed

The cheapest car insurance companies in San Antonio

We analyzed the cheapest carriers offering coverage in Texas to find the best cheap car insurance companies in San Antonio. As of October 2024, the three cheapest auto insurance companies in San Antonio are Geico, State Farm and Mercury, with Geico customers paying an average of $516 per year for state minimum coverage. If you’re looking for cheap auto insurance in San Antonio, consider getting quotes from them and the other cheap car insurance companies listed below.

$589
$1,833
$516
$1,843
$544
$1,934
$579
$2,239
$833
$2,397

How much is car insurance in San Antonio, Texas?

The average cost of car insurance in San Antonio, Texas is $2,466 per year for full coverage and $745 per year for state minimum coverage. Full coverage costs 0 percent more than the Texas state average, while minimum coverage costs 4 percent more.

San Antonio rates for teens

On average, 18-year-old drivers in San Antonio pay $7,027 per year for a stand-alone full coverage policy and $2,454 per year for minimum coverage. Teen car insurance rates tend to be well above average because teens lack driving experience, leading to a high rate of accidents and violations in the 16- to 19-year-old age group. Staying on a parent’s policy throughout the teenage years can reduce the cost of coverage for San Antonio’s youngest drivers.

Coverage type
$1,159
$1,028
$1,307
$1,169
$1,414
$1,024
$1,576
$1,286
$1,688
$1,068
*Annual 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.
$3,632
$3,223
$4,002
$3,323
$4,049
$3,676
$4,319
$2,975
$4,454
$3,815
*Annual 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.

San Antonio rates for young drivers

San Antonio drivers aged 25 pay 85 percent less for minimum coverage, on average, than 18-year-old drivers. Rates begin to drop more rapidly after age 25, when most drivers have nearly 10 years of experience.

Coverage type
$1,104
$588
$1,210
$627
$1,260
$722
$1,460
$826
$2,018
$1,246
$3,691
$2,161
$3,719
$2,210
$4,006
$2,165
$4,806
$2,988
$5,911
$4,173

San Antonio rates for adults

In adulthood, car insurance rates typically stabilize, with fluctuations based on changes to your driver profile or market forces such as inflation. On average, a 50-year-old San Antonio driver pays 14 percent less for a full coverage policy than a 30-year-old driver. Keep in mind, though, that your own driving record, coverage needs and vehicle type can affect the cost of coverage.

Coverage type
$520
$516
$497
$533
$544
$525
$627
$589
$566
$635
$579
$563
$795
$792
$763
$1,863
$1,843
$1,726
$1,960
$1,934
$1,807
$1,988
$1,833
$1,707
$2,492
$2,239
$2,083
$2,540
$2,397
$2,256

San Antonio rates for senior drivers

San Antonio drivers typically pay the lowest rates for car insurance as they enter their senior years. However, rates may climb after age 70, as reaction times tend to slow and drivers become more likely to sustain serious injuries in an accident. On average, 60-year-olds with full coverage in San Antonio pay $2,228 per year, 8 percent less than 70-year-old drivers.

Coverage type
$483
$602
$500
$529
$509
$642
$562
$710
$723
$791
$483
$1,874
$562
$1,949
$500
$1,810
$509
$2,193
$764
$2,587

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Advertising disclosure
This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

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 cheapest car insurance in San Antonio by driving record

Your Texas driving record helps insurance companies to estimate the amount of risk you may carry as a policyholder. Drivers with past violations — from speeding tickets to more serious offenses like reckless driving or driving under the influence — typically pay higher premiums to account for the added risk they represent to carriers. Understanding how your driving record could impact your rates may help those seeking affordable car insurance in San Antonio to find a provider with the cheapest rates for their profile.

Car insurance with a speeding ticket in San Antonio

A speeding ticket conviction carries financial penalties and can raise the cost of your auto insurance policy. In San Antonio, drivers with speeding ticket convictions pay 12 percent more for full coverage, on average, than drivers with clean records. At the state level, Texas drivers with speeding tickets pay 12 percent more than drivers with clean records.

$571
$2,059
$613
$2,114
$664
$2,075
$792
$2,740
$825
$3,158

Car insurance after an accident in San Antonio

Drivers with full coverage who are found at fault in an accident pay 55 percent more, on average, than drivers with no accidents on their record. At the state level, drivers with at-fault accidents pay 54 percent more.

$693
$2,323
$715
$2,529
$988
$2,943
$1,214
$4,324
$1,284
$3,946

Car insurance after a DUI in San Antonio

The penalties for impaired driving in Texas include fines up to $2,000 and at least three mandatory days of jail time, with possible jail time up to 180 days. A DUI conviction can also increase the cost of your auto insurance, with Texas drivers with DUIs paying 67 percent more, on average, for state minimum coverage. In San Antonio, drivers with DUIs pay 66 percent more for minimum coverage compared to drivers with clean records.

$799
$2,661
$804
$2,978
$889
$2,849
$965
$2,787
$1,148
$3,420
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Minimum coverage requirements in San Antonio

All drivers in San Antonio must purchase at least the following minimum liability coverage:

  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident

Texas state law also requires insurance companies to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection (PIP) to all customers. However, if you prefer not to carry this coverage, you have the option to reject it in writing. In addition, drivers who choose not to purchase auto insurance at all can satisfy their financial responsibility obligations with a surety bond or a cash deposit of $55,000 with the comptroller or county judge. That said, you are still financially responsible for any accidents you cause, meaning you may have to pay for the injuries and property damage you cause to others if you don’t have insurance coverage in place at the time of the accident.

Frequently asked questions

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze the latest rates in October 2024 for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates include the most recent approved rate changes filed by insurance companies that affect our profile. These revised rates are then weighted based on the population density in each geographic region so that policyholders can see the impact rates have in their areas. Quoted rates are based on a 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 methodology

Our 2024 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.

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.

5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Overall Score
  • Cost & ratings 50%
  • Coverage & savings 30%
  • Support 20%
  • Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the NAIC, were analyzed.
  • Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
  • Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.
Written by
Shannon Martin
Writer, Insurance
Shannon Martin is a licensed insurance agent and Bankrate analyst with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She enjoys helping others navigate the insurance world by cutting through complex jargon and empowering readers to make strong financial decisions independently.
Edited by Editor, Insurance