Getting a great deal on car insurance can be a challenge, especially if you are buying car insurance in Texas for the first time.
Having the right policy to suit your needs can give you peace of mind and financial security – ensuring you are fully covered on the hazardous roads of Texas. But how do you get that kind of coverage without emptying your wallet?
Did you know comparing Texas car insurance rates can make a massive difference in your premium? You can save up to $658 annually by doing your research and comparing rates. That said, it can be time-consuming to comb through the fine print and find the right deal for you and your loved ones.
That’s where we come in. Using data from Texas-based consumer reports, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you get the best deal for Texas car insurance.
The Top 4 Factors That Affect Your Texas Car Insurance Premiums
Texas car insurance companies consider several factors when calculating your premium:
- Your Driving Profile: Your age, driving experience, volitions on your record, and crash history will all affect your Texas car insurance rates. According to a recent study by The Zebra, people with a clean driving record can save up to 40% on their premiums compared to those with negative marks on their records.
- What Type of Vehicle Do You Have?: We know it’s fun to show off your flashy, high-performance car, but the more your vehicle costs, the more it costs to insure. This is due to the potential for higher replacement/repair costs.
- Your Credit History Can Work For OR Against You: In the Lonestar State, your credit score affects the cost of your Texas car insurance premium – the higher the score, the lower the cost.
- Uncontrollable External Factors in Your Area: Things like high crime rates and patterns of bad weather in your area can directly influence the cost of your Texas car insurance. Believe it or not, premiums can be 20% higher in high-theft areas with high-risk crime rates than in lower-risk areas.
The Best Ways to Save Money on Your Texas Car Insurance
The Lonestar State is home to some of the highest premiums at around $291 per month – making getting car insurance in Texas a huge financial burden for many families. Here are some helpful tips from Texas lawyers on how to cut costs without cutting your coverage:
It Doesn’t Hurt to Shop Around
Unlike most things in life, loyalty doesn’t always pay off when it comes to Texas car insurance. Consumer reports show that 70% of people who switched insurers in the past five years did so because they found a better deal. We recommend comparing rates at least every few years to ensure you’re always getting the best deal available.
Keep Your Insurer Up-to-Date on Life Changes
You may be surprised to hear this, but even the small life changes can affect your premium. Let your insurer know whether you’re tying the knot or taking a quicker route to work because it can help you lower your annual rate.
It Pays to be Defensive…At Least When it Comes to Driving
Many insurers offer significant discounts if you complete a state-approved defensive driving course. Texas drivers can save up to 10% on their insurance annually for their efforts.
Don’t Skimp on Liability Coverage When Shopping for Texas Car Insurance
You might pay more in the short term for higher liability coverage, but it can actually protect you from huge out-of-pocket costs in the long run if you’re ever in a severe accident.
There Are Discounts Out There, So Let’s Find Them!
In the world of online shopping, there is almost always a way to find a discount. The same goes for Texas car insurance! Insurance providers typically offer discounts for things such as:
- Bundling policies
- Recently lowered annual mileage
- Good academic records for teen drivers
Keep a Clean Driving Record and Good Credit
These factors, while seemingly obvious, will impact your premiums more than almost anything else. It has been shown that drivers with poor credit are likely to pay up to 114% more for full coverage car insurance. Just remember: the higher you score and the cleaner your record – the lower your insurance cost will be.
Choose Your Vehicle (and Driver) Wisely
Insurance costs can vary significantly by mode (car or motorcycle), model, and even the color of your vehicle. An expensive, cherry red sports car will run you a higher insurance rate than a safe, family-friendly economy car.
Additionally, it is important to match the right driver to the best vehicle for their needs. For example, you should take into consideration each person’s commute distance versus the car’s value.
A Driver Monitoring Program Can Be Your Best Friend
Many insurers offer special discounts if you give them permission to monitor your driving habits. They’ll collect data to help determine if you’re a safe driver. If they approve of your cautious driving skills, you’ll receive lower premiums for your Texas car insurance.
A Few Things to Consider When Getting Car Insurance in Texas
Cost should never be the only factor you consider when buying car insurance in Texas for the first time. To make a well-informed decision, you may consider the following:
- Coverage Options: Ideally, you’ll find a Texas car insurance company that will let you customize the policy based on your unique needs.
- Customer Service and Claims Support: Reviews and satisfaction ratings are a powerful tool. Take some time to see how each company handles claims and see what their current customers say about their experience.
- Discounts and Rewards: Look for a company that offers discounts for good students, safe driving, bundling policies, and more to keep your costs down in the long run.
- Premium Costs and Deductibles: Premiums are not the only costs to consider. Sometimes, a lower premium may seem like a great deal, but it could come with a much higher deductible – which means you’d have to pay more out-of-pocket if you’re ever in an accident.
- Digital Tools and Accessibility: Online tools, apps, or customer portals for easy policy management add a lot of value to your chosen Texas car insurance company because they make it easier to file and manage claims.
How the Lawyers at Angel Reyes & Associates Can Help You Get the Best Deal for Your Texas Car Insurance
Our goal in creating this guide is to make you feel more confident and informed as you go about getting car insurance in Texas. That said, we understand that questions will come up, and the compassionate team at Angel Reyes & Associates is here to help with a free consultation.
We are here for you 24/7 to help if you need to file a claim or handle an insurance dispute. Having the right insurance is essential, but knowing your rights and having legal representation when needed is equally important.
Don’t wait, don’t hesitate. Contact us today for a free consultation, or stop by one of our offices in Dallas, Fort-Worth, Houston, or Austin so we can discuss your case face-to-face. You’re in good hands with Angel Reyes & Associates.
