UPDATED: MARCH 14, 2023 | 3 MIN READ
Based on crash data, Texas is one of the worst states for drivers in the country, tied with New Mexico for the number one spot. A high occurrence of driving without a license, driving under the influence (DUI), and other violations all lead to Texas’ highway safety rank. These violations may also mark a high-risk driver in the Lone Star State.
You may be one of Texas’ high-risk drivers if you have high car insurance rates. Below, we look at the average cost of high-risk car insurance for these motorists, the best auto insurance companies for coverage, and how to save on your premiums.
Texas’ high-risk drivers
Suppose you have any of the following in your driving history. In that case, you may be one of the high-risk drivers in Texas:
- DUI conviction
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction
- Multiple speeding tickets
- At-fault car accidents
- Reckless driving
- Operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license
- Operating a vehicle on a suspended license
- Driving while uninsured
- SR-22 insurance requirement
Insurance companies identify drivers based on their risk for claims. When an insurance provider calculates a driver’s premium rate, it evaluates the customer’s driving history and insurance history for risk.
Other types of high-risk drivers in Texas
Insurance companies automatically consider teen, young, and newly licensed drivers high-risk due to driving inexperience. A driver with a low credit score can also be high-risk.
An elderly driver also equals higher risk in the insurer’s eyes, as do owners of expensive or rare cars, simply because the repair costs are much higher than typical vehicles.
Insurance costs for high-risk drivers in Texas
“High-risk insurance” is a term that refers to nonstandard car coverage that costs more than the standard state rate. Texas drivers pay an annual average of over $2,500 for high-risk car insurance, nearly 50% higher rates than a standard car insurance policy.
Your insurance rate as a high-risk driver in Texas depends on your offenses. For example, if you have two or more at-fault accidents in your driving history, the accidents affect your premium much more than a speeding ticket.
Best companies for cheap high-risk insurance for Texas drivers
Some insurance carriers may offer a better premium for high-risk car insurance than others. The premiums vary based on the driving violation, so insurance seekers should compare rate quotes from several providers.
Allstate, Nationwide, GEICO, Progressive, and State Farm are the best cheap car insurance companies for high-risk drivers in Texas. These carriers feature less of a rate increase for certain infractions. Allstate often offers the smallest rate increase for speeding tickets after a DUI, while Nationwide is good after an accident and for teen drivers.
Getting car insurance after other insurance companies deny you
Some drivers face rejection from insurance carriers if they have a poor driving record or a history of lapsed policies. If you need help finding an insurance carrier, the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA) offers coverage for insurance customers other insurers consider ineligible. TAIPA consists of insurance companies licensed in Texas, and each provider takes a share of the risk with a high-risk driver.
TAIPA coverage is only the minimum liability insurance required under Texas car insurance laws and insurance of last resort, so only apply if you can’t find coverage elsewhere.
Managing your rates as a high-risk driver in Texas
If you want to save money on your high-risk insurance, there are several ways to lower your rates. One of the quickest ways to lower your premium is by comparing rates from multiple providers.
Consider the following methods:
Look for discounts
If you have home or renters insurance, you may qualify for a bundle discount, which could save from 1% to 17% on your rates. You could also ask for a telematics discount, which calculates your premium based on your actual mileage.
Consider switching cars or going without a vehicle
If you drive a new or relatively new vehicle, consider trading it in for an older model to save on insurance rates. You can also get rid of excess cars. With many people in permanent work-from-home positions, some drivers may only need one car in a household.
Raise your deductible
Look at your current car insurance policy and see where you can make changes. One of the easiest ways to save a bit on your high-risk car insurance is to raise the deductible on your policy.
Lower your coverage
Do you currently have full coverage car insurance? You might change your coverage to Texas’ minimum requirements for a lower overall premium. Texas requires 30/60/25, or $30,000 for bodily injury per person/$60,000 per accident and $25,000 in property damage liability.
Take a driving class
Some insurance carriers offer reduced rates after a driver participates in a defensive driving course. If you’re over 65, a defensive driving class is one of the best ways to lower your rates.
Practice good driving
Your driving record influences your premium rate. After your charge of any traffic violation, such as a speeding ticket or driving without insurance, be sure you drive carefully. Your driving record significantly influences your insurance premium, and insurers look at your driving record every six to twelve months. As you work toward a clean driving record, you may gradually lower your rate, though the impact of a DUI will stick around for a bit.
FAQs
What’s the cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers in Texas?
The cheapest auto insurance for high-risk motorists in Texas will vary. If you have a DUI, State Farm is a good affordable choice, as is Allstate.
Who sells high-risk insurance in Texas?
High-risk drivers in Texas can choose from multiple national carriers for car insurance. Insurance companies like Nationwide, Allstate, and GEICO all offer high-risk or nonstandard auto insurance for drivers in Texas.
If I’m 19, am I a high-risk driver in Texas?
Yes. Drivers aged 16-19 have the highest crash rate. As a result, you will pay higher insurance rates than drivers older than you. You may lower your rates with some insurance discounts, such as the good student discount.
How do I get high-risk insurance coverage in TX?
You can request high-risk car insurance from Allstate, Progressive, GEICO, Nationwide, State Farm, and other carriers. If you need help finding coverage after denial by other companies, you can apply for coverage through the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association.
How much car insurance do I need in Texas?
Texas state law requires a minimum of $30,000 for bodily injury per person/$60,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability. This is basic coverage. Any higher coverage limits are full coverage.
How to find high-risk car insurance in Texas
Drivers with a DUI and other similar offenses in Texas are often high-risk. Still, sometimes, a driver is risky simply because of their age or exotic vehicle. No matter the reason, a high-risk driver can expect higher insurance rates than the average motorist. You can still manage affordable car insurance with discounts, rate comparisons, and other methods. We help high-risk drivers in Texas compare rates and see how they can save. Retrieve your online quotes now.
