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12+ years writing about insurance and personal finance
Emily is a widely recognized expert on personal finance and has authored several personal finance books. She’s a frequent guest on national and regional media.
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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Updated November 21, 2024
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Table of contents
Finding affordable car insurance in Texas as a high-risk driver can be tough. Insurers may view you as high-risk if you have a history of traffic violations, such as speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, DUIs, or driving without insurance convictions.
Texas requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but high-risk drivers may struggle to find cheap coverage or an insurer that will sell them a policy. On average, Texas drivers with clean records pay $120 per month for liability insurance, while drivers with a recorded incident pay $154.
Here’s what you need to know about finding car insurance coverage as a high-risk driver in the Lone Star State.
Every 66.5 seconds in Texas between 2010 and 2020, someone in the state reported a car crash.[1]
The Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA) is a state program that assigns insurance companies to high-risk drivers previously rejected by at least two insurers.[2]
If you have a conviction for a drug offense, DUI, or driving without a valid license, Texas state law requires you to file an SR-22 financial responsibility certificate.[3]
Best auto insurance for high-risk drivers in Texas
Auto insurance costs can vary depending on the specific traffic violations you have that qualify you as a high-risk driver. The best way to find the right coverage for your needs is to compare quotes from multiple insurers.
You may want to start your search for the most affordable high-risk auto insurance with State Farm, USAA, and The General.
State Farm: Best for low rates
User Reviews | 4.2 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $37/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $69/mo |
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
Charles
November 19, 2024
New Car Price
Ronald
November 19, 2024
State Farm Experience: 35 Years+
David
November 19, 2024
Too expensive
State Farm is a standard insurance company that writes policies for high-risk drivers. Although State Farm’s rates for high-risk drivers likely exceed its premiums for low-risk drivers, the company generally has cheaper premiums than companies that exclusively sell coverage to high-risk drivers.
Offers SR-22 certification
Rated highly in the 2023 J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study
Lower-than-average score on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index
Gap insurance not available
Policies only available through a State Farm agent
Very low rating from customers on Trustpilot
USAA: Best for military members
User Reviews | 4.9 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.4 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $66/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $123/mo |
Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.
Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.
Gloria
November 15, 2024
Not Good for Claims
Martin
November 11, 2024
Price Shopping
Rena Sabine
November 8, 2024
Disappointing and inflexible service
For active-duty military members, veterans, their spouses and children, and pre-commissioned officers, USAA is one of the best options for high-risk insurance. With a very high J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating and programs like pay-as-you-drive, good student discounts for teens, and on-base military discounts, USAA can help you afford auto insurance even after an incident makes it tough for you to find an insurer.
Offers SR-22 certification
Rated highly in the 2023 J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study
Offers usage-based insurance options
Only available for active-duty and retired military members and their families
No live 24/7 customer phone support
Very low rating from customers on Trustpilot
The General: Best for very high-risk drivers
User Reviews | 3.5 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 7.3 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $131/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $286/mo |
Drivers appreciate the best rates and good customer service but dislike the high rates and overcharging.
Drivers appreciate the best rates and good customer service but dislike the high rates and overcharging.
Gary
November 7, 2024
Unsatisfactory Service
Jalonda
November 5, 2024
I loved The General. I had them for 3 years. However, I found better rates elsewhere and I'm now paying only half of what The General was offering, so I had to switch. If they had lower rates, I would have stayed with them.
Sheri
November 5, 2024
Would Never Recommend
The General specializes in non-standard auto insurance for high-risk drivers. That means the company can serve Texas drivers who standard auto insurers have declined to insure. Drivers with a bad credit history, past at-fault accidents, or lapses in coverage that lasted five years or more might find that The General is a good option for their needs.
Offers SR-22 certification
Competitive prices for very high-risk drivers
Has a financial strength rating of A (Excellent) from AM Best
Higher-than-average score on the NAIC complaint index
Not rated by J.D. Power for claims satisfaction
Limited coverage options
Cheapest auto insurance for Texas high-risk drivers with speeding tickets
Exceeding the speed limit can increase your insurance costs. Insurers view drivers who speed as more likely to get into accidents, which means they tend to increase premium rates for drivers with speeding tickets. If you have multiple speeding tickets on your record, your insurance company may even drop your coverage.
Compare average premiums for Texas drivers with speeding tickets below.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Quote: Liability Only ▲▼ | Average Quote: Full Coverage ▲▼ | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|
State Farm | $47 | $87 | 9.3 |
GEICO | $51 | $96 | 9.0 |
Allstate | $68 | $125 | 8.9 |
Mile Auto | $74 | $150 | 7.5 |
USAA | $84 | $157 | 9.4 |
Nationwide | $109 | $200 | 8.7 |
Mercury | $119 | $205 | 8.0 |
Progressive | $128 | $223 | 8.4 |
Safeco | $132 | $236 | 8.3 |
Dairyland | $140 | $358 | 7.0 |
Chubb | $147 | $272 | 6.5 |
National General | $160 | $329 | 6.8 |
Clearcover | $161 | $240 | 6.8 |
Direct Auto | $168 | $322 | 7.3 |
The General | $171 | $373 | 7.3 |
21st Century | $172 | $321 | 5.9 |
Bristol West | $175 | $374 | 5.2 |
Commonwealth Casualty | $189 | $521 | 5.5 |
Elephant | $201 | $330 | 8.3 |
GAINSCO | $230 | $490 | 7.3 |
Liberty Mutual | $276 | $452 | 7.7 |
Foremost | $309 | $655 | 7.4 |
State Auto | $345 | $640 | 8.5 |
Cheapest car insurance for Texas high-risk drivers with an at-fault accident
An accident can happen to anyone, but having an at-fault accident can increase your insurance costs significantly. Insurers view drivers with a past accident as more likely to have another and increase their rates accordingly.
If you have more than one recent at-fault accident, your insurance company may even decide to drop your coverage. At that point, you may need to find a high-risk insurance company to get the coverage you need.
Compare average car insurance premiums for Texas drivers with past at-fault accidents below.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Quote: Liability Only ▲▼ | Average Quote: Full Coverage ▲▼ | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|
State Farm | $50 | $93 | 9.3 |
GEICO | $54 | $102 | 9.0 |
Allstate | $72 | $133 | 8.9 |
Mile Auto | $79 | $162 | 7.5 |
USAA | $90 | $167 | 9.4 |
Nationwide | $115 | $213 | 8.7 |
Mercury | $127 | $217 | 8.0 |
Progressive | $138 | $240 | 8.4 |
Safeco | $138 | $245 | 8.3 |
Dairyland | $147 | $377 | 7.0 |
Chubb | $154 | $286 | 6.5 |
National General | $168 | $348 | 6.8 |
21st Century | $181 | $337 | 5.9 |
The General | $181 | $396 | 7.3 |
Direct Auto | $182 | $349 | 7.3 |
Commonwealth Casualty | $182 | $503 | 5.5 |
Clearcover | $183 | $272 | 6.8 |
Bristol West | $185 | $394 | 5.2 |
Elephant | $194 | $318 | 8.3 |
GAINSCO | $217 | $462 | 7.3 |
Liberty Mutual | $290 | $475 | 7.7 |
Foremost | $324 | $688 | 7.4 |
State Auto | $369 | $685 | 8.5 |
Cheapest car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Texas with a DUI
Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs puts everyone on the road at risk. Texas charges a fine of up to $2,000, imposes up to 180 days in jail, and revokes your driver’s license for up to one year for your first offense.[4]
Insurance companies recognize the dangers of driving while intoxicated and will likely raise your rates or drop your coverage if you receive a DUI conviction.
Below, you can see average insurance premiums for Texas drivers with a past DUI.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Quote: Liability Only ▲▼ | Average Quote: Full Coverage ▲▼ | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|
State Farm | $61 | $114 | 9.3 |
GEICO | $66 | $124 | 9.0 |
Allstate | $87 | $161 | 8.9 |
Mile Auto | $94 | $191 | 7.5 |
USAA | $109 | $203 | 9.4 |
Mercury | $132 | $227 | 8.0 |
Nationwide | $138 | $255 | 8.7 |
Safeco | $156 | $278 | 8.3 |
Progressive | $166 | $288 | 8.4 |
Dairyland | $180 | $461 | 7.0 |
Chubb | $186 | $344 | 6.5 |
National General | $204 | $422 | 6.8 |
Clearcover | $206 | $307 | 6.8 |
21st Century | $214 | $399 | 5.9 |
Direct Auto | $216 | $414 | 7.3 |
The General | $216 | $471 | 7.3 |
Bristol West | $224 | $478 | 5.2 |
Commonwealth Casualty | $226 | $623 | 5.5 |
Elephant | $241 | $394 | 8.3 |
GAINSCO | $275 | $585 | 7.3 |
Liberty Mutual | $330 | $540 | 7.7 |
Foremost | $369 | $783 | 7.4 |
State Auto | $412 | $765 | 8.5 |
Car insurance requirements for high-risk drivers in Texas
Texas requires all drivers to carry minimum coverage to drive legally. Specifically, you must carry enough insurance to cover at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $25,000 for property damage liability.[5]
If you’re a high-risk driver with a poor driving record, Texas may require you to file an SR-22 financial responsibility certificate with the Texas Department of Public Safety. The SR-22, which your insurance agent or company files for you, certifies that you carry the state’s minimum motor vehicle insurance. If you need to file an SR-22 form, you may need to turn to a high-risk insurance company.
If you can’t find insurers that will sell you an applicable insurance policy because of your high-risk status, you can still get minimum coverage through the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA). This program assigns an insurance company to a high-risk driver who’s been rejected by at least two insurers. But you can’t get full-coverage car insurance through TAIPA.
Penalties for driving without insurance
Texas takes driving without insurance very seriously. For a first offense, an uninsured driver will have to pay a fine of $175–$350.
A second offense will result in a fine of $350–$1,000, suspension of license and registration, and impoundment of your vehicle until you can provide proof of insurance. You can face up to 180 days of vehicle impoundment, and you’ll have to pay a $15 daily impoundment fee.
Reasons why drivers are considered high-risk in Texas
Insurance companies determine whether a driver qualifies as high-risk. Insurers look for risk factors that make it more likely that a driver will file a claim.
The following factors increase the likelihood of filing a future insurance claim, compared to the average driver.
Traffic violations and tickets
Texas state law specifies that certain convictions require you to file an SR-22 form, including DUIs, drug offenses, and driving without a valid license. Having too many minor violations and tickets may also make you a higher-risk driver.[3]
Accidents and claims
Having a car accident can increase your rate, even if it’s not a severe accident. At-fault accidents indicate that you’re more likely to file a claim.
Credit and financial history
Texas insurers can use your credit history to help determine your premiums, but they can’t deny you coverage solely because of poor credit.
Age and driving experience
Teen drivers are inexperienced, which makes them some of the riskiest and most expensive to insure. Similarly, older drivers may have slower reaction times than they used to, making them more likely to cause an accident.
Vehicle type and usage
What kind of vehicle you drive and how you drive it can affect risk factors.
How to improve your driving record and lower your car insurance rates in Texas
A high-risk driver in Texas will pay higher insurance premiums than someone with a clean driving history. But you can use a few strategies to improve your driving record and reduce the cost of your auto insurance coverage:
Take a defensive driving course. The Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation will sometimes dismiss eligible traffic citations if the driver takes a driving safety course, and many insurers offer discounts to drivers who complete such a course.[6] Taking a defensive driving class can also help you avoid traffic violations in the future.
Seek out legal advice. Whether you’re facing a citation for a serious violation or need to contest a ticket that you think is erroneous, it’s a good idea to consult a lawyer who specializes in traffic law. They can help you navigate the legal system and potentially minimize the damage to your driving record and how much your insurer raises your rates.
Improve your credit. The Texas Department of Insurance allows insurance companies to use your credit-based insurance score as a factor in determining your insurance rates. High-risk drivers who have bad credit pay more for insurance than low-risk drivers with good credit. Working to improve your credit score — by making on-time payments and reducing your debt-to-income ratio — can help you lower your rates.
Texas high-risk drivers insurance FAQs
Finding the best cheap high-risk car insurance can feel overwhelming. The following information can help answer your remaining questions about high-risk insurance in Texas.
What is the cheapest car insurance in Texas for high-risk drivers?
The cheapest car insurance for high-risk Texas drivers will vary by person. Since insurers use a number of different factors to determine your rates, the best way to find the most affordable high-risk insurance option is to compare quotes.
How long are you considered a high-risk driver in Texas?
If you have to file an SR-22 certificate in Texas, you must maintain SR-22 coverage for two years.
Do high-risk drivers pay lower insurance premiums?
No. High-risk drivers are statistically more likely to file claims than low-risk drivers, which means they could potentially lead to higher payouts for car insurance companies. Auto insurance companies, including high-risk car insurance companies, pass that additional cost on to high-risk drivers in the form of higher premiums.
Why are you getting denied SR-22 car insurance?
Texas drivers have to provide an SR-22 only if the state has suspended their driving privileges because of a traffic violation. Insurance companies consider such drivers to be high-risk and may refuse coverage, which means the insurer won’t provide an SR-22 certificate to the state.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Related articles
More cities in Texas
Sources
- Texas Department of Transportation. "Texas Open Data Portal."
- Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association. "For Insureds."
- Texas Department of Public Safety. "Section 9: SR-22 (Proof of Financial Responsibility)."
- Texas Department of Transportation. "Impaired driving and penalties - DUI/DWI."
- Texas Department of Insurance. "Auto insurance guide."
- Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation. "Taking a Driving Safety (Defensive Driving) Course."
Emily Guy Birken is a former educator, lifelong money nerd, and a Plutus Award-winning freelance writer who specializes in the scientific research behind irrational money behaviors. Her background in education allows her to make complex financial topics relatable and easily understood by the layperson.
Her work has appeared on The Huffington Post, Business Insider, Kiplinger's, MSN Money, and The Washington Post online.
She is the author of several books, including The 5 Years Before You Retire, End Financial Stress Now, and the brand new book Stacked: Your Super Serious Guide to Modern Money Management, written with Joe Saul-Sehy.
Emily lives in Milwaukee with her family.
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Featured in