Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in Texas (2024)

High-risk drivers in Texas pay higher premiums than the average driver, but you can reduce the costs of auto insurance in a few ways.

Emily Guy Birken
Emily Guy Birken
  • Plutus Award winner

  • 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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Katie Powers
Edited byKatie Powers
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Katie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
  • 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 October 30, 2024

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Cheapest recent rates in Texas for drivers with a traffic citation

Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $40/mo for liability only and $71/mo for full coverage in Texas.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users from Texas within the last 10 days. Last updated on October 30, 2024

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from October 30, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users from Texas within the last 10 days. Last updated on October 30, 2024

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from October 30, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

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 $119 per month for liability insurance, while drivers with a recorded incident pay $155.

Here’s what you need to know about finding car insurance coverage as a high-risk driver in the Lone Star State.

Quick Facts
  • 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

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User Reviews
3.2
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.
$67/mo

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.

Pros
  • 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

Cons
  • Gap insurance not available

  • Policies only available through a State Farm agent

  • Very low rating from customers on Trustpilot

Read more driver reviews of State Farm
Jannie - October 29, 2024
Verified

Good

The insurance is higher than other companies' policies.

Marsha - October 29, 2024
Verified

Friendly agents!

Check out their prices!

Linda - October 29, 2024
Verified

I also have my homeowners insurance with them. I had a fire in my hot water heater and a year later, someone stayed in my house while I was gone for 2 months. I came home to a floating kitchen floor. After these incidents, StateFarm cancelled my policy.

I also have my homeowners insurance with them. I had a fire in my hot water heater and a year later, someone stayed in my house while I was gone for 2 months. I came home to a floating kitchen floor. After these incidents, StateFarm cancelled my policy.

USAA: Best for military members

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User Reviews
3.6
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.
$119/mo

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.

Pros
  • Offers SR-22 certification

  • Rated highly in the 2023 J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study

  • Offers usage-based insurance options

Cons
  • 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

Read more driver reviews of USAA
Kent - October 29, 2024
Verified

Excellent

The insurance is a bit high.

Dorothy - October 29, 2024
Verified

Significant Increase in Policy Payment

Be cautious not to have an accident, as my policy payment increased by $300 a month.

Martin - October 29, 2024
Verified

My Opinion

They have always been there when I've needed them. They're not the cheapest, but I've never been denied a claim.

The General: Best for very high-risk drivers

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User Reviews
2.7
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.
$133/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.
$293/mo

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.

Pros
  • Offers SR-22 certification

  • Competitive prices for very high-risk drivers

  • Has a financial strength rating of A (Excellent) from AM Best

Cons
  • Higher-than-average score on the NAIC complaint index

  • Not rated by J.D. Power for claims satisfaction

  • Limited coverage options

Read more driver reviews of The General
Robert - October 29, 2024
Verified

Don't get lured in by the low rate quotes. They may be low, but all the extra fees they tack on raise that quote by 12-15 dollars a month.

Don't get lured in by the low rate quotes. They may be low, but all the extra fees they tack on raise that quote by 12-15 dollars a month.

April - October 28, 2024
Verified

Coverage is fine, but way too expensive, especially when they advertise 'great low rates'.

I would not advise getting insurance from The General. They are way overpriced, even for just the basic coverage. That's why I found a better company and am now saving about $200.

Alexander - October 28, 2024
Verified

General on Point

Not bad at all.

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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.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, September 1 at 12:00 PM PDT
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$859.3
GEICO$51$939.0
Allstate$66$1208.9
Mile Auto$72$1527.5
USAA$84$1529.4
Nationwide$107$2138.7
Mercury$118$2008.0
Safeco$123$2328.3
Progressive$126$2228.4
Dairyland$135$3517.0
Chubb$145$2646.5
Clearcover$147$2056.8
National General$155$3266.8
Direct Auto$168$3297.3
21st Century$171$3095.9
The General$172$3797.3
Bristol West$179$3855.2
Commonwealth Casualty$188$5155.5
Elephant$190$3218.3
AssuranceAmerica$220$2965.3
GAINSCO$226$4867.3
Liberty Mutual$231$4287.7
Infinity$252$4090.0
State Auto$272$4878.5
Foremost$310$6557.4
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

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.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, September 1 at 12:00 PM PDT
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$909.3
GEICO$54$999.0
Allstate$71$1288.9
Mile Auto$78$1647.5
USAA$90$1629.4
Nationwide$114$2268.7
Mercury$125$2128.0
Safeco$126$2388.3
Progressive$136$2398.4
Dairyland$142$3707.0
Chubb$153$2786.5
Clearcover$165$2306.8
National General$165$3476.8
21st Century$180$3265.9
Commonwealth Casualty$181$4955.5
Elephant$182$3088.3
Direct Auto$183$3577.3
The General$184$4047.3
Bristol West$189$4065.2
GAINSCO$212$4577.3
AssuranceAmerica$229$3095.3
Liberty Mutual$243$4497.7
Infinity$254$4120.0
State Auto$291$5208.5
Foremost$326$6887.4
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

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.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, September 1 at 12:00 PM PDT
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$1119.3
GEICO$66$1219.0
Allstate$86$1558.9
Mile Auto$91$1907.5
USAA$109$1979.4
Mercury$130$2218.0
Nationwide$137$2738.7
Safeco$157$2968.3
Progressive$164$2888.4
Dairyland$174$4537.0
Chubb$185$3366.5
Clearcover$187$2616.8
National General$200$4206.8
21st Century$213$3875.9
Direct Auto$218$4277.3
The General$220$4847.3
Commonwealth Casualty$225$6155.5
Elephant$227$3848.3
Bristol West$231$4985.2
GAINSCO$270$5807.3
Liberty Mutual$276$5117.7
AssuranceAmerica$281$3795.3
Infinity$314$5090.0
State Auto$324$5798.5
Foremost$370$7827.4
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

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.

Good to Know

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.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/5285c4cd74/uninsured-or-underinsured-motorist-coverage.svg

    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]

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/d7333ddf2e/car-and-driving-96x96-orange_046-car-accident.svg

    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.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/c766092b3a/banking-96x96-yellow_031-credit-card.svg

    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.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/789c6c481b/car-and-driving-96x96-green_007-driver.svg

    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.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/7d6bccfe65/car-and-driving-96x96-blue_019-car.svg

    Vehicle type and usage

    What kind of vehicle you drive and how you drive it can affect risk factors.

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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
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
  • 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.

Sources

  1. Texas Department of Transportation. "Texas Open Data Portal."
  2. Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association. "For Insureds."
  3. Texas Department of Public Safety. "Section 9: SR-22 (Proof of Financial Responsibility)."
  4. Texas Department of Transportation. "Impaired driving and penalties - DUI/DWI."
  5. Texas Department of Insurance. "Auto insurance guide."
  6. Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation. "Taking a Driving Safety (Defensive Driving) Course."
Emily Guy Birken
Emily Guy Birken

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.

Katie Powers
Edited byKatie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
Photo of an Insurify author
Katie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
  • 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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