El Paso, Texas is known by many names—“Sun City,” “the City of the 915,” “El Chuco”—no matter how you know it, El Paso is a city known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and surprisingly low cost of living.
El Paso Car Insurance: Quick Facts
- El Paso drivers pay an average of $188/month for full coverage insurance.
- El Paso drivers pay an average of $70/month for the state minimum.
- Texas state law requires drivers to carry 30/60/25 in liability coverage.
Though the city is sheltered from many of the severe weather events affecting the Texas coast, El Paso is still infamous for violent thunderstorms that can bring hail, high winds, and flash floods. Coupled with its rapidly growing population and increasing population density, this can make finding affordable car insurance a greater challenge now than in years past.
Despite these challenges, El Paso is still a fairly affordable place to shop for car insurance, with most drivers paying an average of just $2,258 per year for full coverage car insurance. But if you know where (and how) to look, you can find quality coverage far below the average cost.
How much does car insurance cost in El Paso, TX?
Drivers in El Paso should expect to pay an average of $2,258 per year or $188 per month for a full coverage policy. Opting for a state minimum policy will cost an average of $920 per year or $77 per month.
Overall, car insurance in El Paso is less expensive than both the state and national average.
| Coverage type | El Paso | Texas | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $2,258 | $3,151 | $3,183 |
| Minimum coverage | $920 | $1,271 | $1,373 |
Learn more: The average cost of car insurance in the US
But car insurance quotes are highly individualized and based on unique factors, like your driving history, age, and credit score. That’s why what you pay for insurance may be much more or less than what your neighbor pays.
To find out what you should expect to pay for car insurance in El Paso, use the Jerry app to compare real quotes from top providers based on your unique driving profile.
Estimate your El Paso, TX car insurance costs
Car insurance companies consider several factors when calculating insurance premiums. The most important include:
- Driver age and experience
- Driving record
- Vehicle type
- Credit history
- ZIP code
Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors to see if you could be overpaying for car insurance in El Paso.
Age and experience
Driving is a skill—like any skill, the more practice you have, the better you’ll tend to be. That’s why teen drivers and younger drivers tend to pay much more for car insurance than older, more experienced motorists.
El Paso drivers between the ages of 55 and 64 see the lowest rates, thanks to years of experience behind the wheel. Senior drivers 65 and over, though, may see a slight increase in rates due to overall changes in health and slowing reflexes.
| Age group | Average full coverage premium |
|---|---|
| 18-21 | $3,195 |
| 22-25 | $1,736 |
| 26-34 | $1,424 |
| 35-44 | $1,178 |
| 45-54 | $1,111 |
| 55-64 | $875 |
| 65+ | $990 |
Pro Tip:Taking a defensive driving course or opting for usage-based telematics policies to track and reward good driving habits can help combat the increased costs of insuring a teen or new driver.
Thankfully, most drivers see their rates begin to drop around the age of 25 and continue falling after that. To continue to save on car insurance as a teen, consider sharing a policy with members of your household or shopping for student discounts.
Driving record
One of the simplest ways to ensure cheap car insurance options in El Paso is to keep a clean driving record. You might not see a major increase from a single speeding ticket or other minor infraction, but repeat offenses, at-fault accidents, and major violations can lead to years of higher car insurance rates.
| Coverage type | Clean driving record | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $1,377 | $1,444 |
| Minimum coverage | $480 | $517 |
Keep in mind that major violations, like DUIs and reckless driving can lead to SR-22 filing requirements—which is a signal to insurance providers that you’re a high-risk driver.
Check out the table below to see how different violations could impact your rate.
| Violation | Average annual premium |
|---|---|
| Failure to Obey Traffic Sign | $3,617 |
| Speeding over 15 | $3,371 |
| DUI | $3,245 |
| Speeding under 15 | $2,151 |
| Other | $1,223 |
Vehicle type
The type of vehicle you drive can affect both the amount of damage you may cause in an accident, and how much it will cost to repair your car. That’s why what you drive is such a big determining factor for both liability and collision or comprehensive policies.
Full size SUVs and heavy-duty pickups, and luxury vehicles tend to cost the most to insure. Midsize and small SUVs and crossovers are typically the most affordable options for insurance.
The table below compares average insurance costs for the 10 most popular vehicles in Texas, according to 2022 data from the Division of Motor Vehicles.
| Model | Average annual full coverage premium |
|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | $1,824 |
| Chevrolet Silverado | $1,992 |
| Subaru Outback | $1,620 |
| Toyota Tacoma | $1,776 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $2,040 |
| Toyota 4Runner | $1,776 |
| Subaru Forester | $1,632 |
| Toyota RAV4 | $1,824 |
| Honda CR-V | $1,764 |
| GMC Sierra | $1,776 |
Credit history
Texas is one of 47 states that permit auto insurance companies to use consumer credit information to set insurance rates. According to a recent study by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), Texas drivers with poor credit scores pay 126% more for the same coverage than those with excellent credit.\
In order to keep your car insurance rates low, maintain a good credit history, and pay on time or in full to earn specific payment discounts.
ZIP code
Your zip code can have a significant effect on your insurance rates, especially if you live and garage your vehicle in an area known for high property crime rates or high accident rates.
The 5 most expensive ZIP codes in El Paso, TX
| Zip code | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|
| 79934 | $217 |
| 79922 | $200 |
| 79905 | $194 |
| 79901 | $184 |
| 79935 | $184 |
The 5 cheapest ZIP codes in El Paso, TX
| Zip code | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|
| 79916 | $73 |
| 79930 | $109 |
| 79902 | $111 |
| 79911 | $115 |
| 79838 | $123 |
Find the best car insurance companies in El Paso, TX
Of course, one of the biggest factors in the cost of your El Paso auto insurance policy is the company providing it. The table below compares average rates for full coverage with seven of El Paso’s most popular insurance providers.
| Insurance company | Average full coverage premium |
|---|---|
| Safeco | $999 |
| Progressive | $1,411 |
| Allstate | $1,418 |
| State Farm | $1,495 |
| GEICO | $1,585 |
| USAA | $1,709 |
| Nationwide | $1,742 |
Why is car insurance so expensive in El Paso?
El Paso’s car insurance rates are typically well below both the state and national averages—but that doesn’t mean it’s not a big expense. Here are some of the key factors driving up auto insurance rates in El Paso:
- High number of accidents: El Paso’s proximity to the U.S.–Mexico border means lots of cross-border traffic, which can increase the risk of car accidents. More accidents can result in more insurance claims, which leads to higher costs for coverage.
- Extreme weather: Though its inland location shields El Paso from the bulk of hurricane and tropical storm damage, the city and surrounding areas are prone to flash flooding, hailstorms, and tornadoes. Increased claims for weather-related vehicle damage can increase the overall cost for insurance, especially comprehensive coverage.
- Uninsured motorists: According to data from the Insurance Information Institute, 8.3% of Texas drivers don’t carry even state minimum liability insurance, driving up auto insurance rates for everyone else.
- Urban density: El Paso packs nearly 700,000 residents into just 257 square miles, leading to a population density that nearly matches that of Fort Worth. Especially during rush hours, this leads to increased chances for traffic accidents and claims, which means higher insurance rates for El Paso residents inside the city limits.
Auto insurance requirements for El Paso, TX
Texas car insurance laws dictate that all drivers must purchase at least the following minimum auto insurance coverage:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability
For most drivers, Texas’s minimum coverage requirements aren’t enough. Given El Paso’s dense population and severe weather, choosing a car insurance policy that includes both collision and comprehensive coverage and increased liability limits is the only move that makes sense.
Cheapest car insurance companies in El Paso, TX
- Increased liability limits: Raising liability limits to at least $100k/$300k/$100k may only increase your premiums by a few dollars a month, but the protection from lawsuits it affords if you cause an accident is priceless.
- Collision insurance: Regardless of whether you’re at-fault in an accident, pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a collision with another vehicle or stationary object.
- Comprehensive insurance: Comprehensive coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle following a non-collision event, like floods, hail, theft, or vandalism.
While higher liability limits and collision and comprehensive coverage are a must, you should also consider adding the following optional coverages to your policy:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: If you’re in an accident caused by a driver with no insurance or not enough coverage, this coverage can kick in to cover your medical bills. This coverage is included automatically in all Texas car insurance policies unless you reject it in writing.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): This no-fault coverage pays for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, and more for you and your family or passengers. Like UM/UIM, it’s included automatically in Texas car insurance policies but can be rejected.
- Medical payments (MedPay): Another way to cover your medical costs. MedPay pays for medical bills for you and your passengers regardless of who’s at fault in an accident.
- Rental reimbursement: When you add comprehensive or collision coverage to your policy, you’ll likely get the option to include rental reimbursement coverage, which can help cover the cost of alternative transportation while your vehicle is in the shop for repairs following a covered accident.
- Towing and labor coverage: This optional add-on gets the help you need when you’re stuck on the side of the road without the hefty cost of a separate auto club subscription.
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Kianna Walpole is an insurance writer and editor with a comprehensive background in consumer behavior and online publishing. With experience in car insurance, maintenance, and repair, she is dedicated to building informative content that helps customers reduce costs while achieving the best service. Prior to joining the Jerry editorial team, Kianna worked as a junior editor in the content marketing industry, using consumer data and key insights to create and edit content for an array of large-scale clients in the real estate, cybersecurity, and healthcare industries.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
As Vice President of Insurance Operations at Jerry, Josh Damico leads teams across product development, operations and carrier relations, integrating Jerry’s smart and fast car insurance customer experience with that of traditional carriers to help customers find savings and coverage. Josh’s nearly 20 years of insurance-industry experience and knowledge generate partnerships with more than 55 name-brand and specialty insurance partners that enable Jerry to serve customers with all types of vehicle and policy needs.
Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. In his most recent role as director of sales, servicing, and underwriting, Josh developed and executed profit and growth strategy for the New England states and New Jersey.
Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College.
*Illustration only. For all the pricing information presented in this article (including various tables), please note that not all customers find savings and the information is for illustrative purposes only. Savings depend on type of car, location, policy features, driving history and other factors. Drivers who switch through Jerry save over $70/month on average.
