Best car insurance companies in Austin
When choosing the best auto insurance company in Austin, Texas, it’s crucial to look for a company that shares your values. Whether you prioritize affordability, top-notch customer service, or efficient claims processing, researching your options will allow you to make an informed decision.
To help drivers find their ideal provider, Jerry experts surveyed thousands of verified policyholders nationwide concerning the performance of their insurance providers. The results revealed that the largest and most well-known names—like Allstate or State Farm car insurance in Austin—aren’t necessarily the most helpful or cheapest car insurance companies.
Jerry can help you navigate the world of car insurance in Austin with free quote comparisons and user reviews. Whether you’re interested in exploring State Farm Austin car insurance quotes or Progressive car insurance in Austin, Jerry can help you find the best quality coverage at the cheapest price.
Check out the average monthly coverage cost for some of the top-rated companies in Austin, along with their scores for cost rating and overall performance.
| Insurance company | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost | Cost rating | Jerry rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $50 | $110 | 3.4 | 4.0 |
| Allstate | $50 | $174 | 3.5 | 4.2 |
| Progressive | $63 | $152 | 3.9 | 4.3 |
| Anchor General | $89 | $224 | 4.9 | 5.0 |
| National General | $99 | $223 | 4.3 | 4.6 |
| Dairyland | $118 | $307 | 3.9 | 4.8 |
| Infinity | $140 | $365 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
How’d we get these scores?
Jerry’s experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.
Cheapest car insurance quotes in Austin
The average cost of minimum coverage car insurance in Austin is approximately $92 per month, or $1,112 per year. Upgrading to a full-coverage insurance policy increases rates to $207 per month or $2,489 per year. Compared to other averages, Austin drivers pay approximately 6% more than the state average, and 24% more than the national average.
| Coverage type | Austin, TX | Texas | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| State minimum | $92 | $85 | $77 |
| Full coverage | $207 | $198 | $165 |
Austin drivers can use Jerry to make an informed decision about their insurance options by comparing free quotes. Here are a few of the most budget-friendly prices that Jerry found for customers in Austin.
Best cheap car insurance quotes in Austin
Texas car insurance laws identify the minimum amount of insurance coverage you have to carry in Austin, which is generally the most cost-effective option. However, if you want any vehicle repairs or replacements to be covered, you’ll need full coverage car insurance.
Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in Austin
Before hitting the roads in Austin, you’ll need to meet the minimum car insurance requirements in Texas:
- $30,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $60,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident
The required liability coverage limits are often written as 30/60/25. They represent how much your insurance company will pay to treat any injuries (or fix any damaged property) that result from a car accident you caused. The state minimum insurance is the cheapest option for coverage—and there are several providers who offer it at competitive rates in Austin.
| Insurance provider | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Annual minimum coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $35 | $431 |
| Nationwide | $36 | $441 |
| Allstate | $50 | $602 |
| Kemper | $66 | $787 |
| Mercury Auto | $74 | $885 |
Do you need more than minimum coverage in Austin?
In Austin, most drivers require more liability coverage than the Texas state minimum of 30/60/25.
In 2022, there were a reported 13,000 car accidents in Austin alone1. A little over a third exhibited injuries ranging from minor to fatal—but this category carries an average price tag of $40,000 and up.2
The costs of an at-fault car accident could easily exceed your limits, especially if severe injuries or a total loss vehicle are involved. Plus, Texas’ car accident laws allow victims to file a personal injury lawsuit up to two years after the incident, so your liability coverage might have to last for years.
Even if you don’t go for full coverage, consider raising your liability limits for more robust financial protection.
“A general rule that I recommend is to carry enough coverage to protect your current and future assets – at least $100,000/$300,000 of liability coverage is recommended, but you may need more coverage depending on your financial situation.”
Cheapest full coverage car insurance quotes in Austin
Full coverage auto insurance generally includes liability insurance, plus comprehensive and collision coverage.
- Collision insurance pays for repairs to your car if you hit another car or an object, regardless of fault. It’s a great way to protect your car’s value, especially if you have a young driver in the family.
- Comprehensive coverage pays for repairs or replacement if your car is stolen, vandalized, or damaged by fire, flood, and falling debris—which may be valuable in Austin. While it’s at a moderate risk of wildfires, the number of vulnerable properties is expected to grow over the next 30 years3.
Drivers who lease or finance their cars are usually required to purchase a full coverage insurance policy, but it’s also popular among new, classic, or luxury vehicle owners. If full coverage insurance isn’t relevant to you, check out roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage for more options.
While full coverage is more expensive than the state minimum on a monthly basis, there are providers in Austin that provide lower than average rates:
| Insurance provider | Monthly full coverage cost | Annual full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $133 | $1,602 |
| Mercury Auto | $140 | $1,684 |
| Nationwide | $141 | $1,694 |
| Clearcover | $147 | $1,762 |
| Safeco | $149 | $1,789 |
| Allstate | $174 | $2,083 |
To find the best deals on full coverage or liability-only insurance, try the Jerry app. With Jerry, it takes less than a minute to sign up and get the top five to seven deals in your area. Plus, you’ll have access to a pool of over 100 licensed insurance agents who can help answer your questions.
Average cost of car insurance in Austin
Car insurance in Austin costs an average of $149 per month and $1,800 per year. Austin residents pay an average of $92 per month (or $1,112 per year) for the state minimum coverage. Opt for a full coverage car insurance policy, and your costs will rise to about $207 per month (or $2,489 per year).
There are a handful of factors that raise Austin car insurance costs about 50% higher than the national average:
- Deadly roads: Texas’ rate of motor vehicle fatalities is 17% higher than the national average.4
- High income: On average, Austin residents make more money than the rest of the state, which makes it more likely to hit an expensive car that costs more to repair.5
- High temperature and winds: With a high daily average temperature and nearly 40% more tornado activity than the rest of the country, Austin drivers get charged more for comprehensive insurance.6
Motor vehicle thefts: Texas is the ninth-biggest hotspot for car thefts in the country, which increases the cost of comprehensive coverage.7
Average cost of car insurance in Austin by ZIP code
The local, state, and national average rates can’t tell you what your individual auto insurance costs will be. Each insurance provider uses a different method to calculate premiums, taking into account such factors as your location.
Check out the difference it can make to your premiums by comparing the three cheapest and most expensive ZIP codes in Austin below:
| ZIP code | Average coverage cost |
|---|---|
| 78722 | $50 |
| 78736 | $56 |
| 78701 | $61 |
| 78742 | $162 |
| 78726 | $164 |
| 78681 | $242 |
However, it’s important to keep in mind that these are just averages. Your final rate may be lower (or higher) than the costs listed above based on factors such as your driving history, age, and vehicle type.
Car insurance quotes in Austin by rating factors
Your location tells car insurance providers a lot about your environment, but not your driving habits. To find out if you’re a high-risk driver, insurance companies evaluate your driver profile, which includes multiple rating factors like:
- Demographics: In Texas, your age and marital status can impact your premiums.
- Driving history: You can save money on insurance by maintaining a clean driving record.
- Mileage: The higher your annual mileage, the greater your chances of getting into an accident, resulting in higher rates.
- Security: Private garages, anti-theft devices, and gated lanes deter thieves and reduce insurance premiums.
- Vehicle make and model: Cars that have low purchase prices, low repair costs, and high safety ratings are generally less expensive to insure.
Cheap car insurance quotes in Austin after driving violations
Your Texas driving record is a major source of information used by car insurance companies to assess your likelihood of getting into an accident. If you have repeated small offenses or multiple serious ones, they’ll likely consider you a high-risk driver and charge more.
For example, if you need an SR-22 in Texas, you’ll have to pay an average of $184 per month or $2,217 per year for coverage.
Here are some driving violations that raise providers’ eyebrows:
- At-fault accidents
- DUIs
- Driving on a suspended license
- Driving without insurance
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
Cheap car insurance in Austin after a speeding ticket
A Texas speeding ticket charge can vary depending where you live. Some counties have minimum fines for different speed limits, while others charge $10 per mile over the limit. However, they all have one thing in common: they will raise your insurance rates. Take a look at how much your insurance could increase with a speeding ticket in Texas:
| Violation | Average coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding | $183 | 22% |
To lower your car insurance costs after a speeding ticket, consider enrolling in a telematics program, or shopping for coverage with a different provider.
Cheapest car insurance in Austin after a DUI
The consequences of a DUI in Texas aren’t cheap—and there’s a reason why. According to a recent Forbes Advisor report, Texas was marked as the third worst city for drunk driving in the US, with over 42.3% of traffic deaths caused by drunk driving8.
As a result, the fines for a DUI in Texas are steep, and the rate increases to your insurance can be too. Here’s how much, on average, Texas drivers pay for premiums after a DUI charge:
| Violation | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| DUI | $236 | 57% |
But even with a DUI on your record, you can still find lower premiums. Start by enrolling in defensive driving courses. While this won’t help expunge your Texas driving history, it can help you earn discounts from specific providers.
Cheapest car insurance in Austin after an at-fault accident
Past accidents indicate an increased chance of future ones, so it’s crucial to maintain a clean driving record to find the cheapest insurance in Texas. However, with an at-fault accident on your driving history, you could experience higher than average premiums.
| Violation | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| At-fault accident | $170 | 13% |
Cheapest car insurance in Austin after other driving violations
It’s not just speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs that can cause your rates to rise. Drivers with reckless driving charges, driving on a suspended license, and more can also see higher than average premium costs. Here’s a list of some of the most common infractions and violations, and how they can change your overall costs:
| Violation | Monthly coverage cost | Annual coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | $93 | $1,124 |
| Careless driving | $115 | $1,388 |
| Illegal turn | $120 | $1,446 |
| Other minor | $141 | $1,702 |
| Failure to obey signal | $156 | $1,876 |
| Other major | $239 | $2,874 |
| Unsafe operation of a motor vehicle | $276 | $3,318 |
Cheap car insurance quotes in Austin by age
Drivers who are 25-75 years old often see the best rates, while younger drivers and older drivers experience higher premiums due to their increased risk.
Cheap car insurance in Austin for young drivers
It’s challenging to find affordable car insurance for young drivers because most companies consider them high risk due to their lack of driving experience. Approximately 162 teen drivers involved in fatal crashes in Austin, Texas were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. This makes up 52% of the 320 fatal crashes involving teens in 20229.
As a result, in Austin, drivers aged 18-21 pay some of the highest premiums. Take a look at the average rate teen drivers pay for coverage in Austin, Texas:
| Age | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| 18-21 | $253 | $369 |
| 22-25 | $157 | $241 |
Young drivers should consider sharing a policy with a household member—like a parent or guardian–-to help lower costs. If you desire your own policy, several insurance providers offer student discounts for those who maintain a specific grade point average or who live away from home.
Cheap car insurance in Austin for middle-aged drivers
As drivers gain more experience behind the wheel, their rates lower. Drivers 25-64 see some of the cheapest rates for all age demographics, with rates rising again after motorists turn 65+.
| Age | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| 26-34 | $107 | $184 |
| 35-44 | $94 | $159 |
| 45-54 | $90 | $150 |
While driver premiums are often lower than average for this age group, drivers can still achieve even cheaper costs by looking into car insurance discounts and bundling policies.
Cheap car insurance in Austin for senior drivers
As drivers approach the age of 75, the probability of getting into a car accident and suffering severe injuries increases. To compensate, insurers raise their rates. Here’s a look at some of the average rates senior drivers in Austin pay for car insurance:
| Age | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | $88 | $133 |
| 65+ | $100 | $146 |
Cheap car insurance quotes in Austin based on insurance history
Car insurance lapses can be caused by many things, but insurers usually suspect two reasons: driving uninsured or missing payments. In either scenario, your insurance rates will likely increase as a result. Here’s how much you can expect your premiums to change with a lapse on your record:
| Insurance history | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| With coverage lapses | $166 | 11% |
Cheap car insurance quotes for drivers with poor credit
Your insurance costs can take a big hit from your credit rating. Drivers with bad credit scores (below 600) pay 44% more than those with good credit (over 700) and over 100% more than those with excellent credit (823+).10 You can see the impact of driver credit scores on insurance premiums in the table below.
| Credit rating | Monthly coverage cost | Annual coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| < 600 | $116 | $1,395 |
| 601-699 | $109 | $1,319 |
| 700+ | $93 | $1,117 |
Cheap car insurance quotes in Austin for popular cars
Cars with high-end materials and performance parts—which are costly and difficult to repair or replace—are typically the most expensive to insure. Conversely, cars with affordable purchase, repair, and replacement costs usually get affordable rates.
The only similarities between the two are high safety ratings, anti-theft measures, and driver assistance technology, all of which contribute to lower monthly premiums. Take a look at the average rates for some of the most popular vehicles in Austin, Texas. Where does your car fall?
| Popular vehicle | Monthly coverage cost | Annual coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Civic DX | $98 | $1,182 |
| Nissan Rogue Select | $103 | $1,244 |
| Ford Bronco | $190 | $2,281 |
| Chevrolet Silverado K1500 LT | $115 | $1,388 |
| Toyota Corolla | $102 | $1,225 |
How to lower car insurance costs in Austin
1. Shop around and compare quotes
It’s important to explore the competition when car insurance shopping. Get a quote from at least three companies, and you’ll feel less buyer’s remorse about your final choice.
Requesting quotes can be time-consuming, but it only takes 45 seconds to sign up with Jerry. Answering a few simple questions gives you access to free quotes from dozens of Austin insurance providers in less than a few minutes.
2. Hunt for car insurance discounts
If you find the right car insurance discount, you’ll not only save money, but you could be more motivated to drive safely and keep your grades up. Depending on your insurance provider, you could be eligible for:
- Auto and home insurance bundles: You can combine two or more insurance products—like homeowners insurance, renters insurance, small business insurance, life insurance, or health insurance—to save on both.
- Good driver discounts: Many insurance providers offer discounts for drivers with clean driving records and/or those who avoid filing claims.
- Good student discounts: Are you a full-time student in either high school or college? Do you have a B average or better? You probably qualify for a discount from your insurance company.
- Telematics discounts: Many companies offer easy-to-win discounts to drivers who use telematics to track their driving habits. You might even get a discount just for signing up!
3. Increase your deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage
To avoid sacrificing peace of mind for money, consider raising your car insurance deductible—but keep in mind that this is more of a last resort and should only be done if you can reasonably afford the increase.
FAQ
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How much is average car insurance in Austin, Texas?
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Why is car insurance so expensive in Austin, Texas?
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Who has the cheapest car insurance in Texas?
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How much does car insurance cost monthly in Texas?
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Who is cheaper than GEICO in Texas?
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What city in Texas has the highest auto insurance rates?
Sources
- https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2022/14.pdf ↩︎
- https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/all-injuries/costs/guide-to-calculating-costs/data-details/ ↩︎
- https://riskfactor.com/city/austin-tx/4805000_fsid/fire ↩︎
- https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/state-by-state ↩︎
- https://www.city-data.com/city/Austin-Texas.html ↩︎
- https://www.city-data.com/city/Austin-Texas.html ↩︎
- https://www.nicb.org/news/news-releases/hot-spots-report-shows-vehicle-theft-rates-spiking-different-regions-us ↩︎
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/worst-states-for-drunk-driving/ ↩︎
- https://www.txdot.gov/about/newsroom/statewide/more-teens-dying-in-crashes-because-theyre-not-wearing-a-seat-belt.html ↩︎
- https://consumerfed.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Official-CFA-Credit-Score_2023-FINAL-REPORT.pdf ↩︎
Jasmine Kanter is a non-fiction writer specializing in comprehensive content that\\\’s accessible to beginners, experts, and everyone in between. Since joining the Jerry team, Jasmine has penned over 300 articles on car insurance requirements, driving tips, and car maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry, Jasmine worked as a graphic designer, storyboard artist, and French customer service representative. She enjoys collecting hobbies and babysitting ducks in her spare time.
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.
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.
