How Will A Car Accident Affect Your Insurance In Texas
by Joe Gamez | Dec 5, 2022 | Car Accidents, Personal Injury |
Beyond medical bills and lost wages, car accidents create all kinds of complications and secondary expenses. If you have been involved in an accident recently, you may be wondering how the incident will affect your insurance premium. As your car accident lawyer in San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, or Austin will tell you, the answer depends on the terms of your policy and whether or not you were at fault.
The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In San Antonio
The cheapest car insurance companies for drivers in San Antonio are:
- Farmers: $824 per year
- State Farm: $941 per year
Current or former military members and their families may opt for coverage from USAA, the second cheapest auto insurance company in San Antonio, at $887 per year.
Farmers has the most affordable full coverage policy in the city. Its $1,812 less than the most expensive policy offered by The General. Full coverage policies provide comprehensive and collision insurance, so your prices will vary depending on how much liability insurance you select.
Cheapest Car Insurance in San Antonio
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MoneyGeek collected average rates for a 40-year-old male driver in San Antonio with a full coverage policy in accordance with our methodology.
Although full coverage auto insurance provides comprehensive and collision coverage, the premiums are substantially more expensive than minimum coverage. However, full coverage policies give you more protection in the event of an accident and help cover costs in case of any damage to your vehicle.
- Comprehensive Coverage: If your car gets damaged outside of an accident, this coverage pays for your repairs.
- Collision Coverage: This coverage pays for the damage to your vehicle if youre at fault in an accident.
Compare Car Insurance Rates in San Antonio
Ensure you’re getting the best rate for your car insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
Required Coverages In Texas
At SafeAuto, were proud of our ability to provide fast and flexible insurance. For car insurance in Texas, we offer flexible plans and low down payments. Select coverage to match your needs and a policy that is unique to you.
Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage claims resulting from an accident that is primarily your fault. The limits in your policy are the maximum amounts your insurance company will pay for bodily injury and property damage claims.
- Liability limits are typically expressed as three amounts separated by slashes written as 30/60/25 or 30,000/60,000/25,000.
Our insurance follows Texas law requirements, which are to maintain liability limits* of at least:
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What Are San Antonios Car Insurance Requirements
Texas requires drivers to have at least 30/60/25 liability car insurance coverage. The state also requires similar amounts of uninsured motorist coverage, though you can reject them.
| Coverage type | |
|---|---|
| $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident | |
| Uninsured motorist property damage | $25,000 per accident |
Although you might consider buying just liability coverage for a vehicle because its usually the cheapest car insurance option, think twice before doing so.
Liability car insurance doesnt protect your vehicle if an accident or some other event damages or destroys it. If you dont have collision or comprehensive coverage in this situation, youll pay for repairs out of your own pocket.
How To Get Cheap Car Insurance In San Antonio Tx
As we mentioned, Texas drivers pay car insurance rates that are higher than the national average. As a result, youre probably looking for ways to save on insurance. Below are a few strategies you can use to get cheap car insurance in San Antonio:
Shop around. Even though all insurance companies consider the same factors when setting insurance rates, you still may end up with a very different quote from one company to the next. Its important to shop around for quotes to ensure youre getting the most affordable rate for the coverage you need.
Increase your deductible. Your deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket for a claim before your car insurance kicks in. You can usually save on your insurance premium by increasing your deductible.
Save with discounts. Most car insurance companies offer many discounts to help you save on your coverage. Popular discounts include bundling your policies, installing a device to track your driving habits, or having a vehicle with certain safety features.
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Buying Car Insurance In San Antonio Tx
Like most states, Texas drivers are required to carry car insurance to legally operate a vehicle in the state. First, all drivers must have both bodily injury liability and property damage liability insurance. Bodily injury liability coverage must be at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident, while property damage liability coverage must be at least $25,000.
Texas isnt a no-fault insurance state. As a result, the driver who is found to be at fault for an accident is responsible for covering all the damages. The liability coverage that all drivers must carry is designed to cover other drivers medical bills and property damage caused by the at-fault driver.
All Texas insurance policies are also required to include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, though drivers arent required to accept it. If you dont want this coverage included in your policy, you must tell the company in writing.
If youre caught driving without the required insurance coverage, you could be subject to a fine of several hundred dollars. Youll also face higher penalties for second and subsequent offenses, including 180-day vehicle impoundment and a requirement that you provide financial responsibility to have your car released. Youll be on the hook for the impoundment fees.
What Will Happen If I Don’t Have Auto Insurance
Driving without auto insurance is against the law. A law enforcement officer will require you to show proof that you have auto insurance during any traffic stop. Your insurance company will provide you with an “insurance ID card” that will qualify as your proof of insurance. The card will explain the basic features of your auto policy, including the dates the coverage begins and ends. You should keep your insurance card with you while driving. If you are unable to show proof of liability insurance, you could face a fine, have your vehicle impounded or you could even have your driver license suspended.
The financial consequences of driving without insurance can be even more severe. If you cause an accident, you will be financially liable for any resulting injuries or property damage. In the event of a serious accident, you may have to pay tens of thousands of dollars out of your own pocket. If you can’t pay the amount you owe, you could be sued, and a court could order that the money be deducted from your current and future earnings. In addition, it could also mean that the person injured in the accident will have difficulty receiving the medical care necessary for a complete recovery.
Read Also: What Do Comprehensive Insurance Cover
Who Has The Cheapest Car Insurance In San Antonio
State Farm has the cheapest car insurance rates in San Antonio for most drivers at $118 a month, on average, for a minimum-coverage policy. Allstate also offers cheap car insurance to San Antonio drivers, with an average rate of $119 a month.
If youre a current or past member of the military, or a close family member of one, you may find the cheapest car insurance in San Antonio from USAA. It charges an average of $64 a month for minimum coverage.
| Company |
|---|
| $129 |
| Note: Average rates are based on non-binding estimates provided by Quadrant Information Services. Your rates may vary. |
USAA is the cheapest car insurance company in San Antonio for full coverage, too, if you qualify. USAAs average rate of $122 a month is by far the lowest in the city for full-coverage policies.
Most San Antonio drivers will get the cheapest full-coverage car insurance rates from State Farm and GEICO. State Farm charges $205 a month for full coverage, on average, while GEICO charges $216 a month.
| Company | |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $256 |
| Note: Average rates are based on non-binding estimates provided by Quadrant Information Services. Your rates may vary. |
In San Antonio, minimum car insurance includes bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. It also includes uninsured and underinsured coverage, unless you reject it.
Cheap Car Insurance In San Antonio
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance in San Antonio at $118 a month for minimum coverage.
Wednesday, August 17 2022By Bryan Ochalla
State Farm, GEICO and Allstate have the cheapest car insurance for most drivers in San Antonio. State Farm leads the way, with an average rate of $118 a month for minimum coverage, though Allstates $119 a month for the same isnt far behind.
San Antonio drivers who qualify may find even cheaper car insurance from USAA. USAAs average rate for minimum-coverage car insurance is $64 a month. Thats nearly half what State Farm and Allstate charge. Only members of the military and certain relatives can buy it, though.
In this article
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We Provide The Best Legal Representation In San Antonio Houston Dallas And Austin
If you have been injured in a car accident, having a personal injury attorney review your case can help you work out the issues relating to your medical bills, your right to compensation, and your insurance premiums. If you need to negotiate with the insurance company or take the other driver to court, we will fight to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. To discuss your claim with us, contact Joe A. Gamez Law Firm, PLC.
Cheap Car Insurance For Drivers With Prior Incidents
If you have a ticket or accident on your record, you can expect to pay more for auto insurance. That’s because your insurance company will likely view a past incident as a sign that you’re a high-risk driver.
State Farm has the cheapest quotes for most San Antonio drivers with incidents on their record.
While it’s difficult to avoid an increase in rates after an incident, ask your insurer if there are any additional discounts you may be eligible for. If you take steps like enrolling in a defensive driving class or adding certain safety features to your car, you may be able to secure lower rates.
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Auto Theft Statistics In San Antonio
Car theft in San Antonio has been increasing over the years, with a record number of vehicles being stolen in 2021 alone. The San Antonio Police Unified Crime Report reported 7284 instances of auto theft in 2021 an 8% increase from 2020. This will likely impact car insurance rates in San Antonio too.
The number of cars being boosted monthly has increased alarmingly to nearly 728 per month. The North, West and Northwest Sides of the city are more vulnerable to break-ins and thefts. However, some areas like the Central, East, and South Sides have seen a decrease in break-ins in 2021.
The police have cautioned residents to take extra measures to protect their vehicles. Uniformed and non-uniformed personnel will be stationed at crowded localations to provide more security.
Which Companies Provide Cheap Full Coverage Car Insurance In San Antonio
The full coverage car insurance quotes in San Antonio vary depending upon the company you choose and their methodology for calculating premiums. Based on customer feedback and our calculations, The General offers the cheapest full coverage at $1248, followed closely by USAA at $1261. The most expensive rates are offered by All State $430 more than the cheapest rate.
| Car insurance company |
|---|
| $1557 |
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How Much Does Insurance Go Up After A Speeding Ticket In San Antonio
A speeding ticket in San Antonio will hike your car insurance rates by an average of 25% , or about $633 yearly. CarInsurance.coms rate analysis shows how much more drivers in San Antonio can expect to pay, on average, for speeding and other common violations.
Minor traffic violations, such as speeding, typically stay on your record for about three years, and you can expect to see the rate increase upon your policy renewal date. More severe infractions, such as DUI, typically stay on your record much longer.
How Can I Find The Cheapest Car Insurance In San Antonio
Arming yourself with information about the average costs for drivers in your area will better prepare you for the real deal. The only way to know for sure what your rate will be is by asking for a quote from car insurance companies.
Don’t worry, Compare.com will handle the heavy lifting for you. Just punch in your ZIP below, respond to a few questions, and you’ll be comparing the cheapest quotes from the many car insurance companies that offer auto coverage in San Antonio.
Find your best rate in just a few minutes
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San Antonio Car Insurance Rates By Credit Tier
If youre not one to give much thought to your credit score, you should. Just like age, ZIP code, and the kind of car you drive all factor into your insurance rates, so does your credit rating. Paying bills on time is just one way to make sure you are keeping your credit score in check. Drivers in San Antonio with an excellent credit score can expect to pay an average of $240 a month in car insurance premiums.
| Avg. Monthly Cost The car insurance quotes, statistics, and data visualizations on this page are derived from Insurifys proprietary database of over 4 million car insurance applications from ZIP codes across the United States. Insurifys data science team performs a comprehensive analysis of the various factors car insurance providers take into account while setting rates to provide readers insight into how car insurance quotes are priced. |
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| Excellent |
Useful Info For Getting Around San Antonio
San Antonio is the meeting point for many major freeways in the state of Texas lookout for heavy traffic when driving! Whether youre a rookie or an experienced driver, follow these useful tips to get an edge over other drivers on the road.
- : The most accident-prone areas include U.S 281 North Loop 1604 East, the South Pan Am Expressway, and Braun Road. The most congested areas during rush hour are the River walk District, I-35, andI-10. If finding parking is a problem, use a parking app like Way.com to reserve a spot in advance.
- Ride-sharing apps: Apps like Lyft and Uber are operational in San Antonio. If youd like a more local rideshare option, you can choose Leep.
- Public Transport: The easiest way to get around using public transport is to use the VIA Metropolitan Transit System. It connects all major landmarks like the Alamo, South town, the Pearl, and more.
- Cycle: Download the SWell Cycle app to rent cheap bicycles for as low as $3.25 for 30 minutes
See what you could save on auto insurance
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Dallas Car Insurance Cost And Quote
The average Texan pays $1,710 per year for car insurance. But like major cities across the country, San Antonio insurance costs are often much higher than the rest of the state.
While auto insurance rates are often high in San Antonio, that doesnât have to be the case. Instead of basing rates on things like where you live, how old you are, or your credit score, Root primarily bases auto insurance rates on how safely customers drive. This means that you can potentially unlock much lower rates with Root than with other auto insurance companies just by being a safe and responsible driver.
Just , hop in the car, and complete the test drive in order to get a quote and see how much you could save. Rootâs sophisticated app will keep track of your driving behavior and assign a score based on how you drive. If you like your quote, you can customize your coverage and finalize your policy details all from your phone. Itâs also easy and convenient to submit claims and manage your policy details using the Root app.
By basing your rate primarily on your safe driving habits, Root could save you up to $900 a year on car insurance. Get a quote.
San Antonio Auto Insurance Coverages And Discounts
- Multi-policy – When you have Nationwide as your insurance provider you can bundle your car insurance policy with home, renters, boat, and multi-car. By protecting your property with Nationwide, you can save money and simply your life.
- Anti-theft – If you have an anti-theft device installed in your car you may be eligible for a discount. Savings vary based on the type of device installed. Proof of installed device may be required.
- SmartRide® program – SmartRide rewards safe driving. Get an instant discount when you sign up. The safer you drive, the higher the discount you could earn.1
- SmartMiles® program SmartMiles is a pay-per-mile insurance with a flexible monthly rate based on miles driven.2
- Safe driver – It is important to maintain a clean driving record. If you have at least 5 years of safe driving, you could be eligible for safe driver discount.
- Good student – Nationwide offers a student discount for drivers age 16 to 24 who maintain a B average or better and are full-time students.
- Defensive driving – This discount applies to drivers age 55+ who have completed and passed a state-approved defensive driving safety course.
- Automatic payments – Get a one-time discount for setting up monthly recurring bill pay from your checking or savings account.
- Accident free – When you maintain an accident-free driving record you could earn up to 10% reduction in your monthly premium.
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