Find Cheaper Texas Car Insurance Rates for Drivers With a Bad Driving Record

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Jeffrey Johnson

Insurance Lawyer

Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also earned an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman Univer...

Insurance Lawyer

UPDATED: Mar 27, 2024

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You’ve seen the captivating ads from insurers like GEICO and State Farm that say if you switch you’ll get enormous savings. So drivers should just choose one randomly, right?

It’s not that easy, however, as there are a whole bunch of unknown elements such as the amount of liability coverage you need, whether you have good or poor credit, whether you are married or single, and if you are insuring for full coverage or just liability only, that all have an effect on the price. This article will discuss the best ways to pay less and will hopefully give you a good beginning to your quest for cheaper car insurance in Texas.

When shopping for the cheapest insurance for bad drivers, one of the many components that help determine insurance cost is where your car is garaged. Cities with larger populations or higher claim trends like McAllen, Dallas, and Laredo tend to have more expensive car insurance rates, whereas cities that are not as densely populated benefit from having to pay less for coverage.

The following table lists the most expensive places in Texas for drivers with a bad driving record in which to purchase auto insurance.

 

How much does auto insurance cost in Texas?
Rank City Premium Per Year
1 McAllen $1,956
2 Brownsville $1,927
3 Dallas $1,855
4 Houston $1,853
5 Laredo $1,851
6 Mesquite $1,825
7 Grand Prairie $1,811
8 Amarillo $1,804
9 Garland $1,796
10 Pasadena $1,794
11 Beaumont $1,754
12 Irving $1,719
13 Arlington $1,709
14 San Antonio $1,688
15 Austin $1,676
16 Lubbock $1,665
17 Carrollton $1,647
18 Corpus Christi $1,636
19 Fort Worth $1,621
20 Plano $1,608
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Price information shown is comparative as specific location information can raise or lower price quotes substantially.

The type of vehicle that needs insurance is one of the main factors when comparison shopping for cheap insurance for drivers with a bad driving record in Texas. Vehicles with limited top-end speed, an excellent safety record, or a positive history of liability claims will cost substantially less to insure than adrenaline junky models. The information below shows car insurance premiums for a number of the most economical vehicles to insure in Texas.

 

Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates for Drivers with a Bad Driving Record in Texas
Make and Model Estimated Cost for Full Coverage
Hyundai Elantra GLS Touring Station Wagon $3,445
Ford Escape XLS 2WD $3,452
Honda CR-V LX 4WD $3,582
Chevrolet Traverse LT AWD $3,705
Honda Accord EX-L 4-Dr Sedan $3,817
Toyota Prius $3,869
Dodge Grand Caravan SE $3,901
Kia Forte LX 4-Dr Sedan $4,047
Subaru Outback 2.5I $4,088
Subaru Forester XT Limited Edition W/Navigation AWD $4,106
Ford Explorer Limited 4WD $4,122
Ford Focus S 4-Dr Sedan $4,200
Ford Edge Limited 2WD $4,206
Chevrolet Impala LS $4,200
Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 2WD $4,205
Hyundai Tucson Limited 2WD $4,241
Volkswagen Jetta LE 4-Dr Sedan $4,250
Toyota RAV4 Limited 4WD $4,245
Toyota Corolla S $4,266
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4WD $4,291
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Prices based on married female driver age 40, two speeding tickets, two at-fault accidents, $1,000 deductibles, and Texas minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-vehicle, homeowner, and multi-policy. Premium amounts do not factor in specific location information which can impact premium rates substantially.

Looking at the data, we can infer that cars like the Hyundai Elantra, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Traverse, and Honda Accord are going to be the cheapest vehicles to insure for bad drivers. Rates will be more costly because there is more claim exposure for drivers with a bad driving record, but generally speaking those makes and models will have the cheapest car insurance rates compared to other types of vehicles.

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Get discount Texas car insurance rates

Save on insurance for bad drivers in TexasInsurance providers that offer cheap insurance for drivers with a bad driving record in Texas may have premium discounts that may potentially lower prices by as much as 40% or more if you are eligible. Larger insurance companies and a summarized list of policyholder discounts include:

  • GEICO may include discounts for driver training, defensive driver, daytime running lights, five-year accident-free, and membership and employees.
  • SAFECO offers discounts including bundle discounts, safe driver, anti-lock brakes, accident prevention training, homeowner, teen safety rewards, and multi-car.
  • State Farm has savings for Drive Safe & Save, good driver, safe vehicle, multiple autos, and driver’s education.
  • MetLife policyholders can earn discounts including good student, multi-policy, accident-free, defensive driver, claim-free, good driver
  • 21st Century has discounts for theft prevention, driver training, 55 and older, good student, and student driver.
  • Progressive offers premium reductions for online signing, continuous coverage, online quote discount, homeowner, multi-vehicle, and good student.

The example below visualizes the comparison of auto insurance rates with and without discounts. The price estimates are based on a female driver, one accident and three citations, Texas state minimum liability limits, full physical damage coverage, and $250 deductibles.

The first bar for each age group shows the price with no discounts. The second shows the rates with multiple policy, marriage, paid-in-full, paperless filing, homeowner, and multiple vehicle discounts applied. When taking advantage of discounts, the average amount saved on insurance for drivers with a bad driving record is 28% or $981.

Cost difference between full coverage and liability

Finding cheap insurance for drivers with a bad driving record in Texas is the goal of most people, and a good way to save on the cost of insurance is to not buy full coverage. The chart below compares auto insurance rates with and without physical damage coverage. The premiums are based on a clean driving record, no claims, $250 deductibles, drivers are single, and no additional discounts are factored in.

Averaged out for all age groups, comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy costs $2,671 per year more than carrying just liability coverage. That is a large expense which might make you wonder if buying full coverage is worth the expense. There isn’t a steadfast formula of when to stop paying for physical damage insurance, but there is a guideline you can consider. If the annual cost of coverage is more than 10% of the settlement you would receive from your company, then you might want to consider buying only liability coverage.

Cautious Texas drivers save money

A great way to score low insurance rates in Texas for bad drivers is to be an attentive driver and not have accidents or get tickets. The illustration below demonstrates how traffic citations and accidents can raise insurance rates for each age group. The data assumes a married female driver, full physical damage coverage, $100 deductibles, and no discounts are taken into consideration.

In the previous chart, the average cost of car insurance per year with no accidents and a clean driving record is $1,682. Get written up for two speeding tickets and the average cost swells to $2,397, an increase of $715 each year. Then include two accidents along with the two speeding tickets and the yearly cost of insurance for drivers with a bad driving record increases to an average of $4,930. That’s an increase of $3,248, or $271 per month, just for not keeping your driving record clean!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do drivers with a bad driving record typically face higher car insurance rates in Texas?

Drivers with a bad driving record typically face higher car insurance rates in Texas because insurance companies consider them to be high-risk individuals. A bad driving record may include traffic violations, accidents, or DUI convictions. Insurance companies view these drivers as more likely to file claims in the future, resulting in higher premiums.

Are there any discounts or programs available to help drivers with a bad driving record save on car insurance in Texas?

While discounts for drivers with a bad driving record may be limited, some insurance companies in Texas offer programs to help them save on car insurance. These programs may include defensive driving courses or usage-based insurance programs that track driving behavior. It’s best to check with various insurers to explore any available options.

How can I find cheaper car insurance rates in Texas with a bad driving record?

To find cheaper car insurance rates in Texas with a bad driving record, consider the following steps:

  1. Shop around and compare quotes: Obtain quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the most affordable option for your situation.
  2. Look for specialized insurers: Some insurance companies specialize in providing coverage to drivers with a bad driving record. These insurers may offer more competitive rates.
  3. Improve your driving record: Focus on practicing safe driving habits, avoiding traffic violations, and maintaining a clean driving record over time. As your record improves, you may become eligible for lower insurance rates.
  4. Increase deductibles: Opting for higher deductibles can lower your premiums, but remember that you’ll need to pay more out of pocket in case of an accident.
  5. Seek discounts: Inquire about any available discounts, such as bundling policies, completing defensive driving courses, or maintaining a certain length of continuous coverage.

Is it possible to get car insurance with a bad driving record in Texas?

Yes, it is possible to get car insurance with a bad driving record in Texas. However, it may be more challenging and expensive compared to drivers with a clean record. Some insurance companies may be more willing to provide coverage than others, so it’s important to explore different options and compare quotes.

How long does a bad driving record affect car insurance rates in Texas?

The duration of how long a bad driving record affects car insurance rates in Texas may vary depending on the insurance company’s policies. Typically, violations and accidents remain on your driving record for several years. However, as time passes without any new incidents, your insurance rates may gradually decrease.

Are there any steps I can take to improve my driving record and potentially lower my insurance rates in the future?

Yes, there are steps you can take to improve your driving record and potentially lower your insurance rates in the future:

  • Obey traffic laws and practice safe driving habits.
  • Attend defensive driving courses to enhance your skills and knowledge.
  • Maintain continuous coverage without any lapses.
  • Avoid traffic violations and accidents.
  • Consider usage-based insurance programs that track your driving behavior and offer discounts for safe driving habits.

Can working with an insurance agent help me find cheaper car insurance rates with a bad driving record in Texas?

Yes, working with an experienced insurance agent can be beneficial when searching for cheaper car insurance rates with a bad driving record in Texas. Agents have knowledge of the insurance market and can help you navigate options, find specialized insurers, and potentially negotiate better rates based on your specific circumstances.

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