Anyone who’s driven in Houston knows that there are risks that come with driving in this bustling city at every turn. This makes having a well-rounded policy a must. Here’s some risks that Houstonians face while on the road:

• Congested Traffic: Houston is no stranger to traffic congestion in areas like I-45 and Highway 59, and these areas see high rates of accidents because of that.
• Severe Weather:& Houston’s proximity to the gulf makes it prone to flooding and storm surges during hurricane season.
• Higher Rates of Theft: Vehicle theft is incredibly common in areas like Downtown Houston.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Drivers: It’s not uncommon for Houston drivers to have the minimum amount of coverage, or no coverage at all.

There are legal requirements for auto insurance set by the state of Texas that every driver must meet. Policies that only meet these requirements are often referred to as "liability-only."

This includes:

• $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 per accident for property damage
• $2,500 for personal injury protection
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

These are just the legal minimums, and it’s often recommended to increase them as accidents have the potential to be more serious or expensive.

For definitions of these coverages and more information on the state requirements, visit our Texas car insurance page.

Meeting the legal requirements for your insurance policy often means that you and your vehicle are not covered if you’re the at fault driver. Because of that, additional coverage is always recommended.

Here’s a list of commonly added coverage options for Houston drivers:

• Collision Coverage: Helps pay for damages to your vehicle caused by a covered accident. Subject to your deductible.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Helps pay for non-collision damages (e.g. weather damage or theft) to your vehicle caused by a covered incident. Subject to your deductible.
• Roadside Assistance: Helps pay for the cost of towing your vehicle if it cannot be driven due to an accident or breakdown.
• Rental Car Reimbursement: Helps pay for the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident.
• Rideshare Coverage: Helpful if you drive for a rideshare service (like Uber or Lyft) and use your car for personal use. Only applies for situations where you’re on the clock, and has options for liability, collision, comprehensive, and medical payments.

It’s worth noting that these descriptions are general in nature and are meant to simply provide you with an idea of what they cover. Agents will be able to explain them in more detail.

This isn’t a full list of additional options, but Goosehead Insurance works with you to find coverage that fits your needs and your budget.

On average, Houston drivers pay roughly $700 to $1,000 annually for liability-only policies. Those that have more coverage on their policies can pay up to an average of $4,000 a year depending on the carrier.

What you pay ultimately depends on what you choose for coverage and other factors such as:

• Driving Record: Those with few to no violations on their record, or those who make minimal claims often pay less, and vice versa.
• Location: Certain areas/ZIP codes of Houston are more prone to theft or weather-related incidents and will see higher rates because of this.
• Type of Vehicle:& Due to the cost of repairs, higher-value or luxury vehicles cost more to insure.
• Age: Younger drivers with less experience are at higher risk of accidents so they see higher rates.
• Mileage: The more often you're on the road, the higher risk you are at an incident happening.
• Credit Score: Insurers can use this as a rating factor.

This may not be every rating factor used to calculate a premium, but they are some more prominent ones.

There are ways to save on car insurance in Houston. Here are some recommended tactics:

• Bundle Policies: Carriers offer discounts if you bundle auto insurance with another policy, like home insurance.
• Safe Driver Discounts: Those that take defensive driving courses or generally have little to no accidents on their record see lower rates.
• Install safety Features: Anti-theft measures and dashcams can help qualify you for discounts.
• Shop around: With Goosehead, you can see how policies compare from our extensive carrier network. So, before your policy renews, you can see if a better rate is available.

Houstonians have a lot to consider when they hit the road. Goosehead Insurance knows just what to provide for an auto insurance policy. Here’s why Houston drivers trust us:

• Comprehensive Comparisons: We have access to top-rated carriers, so we’re able to save you time by doing the comparison work for you.
• Customized Policies: Our agents work with you to learn your needs to create policies that reflect that.
• Exceptional Service: Clients can ask questions and get the support they need, as our agents provide top-notch support.
• State Expertise: Our Texas agents are licensed for the state, so they can offer expert advice for the area, and help you understand industry terms.