Car insurance for high-risk drivers in Texas

In Texas, the landscape of road safety and driving risks is ever-evolving. In 2022, the state saw a slight decrease in road fatalities, with 4,481 deaths, marking a 0.36 percent reduction from the previous year. Despite this, the challenges for high-risk drivers remain significant. Factors such as DUI convictions, multiple speeding tickets or being at fault in accidents are common contributors to being labeled as high-risk by insurers. This designation often leads to higher car insurance premiums, and in some instances, difficulty in obtaining coverage. To assist Texas drivers in finding affordable high-risk car insurance, Bankrate has reviewed average rate data from various insurance companies in the state. While individual rates may vary, understanding the average costs can be a valuable step in finding a suitable option that aligns with your needs and budget.

Rates for high-risk car insurance in Texas

Insurance rates for high-risk Texas drivers vary depending on the infraction and carrier. Some carriers specialize in high-risk auto insurance in Texas and may provide more affordable coverage for drivers with multiple infractions on their record. Bankrate collected data from some of the top auto insurance carriers in Texas to compare how rates may change based on certain high-risk factors.

In addition to rate increases, drivers with six or more points on their record must pay a DMV surcharge of at least $100 per year. Those with serious infractions, like a DUI conviction with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.16 or more, could pay yearly surcharges up to $2,000. The rates listed below are for full coverage car insurance.

Rates after a speeding ticket

Car insurance rates increase by an average of 21 percent after a speeding ticket conviction. Additionally, Texas moving violation points remain on your record for three years following a conviction like a speeding ticket. The good news is that auto insurance companies typically only increase your insurance for three to five years following a ticket. Bankrate’s average rates below are based on a driver with a single speeding ticket conviction.

Your insurance surcharge after a speeding ticket conviction may vary based on your carrier and location. For example, State Farm policyholders in Texas experience an average premium increase of 9 percent following a ticket, but Allstate policyholders see an average rate increase of just 1 percent. For this reason, it could be a good idea to shop around and compare rates from different carriers if you have a speeding ticket conviction on your record.

Rates after an accident

You will usually see your auto insurance premium go up after an accident, unless you have accident forgiveness coverage in place and it is your first accident. If you are at fault in the accident, you are even more likely to see an increase. Below you can see average rate increases in Texas from some of the top auto carriers. Bankrate’s averages are based on a driver with a single at-fault accident.

While a 21 to 53 percent premium increase may seem steep, the national average increase following an at-fault accident is 42 percent. If you have no accidents on your record, but you’re concerned about future potential incidents, you could see if your carrier offers accident forgiveness. If eligible, this coverage add-on could protect you from a rate increase following your first at-fault accident. Unfortunately, this endorsement is usually not available to high-risk drivers.

Rates after a DUI

A DUI is usually a more serious and expensive infraction than a speeding ticket. As such, the average national auto insurance premium increase following a DUI conviction is 90 percent. Additionally, some insurance companies may not allow you to renew a policy if you have a DUI conviction. Texas drivers convicted of a DUI usually need to file an SR-22. The following rates are for a driver with a single DUI conviction.

As you can see from the data above, insurers take a DUI conviction very seriously. High-risk insurance in Texas may be available, however, from carriers who specialize in it. Speaking with a licensed agent could help you determine if a carrier writes policies for drivers with a DUI on their record.

Rates for teen drivers

Even teen drivers with no accidents or citations on their record typically have more expensive car insurance premiums than other age groups, as they have less experience behind the wheel. The fatal crash rate for drivers ages 16 to 19 is nearly three times higher than the rate for drivers 20 and older. Fortunately, some carriers may offer more reasonable rates than others when adding a teen driver to your policy. The rates below are for a single teen driver added to their married parents’ policy.

*Rates are for a 16-year-old on their parents’ policy. 

Car insurance rates typically decrease each year for young drivers as long as they keep their driving records clean. Some carriers also offer an insurance discount for teens that pass a driving safety course or maintain good grades.

Who is considered a high-risk driver?

Insurance carriers typically flag drivers as high-risk if they:

• Have one or more DUI convictions
• Multiple moving violations, such as speeding tickets or failure to stop at a red light
• Were deemed at fault in more than one car accident

How to lower your rate as a high-risk driver

High-risk drivers typically pay more for insurance than a driver with a clean record. However, there are a few ways you may be able to save money on your car insurance premium:

• Enroll in a defensive driving course: State-approved defensive driving courses may help you improve your driving habits while earning a discount on your car insurance. These courses may be available online.
• Explore discounts: Many insurance carriers offer a list of discounts that may help policyholders save on their premium. Potential discounts may include bundling, good student, electric vehicle and vehicle safety features.
• Enroll in a telematics program: Many insurers offer telematics programs that use an app or device to track your driving in real time. If you drive safely or log low mileage, you may be eligible for premium discounts.
• Maintain safe driving habits: Just because you are a high-risk driver doesn’t mean you can’t improve your standing. Most driving record infractions will affect your insurance rates for three to five years, but if you avoid additional tickets and accidents, you will likely see your rates come down eventually.

Frequently asked questions

• • What is SR-22 car insurance?

    An SR-22 document is not an insurance policy. It is a certificate of financial responsibility that certifies you are carrying at least the minimum amount of auto insurance required in your state. This document is issued by your car insurance carrier, and high-risk drivers in Texas may be required to file one as part of their insurance policy. If you are required to file an SR-22, the best way to start the process may be to speak with your auto insurer and request one. In some cases there may be a related filing fee, but in general, the process is simple as long as you have the required coverage.

  • What is a high-risk driver?

    A high-risk driver is typically someone who insurance companies view as carrying a greater potential risk. This category often includes individuals who have experienced car accidents where they were at fault, have DUI convictions or have accumulated speeding tickets or other violations. As a result, these drivers might face higher auto insurance premiums due to the increased risk they pose. For those seeking cheap insurance for bad driving records in Texas, it’s important to note that while premiums may generally be higher, there are still options available that could potentially offer more affordable coverage.

  • Are teens considered high-risk drivers?

    Yes. Teens are typically considered high-risk drivers, even if they have a clean driving history. Insurers look at risk when determining premiums, and the data shows that teen drivers have some of the highest rates of traffic accidents. Male teens will usually pay more than female teens, in states that allow the consideration of gender in insurance premiums, because they are more likely to be involved in an accident.

  • What is the best insurance for high risk drivers?

    Finding the best auto insurance for high-risk drivers in Texas often depends on individual circumstances and needs. Typically, it involves comparing policies from various insurers that specialize in or offer options for high-risk coverage. It may be beneficial to look for companies that provide flexible payment options and accident forgiveness, as these features could be particularly useful for high-risk drivers. Ultimately, obtaining quotes and personalized advice from multiple insurers could lead to a more informed decision that suits your specific situation.

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2024 rates for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $50,000 property damage liability per accident
• $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
• $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
• $500 collision deductible
• $500 comprehensive deductible

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2022 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.

These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.

Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket, single DUI conviction and lapse in coverage.

Teens: Rates were determined by adding a 16- or 17-year-old teen to their 40-year-old married parents’ policy. The rates displayed reflect the total cost of a driver this age added to their parents’ policy.