Car Insurance For College Students In Texas

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Updated: 13 September 2024
Written by Doug Schaffer
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Our auto insurance specialists dedicated nearly 40 hours to reviewing and comparing quotes from different companies to find the best car insurance for college students in Texas. GEICO emerged as the top choice for affordability and full coverage.

State Farm was a strong contender for Texas college students seeking minimum coverage or a company known for outstanding customer service. For those with accidents or violations on their records, Progressive emerged as the best choice.

This guide will examine all three companies and how factors such as location and age can affect insurance rates for Texas college students.

Best Car Insurance For College Students In Texas, 2024

Car Insurance For College Students, Texas, 2024

Compare Car Insurance For College Students In Texas

Overall Rating Best For JD Power Rating AM Best Rating Get A Quote
State Farm
4.9

Minimum Coverage

842

A++

Instant Quote
GEICO
4.7

Full Coverage

824

A++

Instant Quote
Auto-Owners
4.6

Customer Service

837

A++

Instant Quote
State Farm
4.9

Low-Mileage Drivers

842

A++

Instant Quote
GEICO
4.7

Affordable Coverage

824

A++

Instant Quote
Progressive
4.6

Driving Violations

853

A+

Instant Quote
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Best Car Insurance For College Students In Texas


Best Affordable Coverage

Overall Rating
4.7

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Payouts
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

College students shopping for their first auto insurance are likely focused on affordability. GEICO offers young drivers a reputable option with coverage costing around $1,632 per year.

GEICO has been a leading auto insurance provider for many years, consistently offering competitive rates and excellent customer service. The company has also made significant investments in its digital platforms, including an interactive mobile app and website that simplify account management and updates.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Top-tier rates for college students
  • Provides various discounts for students
  • User-friendly mobile app and website for easy policy management
  • High customer satisfaction ratings
Drawbacks
  • Limited availability of local agents
  • No gap or rideshare insurance options

Best For Motorists With Driving Violations

Overall Rating
4.6

Key Statistics

7/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Payouts
10/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

While Progressive Insurance didn’t offer the cheapest standard rates, they were the top choice for Texas college students with driving violations. Whether it was a speeding ticket or an accident, Progressive still provided affordable coverage for these drivers.

College students with driving violations typically pay about $3,384 per year for auto insurance coverage.

Progressive offers extra coverage options, such as rideshare coverage, which is ideal for college students who work part-time with DoorDash or Lyft.

Driving violations can sharply raise monthly insurance premiums for drivers of any age. College students, already considered high-risk, may see even steeper rate increases after an accident or ticket.

A way to reduce the impact of a driving violation is to work with a company like Progressive, which specializes in insuring drivers with a history of tickets or accidents.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Budget-friendly rates for drivers with traffic violations
  • Provides rideshare coverage as an optional add-on
  • Includes vet expense coverage if your pet is injured in an accident and you have collision insurance
Drawbacks
  • Customer service is average
  • Customer loyalty ratings are lower than average

Best Minimum Coverage

Overall Rating
4.9

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
10/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Payouts
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

College students looking for minimum coverage should choose a company known for supporting its policyholders. State Farm excels at providing a personalized experience and offers some of the most affordable rates for young drivers.

State Farm prioritizes resolving issues promptly with its fast claims process and offers personalized customer service. Texas college students can anticipate paying approximately $1,678 for a minimum coverage policy with State Farm.

Minimum coverage policies can help reduce overall costs but may leave you exposed in the event of an accident. These budget-friendly plans only cover the state-required minimum insurance, potentially leading to out-of-pocket expenses for any additional costs.

Minimum coverage policies are ideal for college students, offering the necessary insurance to drive legally while keeping expenses to a minimum.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Top-notch customer service team
  • Competitive rates for most college students
  • High rate of policy renewals
  • Personalized policy management with a strong local agent network
Drawbacks
  • Limited customization options compared to other major providers
  • No gap insurance coverage available

Best Full Coverage

Overall Rating
4.7

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Payouts
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Because full coverage car insurance is more expensive than minimum coverage, choosing a company like GEICO known for its affordable rates is crucial. On average, Texas college students spend around $2,142 per year for full coverage with GEICO.

GEICO offers more than just affordable coverage; it also excels in innovation. Policyholders can use a user-friendly website that allows them to update account information quickly and easily.

College students who frequently commute to campus or drive for work might want to opt for full coverage rather than minimum coverage. Full coverage plans provide extra protection, including liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage.

Although full coverage policies provide more protection, they are also more expensive. It’s important to consider whether the added insurance benefits justify the higher monthly cost.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Accident forgiveness available for policyholders
  • Discount opportunities through a usage-based program
  • Competitive rates for college students seeking full coverage
  • Higher-than-average customer satisfaction scores
Drawbacks
  • No options for new car replacement or rideshare insurance add-ons
  • Bundle discounts are less competitive than other companies
  • Limited availability of local agents

Best Customer Service

Overall Rating
4.6

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
8/10 Customer Reviews
8/10 Payouts
8/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

As a college student, it’s natural to have questions about your auto insurance policy. While many insurers provide interactive apps and websites for queries, Auto-Owners Insurance goes the extra mile by connecting you with a live representative. The extra support from a local agent can justify the slightly higher premium.

In addition to outstanding customer service, the company provides various discount opportunities to help reduce costs. College students can anticipate paying approximately $2,260 annually for coverage.

Many believe that great customer service comes with a high cost, but that’s not always true, particularly with Texas car insurance companies. Auto-Owners Insurance and State Farm both excel in customer satisfaction and offer affordable options for college students.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Highlights personal connections with in-person agents
  • Various coverage options with available discounts
  • Top-notch customer service experience
  • Includes accident forgiveness and reducing
Drawbacks
  • No online policy management available
  • Only available in 26 states
  • Quotes need to be obtained from agents

Best For Low-Mileage Drivers

Overall Rating
4.9

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
10/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Payouts
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

College students can lower their car insurance costs significantly with low-mileage policies and discounts. Among various insurers, State Farm offers the most affordable options, with policies generally costing about $1,678 per year.

State Farm also received high marks for customer service and financial stability, making it a dependable choice for college students searching for their first auto insurance policy.

If you’re a college student planning to drive infrequently during the school year, there’s no need to pay for extra insurance. You’ll still need to meet the state’s minimum auto insurance requirements, but there are discounts and budget-friendly policies suited to your low-mileage driving.

Low-mileage policies typically provide discounted rates if you stay under a specific mileage limit each year. This limit varies by insurance provider but generally falls between 7,500 and 10,000 miles annually.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Provides significant discounts for drivers who don't drive much, thanks to a usage-based program.
  • Delivers outstanding customer service.
  • Boasts impressive renewal and retention rates among policyholders.
  • Receives strong financial ratings from agencies like AM Best.
Drawbacks
  • Does not offer extra coverage options for rideshare and gap insurance.
  • May be more expensive for drivers with lower credit scores.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For College Students In Texas – By City

City Average Monthly Cost
Houston $184
Dallas $189
Austin $163
San Antonio $170
El Paso $160

Average Rates For 18 Year Old College Students In Texas

Car Insurance Provider Average Monthly Cost
GEICO $210
State Farm $180
Allstate $360
Nationwide $340
Progressive $780

Average Cost For 19 Year Old College Students In Texas

Car Insurance Provider Average Monthly Cost
State Farm $160
GEICO $182
Allstate $297
Nationwide $280
Progressive $374

Texas Rates For 20 Year Old College Students In Texas

Car Insurance Provider Average Monthly Cost
State Farm $140
Allstate $248
GEICO $165
Nationwide $245
Progressive $346

Cost Of Car Insurance For 21 Year Old College Students In Texas

Car Insurance Provider Average Monthly Cost
GEICO $135
State Farm $117
Allstate $301
Nationwide $184
Progressive $278

Average Rates For 22 Year Old College Students In Texas

Car Insurance Provider Average Monthly Cost
Nationwide $165
Allstate $159
GEICO $129
State Farm $109
Progressive $612

Average Texas College Student Rates For 23 Year Old

Car Insurance Provider Average Monthly Cost
GEICO $120
State Farm $99
Progressive $215
Nationwide $158
Allstate $149

Average Cost For 24 Year Old College Students In Texas

Car Insurance Provider Average Monthly Cost
State Farm $92
Allstate $139
GEICO $120
Nationwide $146
Progressive $192

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 25 Year Old College Students In Texas

Car Insurance Provider Average Monthly Cost
Nationwide $125
Allstate $120
GEICO $118
State Farm $79
Progressive $176

Average Rates On Family Policy vs. Individual Policy

Insurance Company Family Policy Individual Student Policy
State Farm $90 $139
Allstate $172 $188
GEICO $136 $148
Nationwide $103 $188
Progressive $176 $282

Do College Students Need Their Own Policy?

While insurance rules are often clear-cut, whether you need your own coverage as a college student depends on several factors. Let’s explore situations where you might remain on your family’s plan and those where you would need to find your own policy.

Purchasing Coverage As A College Student

The primary reason a college student might need to get their own insurance is if they change their address. Once they have a permanent address separate from their parents, they will need to purchase a new car insurance policy.

Keeping Students On A Family Car Insurance Policy

Unlike health insurance, which has an age limit for children staying on their parent’s policy, there’s no such limit for car insurance. As long as children live at home or use their parents’ permanent address while at college, they can remain covered under the family’s auto insurance policy.

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How Can College Students Save Money On Car Insurance In Texas

Sadly, for many college students, car insurance rates are much higher compared to drivers in their mid to late 20s. If you can’t stay on a parent or guardian’s policy, you’ll need to explore ways to reduce your monthly premium.

The following tips and strategies will help you make car insurance more affordable.

Student Discounts

Many people know about student discounts for maintaining good grades, but there are also several other discounts that college students can access, such as:
  • Discount for students studying away from home
  • Discount for safe driving
  • Discount for completing driver’s education

Used vs. New

Parents often buy new cars for their children as graduation gifts. Although a new vehicle may offer better fuel efficiency, it can be more expensive to insure. Insurance companies raise rates for new cars due to higher repair and replacement costs.

Security And Safety Improvements

Although some strategies on this list are tailored for college students, this tip is relevant for all drivers. Many insurance providers offer lower premiums if you install security devices or make safety improvements to your vehicle.

For instance, adding anti-theft features such as a car alarm could reduce your car insurance premium by up to 5%.

Affiliation Discounts

For many students, joining clubs and organizations is a fantastic way to engage in campus life. These groups can also offer extra benefits beyond the university, such as access to specific discounts. Depending on your insurance provider, being part of a sorority, fraternity, honor society, or alumni group might help reduce your monthly premium.

Usage-Based Car Insurance

Usage-based car insurance, like telematics, monitors a driver’s behavior behind the wheel, but it also includes an additional feature that’s particularly attractive to college students.

With usage-based car insurance, you can lower your premiums and earn discounts by driving fewer miles each year. These “Pay-Per-Mile” plans are a cost-effective way to secure affordable coverage if your car stays in the dorm lot or at home for most of the school year.

Temporary Car Insurance

Although not all car insurance companies provide temporary coverage, it’s an excellent choice for college students who don’t drive often.

Temporary auto insurance policies generally offer six months of coverage, with the option to cancel at the end of the term. This allows college students to avoid paying for unused months of coverage while in school and is also a good option for those studying abroad for a semester.

Telematics Car Insurance For College Students

As a college student, finding creative ways to save on car insurance is crucial. One of the best methods to reduce your monthly premium is by using telematics.

Telematics devices are used by insurance companies to monitor and assess your driving habits. The safer you drive, the better your rates will be, increasing your chances of earning discounts for safe driving.

How To Buy Car Insurance As A College Student In Texas

For college students, buying your first auto insurance policy can be overwhelming. Fortunately, platforms like Insuranceopedia simplify the process and make it more enjoyable.

These websites make it easy to compare rates from various providers, but you’ll need some information on hand to guide you through the process. Here’s a summary of the steps you should follow to buy your next auto insurance policy:

Step 1: Have all the necessary info on hand—vehicle info, driver’s license numbers, policyholder details, and driving history.
Step 2: Determine the amount of insurance required to meet Texas law.
Step 3: Decide whether you’ll purchase the policy online or through a local agent.
Step 4: Compare quotes from at least three different insurance companies.
Step 5: Buy your insurance policy and notify your old provider of the switch.

How To Get Discounts

Car insurance can be expensive for college students, particularly if you have tickets or accidents on your driving record. A good way to reduce the cost of coverage is by taking advantage of carrier-provided discounts.

Each car insurance company offers its own set of discounts for policyholders. Here are some you should consider before choosing a plan:

  • Paid in full
  • Multi-vehicle
  • Multi-policy
  • Military
  • Student away
  • Good student
  • Safe driver
  • Defensive driving
  • Low mileage
  • Accident-free

Common Auto Insurance Claims In Texas

In Texas, there are typically four main types of auto insurance claims, which are:

  • Comprehensive Claims (2.81 claims per 100 vehicle years)
  • Bodily Injury Claims (0.95 claims per 100 vehicle years)
  • Collision Claims (5.8 claims per 100 vehicle years)
  • Property Damage Claims (3.36 claims per 100 vehicle years)

Our Methodology

To identify the most affordable car insurance rates for Texas college students, we reviewed data from multiple car insurance review sites, some of which analyzed rates using public filings sourced from Quadrant Information Services. We also leveraged our team's combined 25 years of insurance expertise to assess each carrier. Keep in mind that while the rates mentioned in this guide are accurate, premiums can change daily and may vary depending on the individual driver.

278

Quotes Analyzed

25

Years Of Industry Experience

22

Brands Reviewed

38+

Research Hours

FAQs

Who has the best car insurance for college students in Texas?

Overall, GEICO offers the most budget-friendly coverage for college students. However, depending on your driving history and coverage needs, Progressive and State Farm are also worth considering when shopping for car insurance in Texas.

Do college students need car insurance in Texas?

In Texas, car insurance is mandatory for anyone who drives. College students have the option to remain on their parents’ policy while living at home or to buy their own coverage when they move out.

Is car insurance more expensive for college students in Texas?

In Texas, car insurance generally costs more for younger drivers. Although college students often get better rates than 16-year-olds, their premiums are still significantly higher than those for 25-year-olds.

How can you add a college student to a family policy?

If you’re considering adding a college student to your family plan, make sure to contact your insurance provider before they begin college. Most insurers will require your student’s new zip code and confirmation that their primary address remains the family home. Additional requirements may apply for out-of-state students.

Can you stay on your parents’ car insurance if you move out?

As a college student, one benefit of keeping your primary residence with your parents is the ability to remain on their car insurance. However, once you move out and establish a new permanent address, you will need to get your own auto policy.

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