- Drivers should get at least five insurance quotes online before choosing a policy
- Drivers must buy adequate coverage that will protect their vehicle
- Drivers can save on insurance rates by using discounts and practicing safe driving practices
Getting a car insurance policy that meets the Texas car insurance requirements is easy enough, but being knowledgeable about what coverages you need to properly protect you and your assets is another matter.
Learning how to choose the right car insurance coverage is important. You want to have enough coverage and are not paying for more than you need.
If you want affordable car insurance, choose the right coverage for your needs and your car. While buying too much insurance can drain your budget, having not enough insurance could be devastating if you are “at fault” in an accident.
You can find the best insurance coverage for yourself from the comfort of your home.
Shop online to compare car insurance quotes and choose the right coverage for your needs. Shopping online also allows you to take your time when choosing coverage and not be pressured by anyone trying to make a sale.
Enter your ZIP code to receive free insurance quotes from companies near you so you can choose the right coverage.
What coverages should drivers buy?
When learning how to choose the right auto insurance coverage, you must take the time to educate yourself on the individual coverage types that are available.
Understanding what these coverage types are and how they help you as a driver will empower you to make better choices when shopping for insurance and keep you from purchasing too much insurance if you don’t need it.
Let’s begin by reviewing this basic list of coverages that every driver should be familiar with:
- Liability
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Medical or personal injury protection (PIP)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist
You’ve most likely heard about some of these coverages or even read a little about them when you first began shopping for insurance. Each one has a specialized role, so it is in your best interest to take a closer look at each one.
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage protects you from being legally pursued by someone you hurt in an accident. While every state has a minimum requirement for this type of coverage, it is not a good idea to only have the state minimum.
Knowing how to choose the right liability coverage could save you from some excruciating legal headaches in the future.
Drivers should set their liability limits to at least 100/300/100. This grants you access to $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident, and $100,000 for any property damage that occurred during the accident.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage is incredibly helpful as it helps you cover the costs of repairs to your car if it was hit by another car or even an object. Even if you were the one who was to, let’s say, back into a lamppost, you could use your collision coverage to get your car fixed.
You will have to pay a deductible prior to gaining access to this coverage though.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage, colloquially known as deer auto insurance in Texas, helps you get your car fixed if it’s been damaged by hitting an animal, or theft, fire, or even hail.
Be aware that comprehensive coverage requires you to pay a deductible. Drivers can typically choose to set their deductibles at $250, $500, or $1,000. There are some insurance companies that offer a no-deductible policy.
PIP
With personal injury protection (PIP), you can help cover the medical expenses collected by a person who was in a car accident. Like your collision coverage, you can use your PIP if you were at fault or not.
PIP coverage can be extended to certain family members who reside in your home. It is a good rule of thumb to have your PIP limit set to at least $10,000.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist
If you’re hit and injured by a motorist who doesn’t have any insurance, this coverage protects you. Since there is no other insurance company to hold accountable, your own coverage would kick in to protect you and get you the help you need.
How much insurance should drivers buy?
When looking to buy car insurance, choose the right coverage, because while having extra insurance coverage would be nice, your finances shouldn’t be drained by your car insurance.
In addition to considering how much you can afford to spend on insurance, you must also think carefully about how much insurance you need.
For example, if you have a brand-new car, you should be sure to have liability, collision, and comprehensive — this combination is known as full coverage. On the other hand, if you have a beat-up car that isn’t worth much, you may only need liability.
But do you need full coverage if you have a slightly older but well-cared-for vehicle?
When it comes to choosing full coverage or just liability for such a vehicle, looking at the pricing for both options may help you make your decision. The chart below will give you an idea of what you could potentially pay for a range of coverage levels in Texas:
| Group | High Coverage Annual Average | Medium Coverage Annual Average | Low Coverage Annual Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $5,655.81 | $5,438.89 | $5,361.24 |
| American Family | $5,357.52 | $4,672.73 | $4,517.27 |
| GEICO | $3,477.68 | $3,221.75 | $3,090.73 |
| Nationwide | $3,736.52 | $3,701.00 | $4,165.19 |
| Progressive | $4,920.90 | $4,642.33 | $4,431.31 |
| State Farm | $3,039.86 | $2,870.49 | $2,729.50 |
| USAA | $2,582.94 | $2,477.96 | $2,403.46 |
Different levels of coverage come with very different rates. Remember to not be swayed by low rates alone and choose the coverage you need. Rates can be reduced if you ask for discounts.
Can drivers reduce their insurance rates?
Even if you choose the right coverage, monthly premiums may still stretch your budget. Some factors that influence your premiums are where you life and your personal driving history.
Drivers can take control of their insurance rates by raising their deductible to reduce their rates. The more you are willing to pay out of pocket will reduce your rate. Just be sure that deductible will not break your budget.
If you’re not sure what discounts may be available to you, take a look at this list of discounts offered by GEICO:
| Discounts | Percentage Saved |
|---|---|
| Anti-lock Brakes | 5% |
| Anti-Theft | 25% |
| Claim Free | 26% |
| Continuous Coverage | x |
| Daytime Running Lights | 1% |
| Defensive Driver | x |
| Distant Student | x |
| Driver's Ed | x |
| Early Signing | x |
| Emergency Deployment | 25% |
| Family Legacy | x |
| Farm Vehicle | x |
| Federal Employee | 8% |
| Full Payment | x |
| Further Education | x |
| Good Student | 15% |
| Homeowner | x |
| Low Mileage | x |
| Loyalty | x |
| Membership/Group | x |
| Military | 15% |
| Multiple Policies | 10% |
| Multiple Vehicles | 25% |
| Newer Vehicle | x |
| Occupation | x |
| Passive Restraint | 40% |
| Safe Driver | 15% |
| Seat Belt Use | 15% |
| Students and Alumni | x |
| Utility Vehicle | x |
| Vehicle Recovery | 25% |
| Total Discounts Provided | 31 |
No two insurance companies will offer the exact same discounts, but this list can give you an idea of what discounts are offered and let you know how much you could potentially save on your rates.
When shopping online for quotes, be sure to enter all your information accurately so if you are eligible for a discount, you can compare your discount rates to the other quotes you receive. You should also compare at least five quotes before you make a decision.
Choosing the Right Coverages: The Bottom Line
If you’re looking to work with a different car insurance company, choose the right coverage that fits your budget and your needs. To do this, you’ll need to review your current limits, how much your vehicle is worth, and how much you can afford to spend on insurance.
If you want to streamline your insurance shopping experience, shop for insurance quotes online. You should get at least five quotes so you can compare how each company measures up to each other in terms of their rates, offered coverage, and discounts.
Enter your ZIP code now to get free insurance quotes that will help you choose the right coverage for your needs.