- California vs Texas : Compare car insurance rates
- California vs Texas: Average premium by company
- Minimum car insurance requirements: California vs. Texas
- Best car insurance companies in California and Texas
- California vs Texas: Auto insurance trends
- California vs. Texas: Car insurance rates by city
- Methodology
- California vs. Texas: FAQs
California vs Texas : Compare car insurance rates
On average, California car insurance averages $2,416, and coverage in Texas averages $2,043. However, rates depend on the type of coverage you choose.
The minimum required coverage in California is 15/30/5 and averages $551 a year. Texas minimum coverage limits are 30/60/25 and costs an average of $572 a year.
When comparing 50/100/50 liability-only coverage rates, California averages $864, and Texas averages $774.
We also analyzed full coverage rates based on 100/300/100 liability coverage with $500 deductibles. The full coverage rates averaged $2,416 in California and $2,043 in Texas.
The table below compares average car insurance rates for minimum, liability, and full coverage in California and Texas.
| State | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
| California | $2,416 | $201 |
| Texas | $2,043 | $170 |
PEOPLE ASK
Is car insurance cheaper in California than Texas?
Car insurance rates are cheaper on average in Texas than California. However, many factors, such as age, driving record, and vehicle, are used to determine rates, so costs vary widely by driver.
California vs Texas: Average premium by company
Overall, the cheapest car insurance in California is $1,919 of Geico, and the cheapest car insurance rate in Texas is $1,301 from Texas Farm Bureau.
In California, the next two cheapest insurance companies for full coverage are Mercury Insurance and Progressive.
In Texas, the next two most affordable insurance companies for full coverage are Nationwide and Geico.
This table compares top car insurance companies in California and Texas.
| State | Company | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Geico | $1,919 | $160 |
| California | Mercury Insurance | $2,031 | $169 |
| California | Progressive | $2,179 | $182 |
| California | Kemper | $2,429 | $202 |
| California | Travelers | $2,460 | $205 |
| California | Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $2,466 | $205 |
| California | CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $2,600 | $217 |
| California | Allstate | $2,627 | $219 |
| California | State Farm | $2,701 | $225 |
| California | Nationwide | $2,799 | $233 |
| California | Farmers | $3,035 | $253 |
| California | USAA | $1,827 | $152 |
| Texas | Texas Farm Bureau | $1,301 | $108 |
| Texas | Nationwide | $1,502 | $125 |
| Texas | Geico | $1,644 | $137 |
| Texas | Redpoint Insurance | $1,681 | $140 |
| Texas | State Farm | $1,956 | $163 |
| Texas | Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $1,983 | $165 |
| Texas | Allstate | $2,941 | $245 |
| Texas | Progressive | $3,032 | $253 |
| Texas | Farmers | $4,127 | $344 |
| Texas | USAA | $1,812 | $151 |
Minimum car insurance requirements: California vs. Texas
Each state determines the minimum amount of car insurance drivers must carry. The auto insurance laws in California and Texas differ, and your insurance policy may need to be changed if you move from state to state.
The table below outlines the minimum car insurance requirements in California and Texas.
| State | State minimum limits | Annaul premium |
|---|---|---|
| California | 15/30/5 | $551 |
| Texas | 30/60/25 | $572 |
Remember, minimum coverage may be insufficient because the limits are low and don't include coverage for your vehicle. To ensure you're fully protected, experts recommend adding coverage and increasing limits.
"Full coverage is physical damage coverage to your vehicle, typically requiring a deductibleThe deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for a covered loss when you file a claim. to be met before coverage applies. It is not required by the state but is required by a financial institution if you have a loan or lease," said Zack Pope of David Pope Insurance.
So, even though no state requires full coverage, you may still need it if you have a loan or lease,
PEOPLE ASK
How do I handle car insurance if I am relocating from California to Texas?
Many top insurers offer car insurance in multiple states, so you may be able to stay with your company when you move from California to Texas. If your insurer doesn't offer coverage in Texas, you'll have to shop around.
Best car insurance companies in California and Texas
The best auto insurance company in California is Geico, and the best company in Texas is Geico. However, the best insurer for you combines the lowest rates with the best service and the coverage you need. Compare multiple companies to determine which is your best fit.
The table below shows the best insurance companies in California and Texas based on [reasons].
| State | Company | AM Best rating | Average annual premium | J.D. Power score | NAIC Complaint Index | Insurance.com score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Geico | A++ | $1,919 | 830 | 0.91 | 4.02 |
| California | Progressive | A+ | $2,179 | 809 | 0.65 | 3.69 |
| California | Travelers | A++ | $2,460 | 810 | 0.49 | 3.65 |
| California | State Farm | A++ | $2,701 | 826 | 0.7 | 3.47 |
| California | Mercury Insurance | A | $2,031 | 794 | 0.84 | 3.47 |
| California | Allstate | A+ | $2,627 | 816 | 0.65 | 3.35 |
| California | CSAA Insurance (AAA) | A | $2,600 | 822 | 0.75 | 3.28 |
| California | Nationwide | A+ | $2,799 | 794 | 0.64 | 3.2 |
| California | Farmers | A | $3,035 | 810 | 0.8 | 2.91 |
| California | Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | A+ | $2,466 | 832 | 2.21 | 2.89 |
| California | Kemper Insurance | A- | $2,429 | 736 | 2.16 | 2.05 |
| Texas | Geico | A++ | $1,644 | 839 | 0.91 | 3.66 |
| Texas | State Farm | A++ | $1,956 | 816 | 0.7 | 3.59 |
| Texas | Texas Farm Bureau | A- | $1,301 | 813 | 0.14 | 3.47 |
| Texas | Nationwide | A+ | $1,502 | 810 | 0.64 | 3.44 |
| Texas | Allstate | A+ | $2,941 | 790 | 0.65 | 3.02 |
| Texas | Progressive | A+ | $3,032 | 801 | 0.65 | 2.98 |
| Texas | Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | A+ | $1,983 | 813 | 2.21 | 2.9 |
| Texas | Farmers | A | $4,127 | 809 | 0.8 | 2.62 |
California vs Texas: Auto insurance trends
Car insurance rates are on the rise across the country. Advanced technology, increased repair costs, and inflation cause drivers to see increased rates each year.
Take a look at how car insurance rates have changed in recent years in both California and Texas.
| State | Year 2019 | Year 2022 | Year 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $2,018 | $2,110 | $2,416 |
| Texas | $1,783 | $1,796 | $2,043 |
California vs. Texas: Car insurance rates by city
Where you live in California and Texas also affects car insurance rates. Drivers in urban areas with higher traffic volume and theft rates typically pay more than drivers in rural areas because their vehicles are more likely to be damaged or stolen.
The table below shows average car insurance rates in various cities in California and Texas.
| State | city | Average annual premium |
|---|---|---|
| California | Anaheim | $2,572 |
| California | Bakersfield | $2,477 |
| California | Fresno | $2,385 |
| California | Long Beach | $2,681 |
| California | Los Angeles | $3,149 |
| California | Oakland | $2,802 |
| California | Sacramento | $2,665 |
| California | San Diego | $2,324 |
| California | San Francisco | $2,777 |
| California | San Jose | $2,406 |
| Texas | Arlington | $2,080 |
| Texas | Austin | $1,930 |
| Texas | Corpus Christi | $2,013 |
| Texas | Dallas | $2,278 |
| Texas | El Paso | $2,112 |
| Texas | Fort Worth | $2,030 |
| Texas | Houston | $2,317 |
| Texas | Lubbock | $2,253 |
| Texas | Plano | $1,994 |
| Texas | San Antonio | $2,181 |
Methodology
Insurance.com commissioned average car insurance rates from Quadrant Information Services based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and a clean driving record driving a 2023 Honda Accord LX. Rates were fielded at state minimum coverage levels as well as liability-only coverage with limits of 50/100/50 and full coverage at limits of 100/300/100 with $500 deductibles.
California vs. Texas: FAQs
Is California a no-fault state?
No, California is an at-fault state, meaning that the person who caused the accident is responsible for injuries and damages to others. Their insurance will help cover medical costs and damages up to their policy limits.
Is Texas a no-fault state?
Yes, Texas is a no-fault state. In a no-fault state, your insurance company covers your injuries through personal injury protectionPersonal injury protection (PIP) pays for your medical, hospital and funeral expenses resulting from a car accident, regardless of who's at fault., regardless of who caused the accident. The at-fault driver's liability insuranceLiability insurance covers sums that an insured becomes legally obligated to pay because of bodily injuries or property damage, or financial losses caused to other people. pays for property damage.
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