Automobile Insurance Price Comparison
(February 2005)
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Introduction
Texas law requires proof of financial responsibility for anyone who drives an automobile in the state. Most Texans choose to purchase liability insurance to meet this requirement.
Liability insurance pays for bodily injury, property damage, and some additional expenses of other drivers, their passengers, and your passengers when you or a driver covered by your policy causes an accident. The minimum liability insurance required by law is $20,000 bodily injury per person, $40,000 bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident. This is commonly called "20/40/15" coverage. Liability insurance does not pay for damage to your own vehicle.
Understanding Rates
Auto insurers evaluate your risk for a claim using your driving record and numerous other factors, including the type of car you drive, the area where you live, your claims history, your credit score, your age, and how you use your car (business, pleasure, or to drive to work). Your rates are based on your risk for a claim.
Accidents, tickets, or claims can increase your rates. If you have accidents, tickets, or claims on your record during the past three years, your rates may be higher.
How to Use the Price Comparisons
This guide can help you compare price estimates among companies that sell 80 percent or more of the auto liability insurance in Texas. It also includes companies that have asked to be in the guide. The table lists companies and annual price estimates for seven hypothetical drivers. The price estimates shown are for the liability policy a company is most likely to sell that meets the state´s minimum requirements. Collision and comprehensive coverages, which pay for damage to your vehicle, are not included in the price estimates. If you still owe money on your car, your lender will require you to have these coverages. Typically, including them on your policy will more than double your premium. If you want or need collision and comprehensive coverages, be sure to ask the agent or company for a rate quote that includes them.
Driver Profiles
The driver profiles may not match your situation exactly, but they provide a way to compare prices. View the estimates for the driver profile that most closely matches your situation. The prices shown are estimates given to TDI by the companies and are not the exact amount you will be quoted. Your premium will vary according to your individual circumstances and will likely be higher than the estimates listed.
- Driver 1: Single male age 18 with no tickets or accidents
- Driver 2: Married male age 18 with no tickets or accidents
- Driver 3: Male or female age 25, single or married, with no tickets or accidents
- Driver 4: Male or female age 35, single or married, with no tickets or accidents
- Driver 5: Male or female age 55, single or married, with no tickets or accidents
- Driver 6: Male or female over age 64 with no tickets or accidents and who drives for pleasure and errands only
- Driver 7: Male or female over age 64 with no tickets or accidents.
Financial Rating
A.M. Best Co.´s rating of the financial strength and operating performance of each company. Reprinted by permission. Best´s ratings are subject to change and are current only as of the publication date. For current rating information, call A.M. Best or visit its website
1-908-439-2200
www.ambest.com
Ratings Classifications
A++ and A+ mean Superior
A and A- mean Excellent
B++ and B+ mean Very Good
B and B- mean Fair
C++ and C+ mean Marginal
C and C- mean Weak
NR means the company was not rated by A.M. Best.
A.M. Best Co. is not responsible for errors in presentation or content and does not endorse this publication in any way.
Complaint Index
How consumer complaints received by TDI against each company compare to the average, with an index of 1.00 as average. Below 1.00 means fewer complaints than average. Above 1.00 means more complaints than average. The complaint index is based on 2004 data. For the current complaint index, view the price comparisons on our website.
How to Find the Best Price
- If you have a clean driving record, avoid companies and agents that advertise to high-risk drivers. Their premiums are often higher.
- Get quotes from several companies before you buy. Include independent agents in your search. Some agents only represent a single company or company group. Independent agents may represent several companies.
- Consider higher deductibles. You can save money on your premiums by increasing your policy deductibles, but you´ll have to pay more out of pocket if you have a claim. You´ll need to have money readily available (personal savings, ability to borrow from relatives or friends, etc.) to pay your out-of-pocket expenses.
- Ask your agent about discounts. You may be eligible for discounts for having two cars on one policy, having anti-theft devices in your car, completing a driver education course, etc. Ask whether the company offers any discounts that you´re eligible for.
Before You Buy a Policy, Remember
- In addition to cost, consider other factors, such as the company´s financial strength and complaint history.
- Coverages and limits can vary from policy to policy. Ask the agent or company for the exact coverages in a policy you´re considering. Choose a policy with the coverages you need and with limits that will adequately protect your assets.
- If you are held liable or legally responsible for an accident, the basic liability limits may not be enough. You may want to consider buying more coverage.
- Don´t cancel a policy until you have a new policy in effect.
- Answer all questions on the application truthfully. Wrong information could cause an incorrect price quote or a denial or cancellation of coverage.
Unfair Discrimination
An insurance company cannot deny, refuse to renew, limit or charge more for coverage, or unfairly discriminate because of your race, color, religion, or national origin. A company also may not discriminate because of your age, gender, marital status, geographic location, or disability or partial disability, unless the refusal, limitation, or higher rate is based on sound underwriting or actuarial principles. This means the company must have valid evidence that you present a greater risk for a loss than drivers it is willing to insure.
Having Trouble Finding Insurance
Don´t give up if a company turns you down. Companies have different standards for accepting new customers. Some companies may accept drivers that other companies won´t. Also, the state´s Market Assistance Program (MAP) may be able to help you lower your insurance costs. For more information, call MAP.
Note: This article was taken in part from the Texas Department of Insurance website.
