Texas allows insurers to use credit history to create a credit-based insurance score that helps determine car insurance rates.[1]
Drivers with bad credit pay an overall average rate of $198 for auto insurance in Texas.
Comparing quotes from at least three Texas insurers can help you find the cheapest rates with poor credit.
Cheapest car insurance in Texas for bad credit
State Farm offers some of the cheapest car insurance rates in Texas for drivers with bad credit. Although Texas insurance companies can use your credit history to set rates, insurers can’t deny, cancel, or refuse to renew a policy based only on your credit.
Here are the cheapest insurers in Texas for drivers with poor credit.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $62 |
| Allstate | $75 |
| Mile Auto | $79 |
| Progressive | $80 |
| GEICO | $85 |
| USAA | $95 |
| Mercury | $105 |
| First Acceptance | $109 |
| The General | $111 |
| Alinsco | $114 |
| GAINSCO | $117 |
| Lone Star | $118 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $119 |
| Bristol West | $124 |
| Clearcover | $124 |
| Root | $125 |
| Covercube | $126 |
| Dairyland | $127 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $131 |
| Mendota | $133 |
| Excepsure | $139 |
| Sun Coast | $139 |
| Direct Auto | $140 |
| Safeco | $140 |
| National General | $143 |
| Elephant | $147 |
| Loop | $148 |
| Trexis One | $173 |
| 21st Century | $188 |
| Insurify Car | $190 |
| Hugo | $197 |
| Chubb | $208 |
| Liberty Mutual | $220 |
Shop for Texas Auto Insurance
Liability rates for bad credit start at $62 per month
Average Texas car insurance rates by credit tier
Texas car insurance costs more for drivers with poor credit than for drivers with good credit. Drivers with poor credit pay an average of about 28% more for coverage. Texas insurance premiums also run higher than the national average due to statewide risk factors such as severe weather and traffic congestion in major metropolitan areas.[2] [3]
The graph below compares average auto insurance rates in Texas with the national average by credit tier.
Credit Tier | Texas Average Monthly Rate | National Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | $142 | $124 |
| Good | $156 | $136 |
| Fair | $164 | $148 |
| Poor | $199 | $173 |
How credit affects car insurance rates in Texas
Texas lets auto insurance companies use your credit history to set rates, but it can’t be the only risk factor the underwriting department uses. Texas insurers will also consider factors like your age, driving history, vehicle type, and ZIP code.
Companies create an insurance credit score using information from your credit report, such as how much debt you owe and whether you pay your bills on time. Studies show that people with fair or poor credit are more likely to file claims or miss premium payments.[4] Since these drivers are at a higher risk of filing claims, insurers typically charge higher premiums.
Texas allows a few exceptions if a divorce, temporary unemployment, or other qualifying life event affects your credit. You can request an exception in writing from your insurance company. It can decide not to consider that credit information, or it may use a neutral credit score to rate your insurance policy.
How to get cheaper Texas car insurance with bad credit
It’s possible to find cheap car insurance in Texas, even with bad credit. Here are some tips to help you get the cheapest insurance coverage:
Compare insurance quotes at each policy renewal. Rates can change often, especially after hail seasons, hurricanes, or major storm losses along the Gulf Coast. Comparing quotes regularly can ensure you get the best coverage in Texas at the lowest price.
Raise your deductibles. A higher deductible usually lowers monthly premiums, especially for full-coverage car insurance in storm-prone Texas cities. But make sure you can afford the higher out-of-pocket costs after a claim.
Bundle car and homeowners insurance. Bundling can streamline policy management and qualify you for insurance discounts, such as loyalty or multi-policy discounts.
Consider pay-per-mile or usage-based programs. Low-mileage drivers may save money through pay-as-you-go plans with companies like Metromile. Usage-based programs like Progressive’s Snapshot reward safe driving habits and clean driving records.
Ask about Texas car insurance discounts and rate protection features. Many Texas insurers offer a defensive driving course discount if you complete a state-approved course. And if you add accident forgiveness to your policy, it can protect your future rates if you get into an at-fault accident.
Is bad credit considered ‘high-risk’ in Texas?
Yes. Texas car insurance companies may consider drivers with bad credit to be high-risk drivers because insurers associate lower credit scores with higher claim activity. But poor credit alone doesn’t automatically make someone a high-risk driver.
High-risk drivers in Texas usually need an SR-22 form that insurers file with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) to prove they have state-minimum coverage. Drivers who may need an SR-22 include people with:[5]
DUIs or DWIs
Multiple convictions for driving without insurance
Convictions for driving without a valid license
Texas already has relatively expensive car insurance compared to nearby states like New Mexico and Oklahoma. Hailstorms, flooding, uninsured drivers, and high accident and theft rates, especially in congested cities like Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, can further drive premiums up.[6] [7]
High-risk drivers pay an average of around 28% more for auto insurance in Texas, though actual rates vary depending on your location, driving record, and vehicle type.
Compare Texas Car Insurance Quotes
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Best car insurance in Texas for drivers with bad credit
Texas drivers with poor credit history often need affordable rates, flexible payment and coverage options, and strong customer support. The following insurers are some of the best for drivers with bad credit in Texas, from Amarillo to Dallas to Corpus Christi, and everywhere in between.
USAA: Best for military families and veterans
| User Reviews | 4.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.1 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $77/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $152/mo |
USAA's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.9 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.9 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.9 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
USAA is a strong option for active-duty military, veterans, and eligible family members in Texas. It offers some of the more affordable premiums for drivers with poor credit history and has strong third-party customer satisfaction scores. Low-mileage and safe drivers could save even more with USAA’s SafePilot and SafePilot Miles programs that track driving habits and mileage.
Highly rated customer satisfaction in Texas region
Multiple safe driving discounts
Competitive Texas driver rates
Limited customer support hours
Only available to past and present military members
One local branch office in San Antonio
Nationwide: Best for customizable coverage
| User Reviews | 4.2 |
|---|
Nationwide's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.0 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.6 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.5 | 2.9 |
Drivers appreciate the helpful and knowledgeable customer service but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases. Some also found the claims process to be slow and frustrating.
Nationwide may be a good fit for Texas drivers who want personalized support from an insurance agent and flexible coverage options. Though Nationwide’s rates can be higher for drivers with bad credit, bundling, setting up automatic payments, and being a safe, accident-free driver can help you get more affordable premiums.
Wide range of coverage options
Multiple discount opportunities
Access to local insurance agents across Texas
Many cheaper competitors in Texas
Poor Trustpilot rating
No new car replacement coverage available
Mile Auto: Best for low-mileage drivers
| User Reviews | 4.5 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.8 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $64/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $142/mo |
Mile Auto's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.4 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.0 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.0 | 2.9 |
Drivers appreciate the quality service but find the rates high and claim processing slow.
If you’re a low-mileage driver looking for basic liability coverage or no-frills full coverage in Texas, Mile Auto may be the most affordable option. It uses a pay-per-mile system that can help remote workers, retirees, and occasional Texas drivers save money. Mile Auto requires a monthly photo of your odometer reading to calculate rates, rather than using tracking devices.
Affordable rates for low-mileage drivers
Simple pay-per-mile pricing
No tracking app required
Not ideal for frequent drivers
Fewer coverage options available
Only available online
Our editorial team analyzed regional and national auto insurance companies that sell policies in Texas to assess which offer the best rates, coverage options, customer service, and savings to drivers with a low credit score. We prioritized competitive rates, 24/7 customer service, low-mileage discounts or programs, safe driving discounts, homeownership discounts or bundling options, and specialty or supplemental coverages.
Texas car insurance with bad credit FAQs
Texas drivers with bad credit often have questions about rates, insurers, and ways to save money. Here are answers to some common questions.
What car insurance companies don’t check credit in Texas?
American Access Casualty Company and the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association are the only two Texas insurers that offer no-credit-check car insurance. Other insurers may use your credit history to help set your premiums.
How does having bad credit affect car insurance rates in Texas?
On average, drivers with bad credit pay about 28% more for car insurance in Texas than people with good credit. That’s because studies show that drivers with poor credit are more likely to file claims.
How can you get affordable car insurance in Texas with bad credit?
Texas drivers with bad credit can get more affordable coverage with a few strategies, including making on-time payments to boost credit and asking about discounts.
Bundling your car and home or renters with the same insurance company and comparing rates regularly — especially young drivers who typically pay the most for auto insurance — are some of the best ways to reduce your premiums.
Sources
- Texas.gov. "Credit scoring and insurance."
- Texas Film Commission. "Agriculture, Climate & Geography."
- Texas A&M Transportation Institute. "Texas’ Top 100 Congested Road Segments."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Trends and Insights: Risk-Based Pricing of Insurance."
- Department of Public Safety. "Section 9: SR-22 (Proof of Financial Responsibility)."
- National Insurance Crime Bureau. "Nationwide Decline in Vehicle Thefts Continues Through First Half of 2025."
- Texas Department of Transportation. "Census Index and Crash Rate Dashboard."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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