Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Texas
Incorporated in 1873, Plano became a major supplier of cotton and grain by the 1890s. The name came from the Spanish word “flat” and references the local surroundings. By the late 1950s, Plano had evolved from an agricultural center to a more urban area. Today, with a population of about 290,000 residents, Plano is the ninth-largest city in Texas. You can easily take the DART rail or a 30-minute drive to nearby Dallas, about 20 miles away.
Lone Star State drivers must carry state-mandated liability auto insurance to legally operate a vehicle or face serious consequences if caught driving uninsured. Read on for more information about auto insurance in Texas, including penalties for driving without insurance, factors considered in figuring your premium, and how to get reduced rates.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Plano, Texas?
Plano, Texas, drivers pay an average of $53 a month for liability car insurance and $131 a month for full coverage. The national monthly average is $62 for liability and $150 for full coverage.
What Does Full vs. Minimum Mean?
Say you’re so lost in thought, savoring the thought of that jalapeno soup you’re about to order at one of Downtown Plano’s quaint restaurants that your foot hits the gas instead of the brake. Will your insurance pay for that gaping hole you’ve left in the restaurant’s side?
The answer is yes, your liability insurance will help cover this type of damage — as well as vehicle damage and medical bills you might cause another driver — up to your policy’s limits. However, your own damage will only be covered if you also have collision insurance. Comprehensive covers non-accident damage, such as from a streetlight pole falling across your car or car theft. A full policy includes all three types of coverage.
Unless you have a chunk of change put away for emergencies, it’s a good idea to upgrade to full coverage to protect yourself in an at-fault accident.
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Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Texas
A survey showed 90% of Plano residents consider the city a safe place to live in Texas — the state reported nearly 88,000 car thefts in 2021, of which just 521 happened in Plano. This contributes toward residents paying slightly less for auto insurance than other Texans, as shown below:
City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
Plano | $124 | $50 |
Dallas | $209 | $100 |
San Antonio | $199 | $119 |
Santa Fe | $150 | $116 |
Houston | $208 | $124 |
Affordable Plano Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
Besides the lower incidence of car thefts in Plano, Texas, there is a lower accident rate than in much of Texas. Underwriters take these statistics into account when coming up with your premium. Plano, Texas, has nine zip codes. The chart below shows the average monthly cost of an auto policy in each one:
Zip Code | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
75023 | $162 | $52 |
75024 | $163 | $52 |
75025 | $160 | $51 |
75026 | $163 | $52 |
75074 | $162 | $51 |
75075 | $163 | $51 |
75093 | $163 | $51 |
75094 | $162 | $51 |
Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates by Age in Plano
One factor Plano underwriters consider when determining your premium is your age. Some senior Plano drivers — starting at age 55 — with a good driving history may qualify for a driver’s discount. These discounts may be referred to as those for mature or older drivers or drivers who have retired. You may be required to pass a driving safety class to qualify for this discount.
Teen drivers generally pay more for auto coverage. Statistics show teens are the riskiest drivers and tend to drive smaller or older cars without proper safety equipment, such as airbags. This places them into the high-risk category, which usually means higher insurance rates.
Here is an idea of what drivers pay at different ages:
Age | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
Teenagers | $506 | $141 |
20s | $176 | $43 |
30s | $146 | $34 |
40s | $140 | $34 |
50s | $128 | $32 |
60s | $135 | $36 |
70s | $161 | $47 |
We use the following methodology to arrive at our average cost: male, age 30, state minimum liability and full coverage of 100/300/100.
Driving Conditions in Plano
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Plano?
There were 13 fatal accidents in Plano in 2022.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Plano?
The City of Plano Public Works maintains the city’s streets and alleyways, performs road upgrades, and announces road construction updates. In 2021, the city completed 28 infrastructure renovations to roads and bridges (including installing a covered walkway on the Legacy Drive bridge), median and pavement projects, and intersection improvements. Avoid driving past cones and barricades, and watch for open trenches in construction zones. Stay informed of current and future local road changes and detours to get to your destination safely.
The North Texas Tollway Authority and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintain the four highways (to include lane widening) that run through Plano: U.S. 75, Dallas North Tollway, President George Bush Turnpike, and Sam Rayburn Tollway. Use extra caution when driving through highway construction zones.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Plano
Plano drivers must carry the following minimum state-mandated liability insurance coverage to drive legally:
- $30,000 of bodily injury per person
- $60,000 of bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 of property damage per accident
This insurance covers damage you cause to someone else, including property damage, medical bills, and lost wages, up to the insurance limits. If the damages are greater than your insurance limits, you must pay out of pocket to cover the rest. If you cause an accident while holding only liability coverage, you must pay for your own expenses.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Plano, Texas?
Prepare to suffer consequences if you’re caught driving without auto insurance in Plano, Texas, especially if you cause an accident. You may receive any or all of the following:
- Fines of between $175 and $300
- License suspension
- Car registration suspension
- Impoundment of your vehicle (and associated fees)
- Increased insurance rates
You may have difficulty finding an insurer to cover you. However, you may need an insurer to file an SR-22 with Texas to prove you have financial responsibility to cover damage if you cause an accident.
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Factors Allowed in Plano Car Insurance Rates
Insurance underwriters in Plano, Texas, consider certain factors when coming up with your premium, including:
- Your age
- Vehicle’s age
- Car make and model
- Zip code where you live
- Insurance deductible
- Coverage amount
- Driving record (accidents, DUIs, tickets)
- Number of miles you drive
Plano, Texas, agents may also review your credit history — a lower credit score often means higher insurance rates as it signifies you’re more likely to file claims. Improving your credit score by closing unused credit cards and paying off high-interest cards may make you eligible for lower rates.
You can also make other changes to improve your chance of lower rates, such as passing a defensive driving course and adding safety equipment to your car, like a steering wheel lock that decreases your car’s chance of theft.
What Happens If I Damage Somebody’s Property?
Among other requirements, Texas requires drivers to carry $25,000 property damage liability coverage to drive legally. This insurance covers up to the $25,000 limit and extends to property other than vehicles, such as fences, buildings, streetlamps, mailboxes, traffic signs, house structures, and possessions like outdoor furniture and yard art on someone’s property.
If the property owner decides to sue you, this insurance may also cover legal fees. But if the cost for damages is more than your policy limit, you’ll be on the hook for the remaining balance. Property damage liability does not carry a deductible.
What Are the Best Discounts for Car Insurance in Plano, TX?
A number of discounts are available to help Plano drivers save money on auto insurance. These discounts include:
About 23% of Plano residents who work from home know how common telecommuting has become in recent years. If you’re one of these Plano residents, you may be eligible for a discount due to the reduced number of miles you drive.
Get an Online Quote for Car Insurance in Plano Today!
Before you drive through the busy intersection of Dallas North Tollway & West Park Boulevard on your way to the Shops of Willow Bend or head out to the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve on Marsh Lane, make sure you have good auto insurance to protect yourself.
Freeway Insurance underwriters are here to help you find the cheapest car insurance in Plano. Start a quick and easy quote online, visit a helpful agent at our Plano office, or call (800) 777-5620 to speak to someone right away.