Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Texas
Sweetwater, the county seat of Nolan County, is nicknamed the Wind Energy Capital of Texas and known for the yearly rattlesnake roundup. Residents and visitors enjoy outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, fishing, and bird watching at local lakes like Lake Sweetwater. The city sits in the Texas Midwest at the crossroads of Interstate Highway 20 and Highways 70 and 84. The I-20 holds an average of around 32,000 travelers every day. About 10,000 people live in Sweetwater.
Before you head out onto the busy highways, be sure you have good auto coverage. The Lone Star State requires its residents to maintain liability coverage to drive legally. If a police officer catches you driving without car insurance in Texas, you may receive fines, have your vehicle impounded, and even face jail time. Keep reading to learn how local agents can help you find the right car policy that fits your budget.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Sweetwater, Texas?
Sweetwater residents should expect to pay about $36 a month for liability car insurance and $150 for full coverage. The national monthly average is $48 for liability and $147 for full coverage.
What Does It Mean If Texas Is an At-Fault State?
Texas is an at-fault state, which means registered drivers are responsible for any accidents they cause. If you accidentally run a red, such as where State Route 132 meets Hailey Street, and crash into another driver, you’re responsible for the damage you cause. Your liability coverage will pay for expenses up to your policy’s limits.
If, on the other hand, an uninsured driver crashes into you — or a driver crashes into you and leaves the scene — your collision or uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) driver coverage will cover your expenses. In this scenario, collision only covers your property damage, while UM/UIM covers your medical and car rental costs as well as property damage. UM/UIM is included in a full policy unless you reject it in writing when purchasing your coverage.
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Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Texas
See the chart below for the average monthly premiums Sweetwater residents pay compared with other Texas residents:
City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
Sweetwater | $150 | $36 |
El Paso | $158 | $42 |
Alamo | $183 | $56 |
Rio Grande City | $180 | $51 |
Dallas | $211 | $59 |
Affordable Sweetwater Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
When figuring out your premiums, agents review crime and insurance claim statistics broken down by zip code. If you live in a zip code showing a high accident and claim rate, your coverage cost will likely be higher. Residents in the only Sweetwater, Texas, zip code can expect to pay the following rates:
Zip Code | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
79556 | $150 | $36 |
Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates by Age in Sweetwater
Age is another factor Texas underwriters consider when coming up with your premium. Teenagers have less driving experience, so their accident risk is statistically higher than older people with more driving experience. If you are, however, a new driver between the ages of 20 and 60, you can expect your rates to be higher than someone your age with more driving experience. Drivers starting at age 60 are likely to receive rate increases as age can decrease eyesight and reaction time, which means these drivers are more likely to file a claim. Sweetwater residents can expect to pay around the following prices in each age range:
Age | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
Teenagers | $506 | $141 |
20s | $176 | $43 |
30s | $150 | $36 |
40s | $140 | $34 |
50s | $128 | $32 |
60s | $135 | $36 |
70s | $161 | $47 |
* Methodology: We used the following demographic to determine the average monthly premiums for Sweetwater residents: a 30-year-old male carrying the state’s minimum liability requirements and the state’s full coverage requirements. Premiums vary due to factors such as age, deductible amount, liability limits, discount program eligibility, type of car, and more.
Driving Conditions in Sweetwater
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Sweetwater?
There were no fatal accidents in Sweetwater in 2022.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Sweetwater?
The city’s street department maintains the 84.76 miles of paved streets as well as the alleys, drainageways, street signs, traffic control devices, and 17 city bridges. The city’s streets are clean, with moderate wear in the form of some potholes in residential areas and cracked asphalt on the main roads. Visible signs mark the area’s streets.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintains the highways that cross through Sweetwater. Recent TxDOT projects included replacing the bridge over Oyster Creek.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Sweetwater
All Sweetwater, Texas, drivers must carry the following liability insurance to drive legally:
- $30,000 bodily injury per person
- $60,000 bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 property damage
If you cause an accident, your policy will cover the damage you cause up to the 30/60/25 limits. You’ll be responsible for any expenses beyond these limits, such as in the case of a serious accident. You’ll also need to cover your own property damage and medical expenses out of pocket unless you have a full policy that includes collision and personal injury protection coverage.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Sweetwater, Texas?
If an officer catches you driving uninsured in Sweetwater, you may receive some unwelcome penalties, including:
- Fines (up to $1,000)
- Impounded vehicle (and daily holding fees)
- Suspended vehicle registration
- Suspended license
- Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22) requirement
The SR-22 means you’re likely to pay higher coverage costs, at least for the length of your SR-22 requirement, for usually two years.
There are other potential fees, such as the cost of reinstating your driver’s license. You could also possibly face jail time, depending on the situation.
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Factors Allowed in Sweetwater Car Insurance Rates
Sweetwater underwriters consider various factors when determining your rate, including:
- Your residence zip code
- Vehicle make/model
- Vehicle age
- Your age
- Credit history
- Driving record
- Claims history
You can adjust your deductible and coverage amount to decrease your rates — a higher deductible usually means a lower monthly rate. Before going this route, though, it’s important to be sure you can cover the higher out-of-pocket costs if you have an accident.
Here’s What You Need to Know When Driving in Texas
In 2022, Texas was the fourth most visited state in the United States. This statistic means there are more travelers unfamiliar with the local roads. This information, combined with the unexpected storms that often happen in Texas Midwest, can bring unpredictable driving conditions.
Stay alert and watch for unexpected driver actions, such as last-minute turns or exits off the highways. Maintain a safe distance from other drivers. If you’re caught in a torrential downpour or under golf ball-sized hailstones falling from the sky, find cover as soon as possible.
What Are the Best Discounts for Car Insurance in Sweetwater, TX?
Agents enjoy rewarding drivers by providing discounts. Some auto coverage discounts you might qualify for include:
There are driving courses specifically for mature drivers. If you are older than 55, ask your agent if passing one of these courses will earn you a discount.
If you’ve been driving for a while and have a clean driving record, you may also receive a safe-driver discount.
Get an Online Quote for Car Insurance in Sweetwater Today!
Before you head out on the road, find the best auto coverage for protection from unexpected driving mishaps and the 14% of Texans who are uninsured.
Just have the friendly Freeway Insurance agents help you find the cheapest car insurance in Sweetwater. You can start a quick quote online, visit an agent in person at our Sweetwater office, or call us at (800) 777-5620.