Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Texas
Vernon, Texas, the county seat of Wilbarger County, was incorporated in 1889. By 1892, Vernon offered its growing population of 3,500 a streetcar, ice factories, flour mills, a fire department, and three newspapers. Today, its population of almost 11,000 enjoys such activities as hiking, camping, rodeos, and classic car shows. The city sits east of the Pease River, and Highways 70, 183, 283, and 287 all cross through Vernon.
Before you head out on one of these local highways, be sure you have a good auto policy. Vernon residents must carry auto insurance to drive legally. Driving without car insurance in Texas may bring you a fine of up to $350 for a first offense plus a three-year $250 driver’s license surcharge. To learn about additional penalties for driving uninsured, how to get discounts, and the average policy cost for a number of age ranges, keep reading.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Vernon, Texas?
As a Vernon, Texas, resident, you can expect to pay about $36 a month for liability car insurance and about $148 for full coverage. As a comparison, the national monthly average is $48 for liability and $147 for full coverage.
Reason Why Insurance Is So Expensive in Texas
A ranking of the states with the worst drivers placed Texas in the number three spot. Texas received this award due to the number of fatal crashes that occurred due to DUI, drowsy or distracted drivers, and drivers ignoring traffic rules such as traffic signals and speed limits. Statistics showed Texas had the second-highest number of fatal car crashes involving a drunk driver and the 10th-highest number for both distracted and disobedient drivers.
These statistics mean higher risk for insurance companies and, therefore, higher rates.
You can make yourself stand out from these other drivers in Vernon by maintaining a clean driving record, including no tickets, which may help you find a cheaper policy.
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Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Texas
The below chart shows what Vernon residents pay as compared to some other Texas residents:
City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
Vernon | $148 | $36 |
Rio Grande City | $180 | $51 |
Austin | $167 | $53 |
San Antonio | $165 | $53 |
Fort Worth | $169 | $52 |
Affordable Vernon Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
Underwriters view auto theft, accident, and insurance claim rates, among other factors, when coming up with your premiums. This works in your favor if you live in a zip code with low crime and claim rates.
Vernon has just one zip code with the following average rates:
Zip Code | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
76384 | $148 | $36 |
Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates by Age in Vernon
Statistics show drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are three times as likely as older drivers to be involved in an auto accident where there’s a fatality. This adds up to more expensive insurance rates for all Texas teenagers. You may qualify for a discount if you have good grades or take (and pass) a safe driving course. If you maintain a good driving record, you can watch your rates decrease with age and experience. Vernon residents can expect to pay around the following rates in each age range:
Age | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
Teenagers | $506 | $141 |
20s | $176 | $43 |
30s | $148 | $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 Vernon 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 Vernon
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Vernon?
There were no fatal accidents in Vernon in 2022.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Vernon?
Vernon’s well-maintained streets have no sign of potholes, and the street signs are clearly visible.
Vernon’s Street Department maintains the area’s roads, including street and pothole patching, grading and leveling unpaved streets, keeping streets clean, cleaning neglected property, and installing and maintaining street signs.
Vernon citizens may report potholes on local highways through the Texas Department of Transportation’s TxDOT system.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Vernon
As a Vernon resident, you must have the following state-mandated liability coverage to drive legally:
- $30,000 of bodily injury per person
- $60,000 of bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 of property damage
This protection covers injuries and property damage you cause someone else in an at-fault accident. You’ll need collision coverage to pay for your own property damage. And you’ll need medical payments coverage or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to reimburse your own (and your passengers’) medical expenses.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Vernon, Texas?
You might think, since you haven’t been driving much, that skipping a few months of your car insurance payments won’t hurt. But then, when you’re running a quick errand, cruising down Texas Street, you get pulled over for a busted taillight. And your secret is out.
Getting caught driving without auto coverage in Vernon can easily undo all that money you thought you’d save by skipping your payments. You could be subject to:
- Impounded vehicle (and associated fees)
- License suspension
- Vehicle registration suspension
- SR-22 requirement (including increased insurance rates)
If your risky driving leads to an accident, you could even go to jail.
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Factors Allowed in Vernon Car Insurance Rates
If you think you’ll get lower rates because you’ve been driving for 25 years and you’re in your 40s, you might be right. Age is just one of the factors underwriters review when figuring out your premiums. Other factors include:
- Your home zip code
- Vehicle make and model
- Vehicle age
- Claims history
- Driving record
- Deductible amount
- Coverage amount
If you’re in your 40s with a long list of driving offenses behind you, that’s another story. You may be in for higher rates. But depending on your situation, you may earn a discount by passing a defensive driving course.
What’s the Best Car Insurance for Teenagers and Their Families in Vernon, Texas?
The title of “new driver” earns you the title of “inexperienced driver.” Drivers with less experience, such as teenagers, are more likely to have car accidents and file claims, so they generally pay more for their coverage.
It’s much cheaper for you to add your teenager to your own car policy (especially if you have a good driving history) than to buy them their own, which can cost over three times as much. However, since their risk of having an accident is greater, if that happens, it can raise the rates you pay for your own policy.
Successfully passing a defensive driving course can decrease teens’ risk of having an accident, which may also decrease their insurance rates. Teens who drive a less expensive and safe car that’s cheaper to fix may also receive lower premiums.
What Are the Best Discounts for Car Insurance in Vernon, Texas?
What driver doesn’t love saving money on auto coverage? Ask your agent about available discounts, including:
If your car has certain safety features, such as airbags, antitheft devices, or antilock brakes, you may be eligible for a discount.
Your agent may also be able to offer you a usage-based policy. To see if you qualify, you’d need to drive around with a monitoring device plugged into your car or phone app to clock your mileage, speed, and other driving habits.
Get an Online Quote for Car Insurance in Vernon Today!
The next time you reach the intersection of Wilbarger Street and Main Street, make sure you’re protected with a good auto policy.
Just contact the friendly Freeway Insurance agents who are ready to find you the cheapest car insurance in Vernon. You can get a quick quote online, speak in person to a friendly agent at our Vernon office, or give us a call at (800) 777-5620.