Houston Car Insurance Advise
Reader’s Question:
Ever since I moved to Houston I noticed my car insurance premiums increasing, I’m still using the same car and I’m in my mid-30’s. Is my insurance company ripping me off?
George
Houston, TX
Good question. First, I don’t think that your car insurance provider is ripping you off (of course, we can’t really prove that they are, but really, there’s a better explanation). Rather, it is quite possible that the reason you’re car insurance rates have been increasing is because you moved into a bigger city. One of the main factors influencing your premiums is the location where you usually drive your vehicle. Houston has much more commuters, a higher traffic density, and definitely higher crime and accident rates as compared to smaller towns or the country.
Of course, more people means more cars, more thieves threatening your vehicle, higher likelihood vandalism, but this simply means you and your vehicle is more exposed to financial loss and risk of getting into an accident. The higher the risk, the more premiums will be charged to allow your auto insurance carrier to compensate for this additional risk. This can explain the increases you’ve been seeing on your car insurance bills lately.
What you need to realize, though, is that you have options. If you are not satisfied with what you are currently paying, then maybe you need to look for another provider. You can get valuable Houston car insurance advise and information (regardless of where you are, actually) to help you find more affordable car insurance rates and policies on this website, and by using our free insurance search tool as well.
Cheap Car Insurance Houston
Reader’s Question:
Why do car insurance companies here in my area charge high insurance premiums? I just moved from another state and I am shocked with the high insurance premiums that Houston car insurance companies are charging me. Is that normal?
Harold
Houston, TX
You might now have been exerting enough time and effort to shop around. The car insurance companies you are talking to may be charging high car insurance rates, but this is not to say that there is not enough cheap car insurance Houston companies in your area. Sometimes all it takes is diligence in finding a good provider of cheap car insurance in Houston.
You can find cheap car insurance Houston by browsing the Internet. You may not have given enough attention to various car insurance comparison or cheap car insurance websites. There are a lot of Internet resources which can give you tips on getting affordable car insurance in your area.
Another trick in getting cheap car insurance Houston is to show that you have a safe car. Your car may not have enough security features in it. Install security items like a good brake system, immobilizers, and alarm system. Surely, you can convince any car insurer that your car is low risk, and thus deserve to have lower car insurance premiums.
Car Insurance in Houston
Reader’s Question:
Hi there. Can anyone tell me what the legal requirements for car insurance in Houston are? What will happen if you are caught without car insurance?
Eric
Houston, TX
The minimum requirements of car insurance in Houston as of April 2008 is based on a 25/50/25 scheme which means a minimum of $25,000 for injury or death per person with a maximum of $50,000 per accident as well as a $25,000 coverage for property damage. There are several ways to show proof of insurance in Houston such as a surety bond or self insurance, but I personally think getting car insurance in Houston would be more convenient.
It is a legal requirement in Houston to have proof of insurance at all times. If you are caught without proper insurance, you may be subject to fines. Get caught a second time and you are levied fines, and annual penalties, and your license and car registration gets suspended. The government might even have your vehicle impounded! In addition, your car insurance costs are likely to go up as car insurance companies will view you as a high risk driver. You will also be required to get an SR-22 before they will reinstate your license and registration. Trust me, you do not want this to happen as it will cost you more in the long run and add needless anxiety to your already hectic life.
To stress my point, I think it would be useful for you to remember that with the advances in technology, it is now much easier to access information. Suppliers who provide car insurance in Houston are required to report all insured clients policy effectivity dates, cancellations and expirations so they can detect who do not have insurance coverage or whose car insurance in Houston have lapsed. I strongly recommend that you get at least the minimum insurance coverage not just to abide by the state law but also for your own piece of mind.
Houston Car Insurance
Reader’s Question:
My dad says it is more practical to shop online for Houston car insurance than shopping using the yellow pages. Is he right? Thanks
Patrick
Houston, TX
In terms of convenience and quick results, your dad is right in saying that it is easier to shop online for Houston car insurance. The yellow pages may provide you with enough number of car insurance companies offering various insurance policies, but imagine the number of hours you have to spend contacting each of these companies. When you go online, you can get insurance quotes and requirements from Houston car insurance companies within a few minutes. That is convenience that the Internet offers and which yellow pages cannot give you.
However, the yellow pages is still preferred by some car owners because they can get results accurately. You can immediately ask the insurance broker or agent on the details of the car insurance policy you are interested in, especially if some details are not clear to you. With online shopping, you may have to wait for a few days before the agent replies to your email. You can also be sure that the rates you get are updated when you contact insurance brokers and agents. Some websites are not updated when it comes to requirements and rates, although most of these insurance websites do get regular updates
Houston Texas Car Insurance
Reader’s Question:
We just recently moved here in Texas to start a new life and things are not getting easy for us. My husband is still having a hard time finding a new job and my salary is not enough to support my family. I also have a teen daughter who’s still studying that I need to support. I’m making every possible step to save on everything that we can. Right now, I think I’m paying more on our Houston Texas car insurance, more than what my budget can afford. I’m quite desperate to look into ways on how to lower my car insurance premiums. Please help.
Tina
Houston, TX
I’m sorry to hear that Tina. I’m hoping and praying that your husband will find a new job the soonest possible time.
As to your question, there are still a lot of ways to get cheap Houston Texas car insurance. For one, you’ve mentioned that your daughter is studying. You can take advantage of good student discount being offered by car insurance companies for students who are able to get a B average or even higher.
Another, is to keep a clean driving record. Make sure every driver in your household is giving their best whenever they drive. As long as you have good driving record, not involved in any accidents and no traffic tickets under your name, then you may even get a discount for that.
Also, if you have home insurance, you can also consider getting car insurance policy from the same insurance company that insures your house. This is also another discount that you can avail of.
Lastly, considering shopping around for car insurance rates. I’ve read somewhere that you can save as much as $100 every year if you only shop for car insurance rates. By doing that, you’ll be able to get the cheapest Houston Texas car insurance for your family.
Houston Auto Insurance
Reader’s Question:
I heard from so many things on how we can save on out Houston auto insurance. We’re actually getting a discount for good student since my daughter has a GPA of B. Also, we have several cars under one policy so that’s another discount. I also heard that getting a degree in engineering or science will also qualify us in getting another discount. In fact, my daughter will be graduating soon with a degree in engineering so I’ve already told her about the car insurance discount she may get. However, I’m still in search of other car insurance discounts that we may get. Can you help?
Felicity
Houston, TX
Sure Felicity! I’m sure you’re just so proud of your daughter. Having a daughter with an engineering degree with a B average is what every mother wishes for.
Going back to your question, yes you are correct. There are still several Houston auto insurance discounts that you can avail of, however, the availability of these discounts may vary from every car insurance company.
- If you have anti-theft device installed in your vehicle, you may qualify for a discount. Having this device lower the chances of your car from being stolen.
- You may want to consider of getting car insurance policy from the same company where you are getting your home insurance company, this also gives another discount. For some it could be as much as 15% discount.
- Enrolling in a driver’s education program like safety driving course most especially for teen drivers will likely give you a discount of up to 5%
So, those are just three discounts your may be able to get to get cheaper Houston auto insurance. You can call your auto insurance agent as early as now to check if it’s available from your car insurance company.
Houston Car Insurance
Reader’s Question:
My sister will be working here in Houston next month. I think she’ll be staying for good here. She’s been asking my help about Houston car insurance but there’s nothing I can give since I myself does not even own a car and I seldom drive. What things or information can you give to a clueless person like me? Thank you in advance. And I’m sure my sister will be so much happy if I’m able to answer her questions finally!
Noreen
Houston, TX
Well, help is here Noreen and I’m pretty sure your sister would be happy if not even delighted to hear that finally you’ll be able to answer her questions about Houston car insurance.
I’m sure you’re looking for a cheap Houston car insurance. And believe it or not getting cheap car insurance is still possible. There are just so many ways on how you can get cheap Dallas car insurance. Here are some:
- If your sister owns several cars she may get multi car discount. Auto insurance companies offer this discount if you will be insuring more than one car under the same policy
- If she is studying or has a daughter who is studying, it’s better to keep an average of B or even higher. Car insurance companies believe that good students are good drivers.
- If your sister has a degree in engineering, science, education, computer, medical, or accounting, she may also qualify to get a discount. People with those professions are found to pose lower risk for car insurance companies.
Those are just three things that can help your sister get cheap Houston car insurance. I hope she gets the best car insurance deal!
Cheap Car Insurance In Houston
Reader’s Question:
I am doing my best to keep my cheap car insurance in Houston. I heard from my friend that there are car insurance discounts available in Texas. I think I can save on my auto insurance premiums if I can get those discounts. Can you tell me what discounts to look for? And also I have another question. What kind of traffic violations will hurt my cheap car insurance rates? Thanks a lot!
Gina
Houston, TX
Hello Gina! Your friend is correct. There are discounts that you can avail of (depending if you qualify) to get cheap car insurance in Houston. However, I just want to remind you that these discounts may not be offered all the time. The availability of these discounts still depends on the car insurance company.
Here are some of the popular discounts that I am aware of:
- enrolling in a driver’s education program
- getting good grades from school
- having several cars under one auto insurance policy
- having lower driving miles
- safety devices installed in your vehicle
- installing anti-theft devices in your car
- renewing your policy with a good driving and claims history
As to your second question, if you drive carelessly and has a not-so- good driving record, you car insurance rate will be badly affected. In fact, according to the Texas Department of Insurance, auto insurance companies may charge you additional premiums that can go as much as 60% because of some of these violations:
- you are involved in accident, the more accident the higher the additional charge will be
- you have moving violations like speeding
- you are charged with DUI
- you are driving without a driver’s license or with license that is suspended.
Always drive safely to make sure that you’ll continue to get your cheap car insurance in Houston. Always have a safe trip!
Cheap Car Insurance Houston
Reader’s Question:
My husband just got laid off. So, I’m looking on all possible ways to save on everything including on our car insurance. Right now, our car insurance premium is just too much. Can you help me find cheap car insurance Houston?
Janice
Houston, TX
I’m sorry to hear that Janice. I do hope that your husband gets a new job the soonest possible time.
Going back to your question, there are a lot of ways to get cheap car insurance Houston. One sure way is to shop around for car insurance rates.
Do you know that by just shopping around for auto insurance, you can save as much as $100 in a year? Yes, that’s correct Janice. That’s according to the Texas Department of Insurance. All you need to do is to get several quotes from different car insurance companies. If you do that, you can compare car insurance quotes and that alone will give you the chance to get the cheap car insurance Houston that you are looking for.
However, you must not take into consideration the price alone. Please remember that you need to purchase car insurance policy from a trusted company that is licensed to do business here in Texas. You can check that information through the Texas Department of Insurance website.
Also, remember to buy only the auto insurance coverage that you need. I’ve always advised my friends who are driving old cars that it’s not practical to get comprehensive and collision coverage for those kinds of vehicle. Old cars are not worth insuring for those coverages.
Lastly, you can ask your car insurance agent for discounts which your insurer may offer. There are several discounts offered by car insurance companies, you just need to ask for those.
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