Abilene Car Insurance

Experts break down Abilene car insurance cost, coverage, companies and more.

Written by Meg Stefanac
Written by Meg Stefanac

Financial blogger and business owner, Meg Stefanac, has more than 15 years experience working in the financial services industry and enjoys helping individuals make solid financial decisions. Meg has extensive experience writing about insurance and finances and is a key contributor to TrustedChoice.com.

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Woman using global positioning system in car. Find Abilene, Texas car insurance.

From multi-car crashes on I-20 to fender-benders on 1st Street, accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, and to any driver in Abilene. This is especially true during storms, when driving conditions are hazardous. A good car insurance policy can save you from the expensive costs associated with collisions.

Local independent agents can help you find the best and most affordable auto insurance policy to meet your coverage needs. Find an insurance agent in Abilene to get more information, and you can start comparing customized car insurance quotes in no time.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Abilene, Texas?

The average cost of car insurance in Texas is higher than the national average. Shopping around for the best rate has the potential to save you hundreds of dollars a year.

  • National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
  • Texas average annual car insurance cost: $1,449

Car insurance costs are calculated on a case-by-case basis according to a variety of factors such as:

  • The year, make, and model of the vehicles you are insuring
  • Your age, gender, occupation, driving record, and credit score
  • Information about other licensed drivers in your household
  • The amount of liability insurance you are purchasing
  • The coverage options you are including in your policy
  • The size of your deductible

If you are bundling your car insurance with other policies like homeowners insurance or renters insurance, you may qualify for rate reductions on all your policies. There are other discounts you may be entitled to, such as if you have a safe driving record or are a student with good grades.

When you compare policies and rates from a few competing insurance providers, you can be certain that you are choosing a good policy at a great price. Independent agents make comparison shopping easy.

What Does Car Insurance Cover in Abilene, TX?

Car insurance policies are a mixture of required and optional coverage.

As a vehicle owner in Abilene, you are required by Texas state law to have a policy that includes:

  • Liability insurance: This can cover other people's injuries and property damage if you cause an accident. Your policy must include:
    • Bodily injury liability coverage of at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident
    • Property damage liability coverage of at least $25,000 per accident.

If you are leasing your car or are still paying on your auto loan, you are likely to be required by your dealership or lender to also carry:

  • Collision insurance: This can pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged in a collision, regardless of fault.
  • Comprehensive insurance: This can pay for non-collision loss or damage to your vehicle, such as if a tree falls on it or it is washed away in a flood.

All other coverage is fully optional. Most car insurance providers will offer the following coverage options:

  • Medical payments insurance: This can cover any necessary medical treatment you or your passengers need if you are injured in a collision, regardless of fault.
  • Uninsured motorist insurance: This can cover the cost of any medical treatment you or your passengers may require if you are in a collision caused by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver.
  • Roadside assistance and towing: This can cover the cost of necessary assistance if your vehicle becomes disabled while you are out on the road or away from home.
  • Rental reimbursement coverage: This can cover the cost of renting a vehicle while repairs are being made to your car following a covered event.

Even though a minimum-coverage policy will be your least expensive option, it is not always the best choice. If you cause a collision and your liability limits are too low, you will be expected to make up the difference out of pocket.

Also, if you only carry liability insurance in your car insurance policy, you will not have coverage for your own vehicle if you cause an accident. It is a good idea to review costs for each type of optional coverage so you can determine which are a good fit for you and your family.

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What Is the Penalty for Driving without Insurance in Abilene?

Even though driving without insurance in Texas is illegal, more than one out of ten motorists in this state are operating an uninsured vehicle.

  • Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13.0%
  • Percentage of Texas drivers who are uninsured: 14.1%

If caught, the state of Texas can impose some pretty tough penalties:

  • For a first offense, you will face:
    • A fine ranging from $175 to $350
    • A $750 surcharge fee to be paid in three annual payments of $250 
    • Higher car insurance rates
  • For second and subsequent offenses, you will face:
    • A fine ranging from $350 to $1,000
    • A $750 surcharge fee to be paid in three annual payments of $250 
    • The potential impoundment of your car for 180 days with a $15/day impoundment fee
    • Higher car insurance rates

If you cause an accident while driving without insurance, the penalties are even harsher. They include a fine of $4,000, the suspension of your registration and license for two years, and the possibility of spending a year in jail. You will also need to pay for any injuries or damage you may have caused.

Uninsured motorist insurance lets you rest assured that if an uninsured driver is responsible for a collision with your vehicle, you will receive the compensation you are due without needing to go through expensive lawyers or time-consuming lawsuits to collect what is owed to you.

How High Is the Auto Theft Rate in Abilene, TX?

The auto theft rate in Texas is higher than the national average. However, in Abilene, the rate is lower. This is not to say the risk does not exist. Residents of the city report more than 200 auto thefts a year.

  • National auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.29
  • Texas auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.43
  • Abilene auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 1.67

If your car is stolen, the only way you can be reimbursed for your loss is if your car insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage. This optional insurance covers against a wide variety of non-collision loss and damage to your car.

If you are financing or leasing your vehicle, chances are good you have this coverage already. If not, talk to your insurance agent to learn how much it will cost you to add it to your car insurance policy.

How Can an Independent Agent Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance in Abilene, Texas?

Independent agents can be very helpful when you are looking for the right car insurance policy for you and your family.

These experienced professionals can explain your various coverage options, answer your insurance-related questions, and assist you with reviewing policy details and rates from some of the best car insurance companies in Abilene. That way you can choose the policy that offers the best value for your money.

Contact an independent insurance agent with an office near you to get more information and to start comparing a selection of customized car insurance quotes.

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http://www.city-data.com/city/Abilene-Texas.html
https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb020.html