Jennifer Brozic is a personal finance who has written for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has been featured in publications such as Credit Karma, Kelley Blue Book, Credit One Bank, and NEXT Insurance. She’s committed to creating content that inspires people to take action. Her expertise includes insurance, financial planning and budgeting, building credit, loans, credit cards, and more.
Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
Updated
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Table of contents
The average San Antonio driver pays around $233 per month for a full-coverage car insurance policy, according to our research. While that figure may seem high at first glance, you can find a much better deal — if you know where to look. We found that State Farm, GEICO, and Allstate offer average car insurance quotes starting around just $39, but the exact price you pay could change depending on several personal factors.
In this guide, we’ll outline the cheapest insurance companies in San Antonio for a variety of popular driver profiles and offer a few tips on how to get cheaper coverage.
San Antonio’s auto insurance rates are about the same as the state and national averages.
San Antonians can expect to pay around $179 per month for auto insurance, on average.
San Antonio’s cheapest car insurance company is State Farm, with average overall rates of $39 per month.
How Much Is Car Insurance in San Antonio, Texas?
When shopping for car insurance, it’s important to have a good idea of what you can expect to pay. Below, we’ve outlined San Antonio’s average rates for popular coverage types as well as how each compares to the statewide and national averages.
Location ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium: Liability Insurance ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium: Full Coverage ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium: All Policies ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|
San Antonio | $125 | $233 | $179 |
Texas | $122 | $235 | $179 |
National average | $107 | $198 | $153 |
The overall average auto insurance premium is $179 per month in San Antonio, according to Compare.com data. Still, the type of policy you choose can sway that figure up or down. We found that basic liability policies at the state-minimum limits cost around $125 per month, on average, while full-coverage tends to run around $233.
That said, these average rates are just that — broad averages. Several companies offer policies for much cheaper — you just have to know where to look.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at which insurers tend to have the best rates for San Antonio drivers.
San Antonio’s Cheapest Car Insurance Companies
The average cost of car insurance in San Antonio may seem high, but you may find ways to get a lower rate. Let’s take a look at which companies offer the cheapest average rates in San Antonio.
Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
---|---|
State Farm | $39 |
GEICO | $43 |
Allstate | $55 |
Mile Auto | $60 |
USAA | $70 |
Nationwide | $88 |
Mercury | $90 |
Root | $90 |
Progressive | $110 |
Safeco | $113 |
Dairyland | $114 |
Chubb | $119 |
Clearcover | $130 |
National General | $130 |
Direct Auto | $133 |
The General | $134 |
21st Century | $137 |
Bristol West | $137 |
AssuranceAmerica | $140 |
Commonwealth Casualty | $141 |
Elephant | $153 |
GAINSCO | $170 |
Liberty Mutual | $219 |
Foremost | $227 |
State Auto | $263 |
State Farm has the lowest average rates in San Antonio, at $39 per month. But that doesn’t mean it’s the cheapest insurance company for everyone. Auto insurers consider many risk factors when determining premiums, and some weigh certain criteria more heavily than others.
The companies in the next section have the lowest average rates for specific types of drivers. But the only way to know which company will offer you the lowest rates is to get a quote.
The Best Auto Insurance Companies for San Antonio Drivers
No single auto insurer can meet all drivers’ needs. Comparing coverage options, pricing, discount opportunities, and other features can help you find the best policy for your unique situation. Read on to learn about the best companies for several common driver types.
GEICO: Best for affordable coverage
Among the cheapest rates in the city
Customizable policy options
Highly rated mobile app
No local agents
Spotty customer review scores
Poorly rated claims processing
GEICO is a great option for San Antonians who value price above all. The company’s average rates are among the best in the city, regardless of the type of policy you need. And with a large national footprint and plenty of customizable coverage options, you’re sure to find the coverage you need at a competitive price.
Still, GEICO may not be the best option if you care about customer service or claims processing. The company scores below average claims satisfaction, according to J.D. Power’s latest study.
Commonwealth Casualty: Best for spotty records
Local agents and adjusters
Multiple add-on coverages
Online quotes and payments
Above-average number of customer complaints
Limited auto insurance discounts
Doesn’t offer online claim filing
Commonwealth Casualty’s team of local claims adjusters is available to help get you back on the road quickly after a mishap. The insurer processes total loss claims within 72 hours, according to its website. It also provides damage estimates within 24 hours if your car needs repairs.
The company offers standard and optional coverages that allow you to customize your policy to fit your needs. Plus, it specializes in high-risk drivers to ensure you get the coverage you need, regardless of what your driving record looks like.
Hugo: Best for low-income drivers
No up-front fees
Purchase coverage for as little as three days
Ability to withdraw unused money
Only available in 13 states
Limited policy customization options
Doesn’t file SR-22 forms
Hugo is a relatively new insurance company founded in 2016. It offers pay-as-you-go insurance that allows you to purchase coverage for as little as three days or as much as six months at a time.
The company doesn’t charge down payments or up-front fees, and micropayments make budgeting simple. You can even withdraw unused funds from your Hugo account if you’re in a pinch. Hugo even lets you can cancel or purchase additional coverage at any time.
Cheapest Liability Insurance Companies
State-minimum coverage is a bare-bones policy that meets the state’s requirements to drive legally but could leave you on the hook for out-of-pocket expenses if you’re in an accident. Increasing your policy limits will cost a little more but may be worth the added protection.
“Most people don’t understand that [the liability limits] are actually the cheapest thing to adjust on your policy,” says Deon Williams, independent insurance agent at 4J Insurance. So it’s a good idea to get more than state-minimum limits — if you can afford it.
Either way, let’s take a look at which companies offer the cheapest state-minimum car insurance in San Antonio.
Average Liability Rates by Company
Keep in mind that lenders and leasing companies require additional coverage if you finance or lease your car. And even if you don’t, it’s probably a good idea to get full coverage if you can’t afford to repair or replace your vehicle out of pocket.
Cheapest Companies for Full-Coverage Insurance
Full-coverage car insurance provides more protection than a liability-only policy — that’s why it costs more. It includes collision and comprehensive, which cover damage due to crashes, weather, theft, and many other incidents.
The chart below outlines the five companies with the cheapest full-coverage rates in San Antonio.
Average Full-Coverage Rates by Company
While these companies are generally a good place to start, they won’t necessarily be the cheapest options for every driver. At the end of the day, several factors — including your age, driving record, and more — play a big role in how much you pay for car insurance.
With that in mind, let’s dig a little deeper and break down San Antonio’s average rates by several of these factors.
Compare San Antonio Auto Insurance Rates by Age
Your age can significantly affect the price of auto insurance coverage. Young drivers pay more because they don’t have much experience behind the wheel and are more likely to cause a collision.
The table below shows how age affects auto insurance rates in San Antonio, according to Compare.com data.
Age Group ▲▼ | Citywide Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|
Teens | $336 | State Farm | $71 |
40s | $162 | State Farm | $36 |
Seniors | $141 | State Farm | $29 |
Teens and young drivers have the most expensive rates because they’re the most likely age group to get into an accident. But, as we said, those high rates won’t last forever. Rates generally drop significantly around age 25 and will typically remain low as you get older, as long as you don’t get any tickets or file claims.
We found that State Farm has the cheapest average rates for teen drivers in San Antonio — just $71 per month. Compared to the average teen — who pays around $336 each month for coverage — that’s a great deal.
Older drivers typically have lower rates due to their decades of experience behind the wheel. And your rates may drop even more after retirement if you drive less.
In San Antonio, the average senior driver pays around $141 per month for car insurance, according to our data. But savvy seniors can typically find a much better deal from State Farm — it’s average rate for seniors is just $29 per month.
Compare San Antonio Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record
Many factors affect your car insurance rates, but your driving record is probably the most important one. At-fault accidents, tickets, and other infractions like DUIs, indicate you’re a high-risk driver — and insurance companies charge high-risk drivers more. Maintaining a clean driving record is one of the best ways to keep your premium affordable.
The table below shows how various driving infractions affect average rates in San Antonio, according to Compare.com data.
Driving Record ▲▼ | Citywide Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|
Clean record | $179 | State Farm | $39 |
Speeding ticket | $244 | State Farm | $49 |
At-fault accident | $257 | State Farm | $52 |
DUI | $293 | State Farm | $64 |
Traffic violations like speeding tickets can lead to increased insurance rates. Tickets indicate risky driving behaviors, and insurance companies often increase premiums to offset the risk. Insurance rates increase by about 29% nationally after a ticket, according to Compare.com data.
Still, several companies offer competitive rates for drivers with a ticket, including State Farm. Its average rate for people with a recent speeding ticket is just $49 per month, according to our data.
Having an at-fault accident on your record can cost you. Average auto insurance rates increase by about 31% after an accident, according to Compare.com data. But that doesn’t mean you just have to accept rate hikes.
In San Antonio, State Farm offers the best rates for people with an at-fault accident in the past five years, at just $52 per month, on average.
A DUI conviction will cost you more than any other driving-related infraction. We found that the average driver experiences a 61% rate increase following a DUI conviction.
But that doesn’t mean you just have to expect sky-high auto insurance rates if you have a DUI on your record. For example, State Farm has average rates of just $64 per month for San Antonians with a recent DUI — the cheapest of any insurer in the area.
5 Ways to Get Cheap Car Insurance in San Antonio
If you’re looking for the lowest rates, here are five tips to help you save.
Improve your credit. “If you want the best rates, you’re going to have to work on your personal credit,” says Williams. Pay your bills on time, reduce debt, and limit the amount of available credit you use.
Raise your deductible. Increasing the amount you pay before your insurance kicks in typically reduces your rate.
Take a defensive driving class. Some insurance companies offer discounts to policyholders who take classes to improve their driving skills.
Slow down. Speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and other driving infractions increase rates. Maintaining a clean driving record is one of the best ways to get affordable coverage.
Shop around every few months. Insurance companies use proprietary formulas to calculate premiums. Regularly comparing car insurance quotes from multiple providers can ensure you get the best rates available.
Texas Auto Insurance Requirements
Texas drivers must have bodily injury liability coverage of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. Drivers must also maintain property damage liability coverage of $25,000 per accident to legally drive in Texas.
All auto insurance policies in Texas also include personal injury protection (PIP). PIP covers your and your passengers’ medical bills, lost wages, and certain non-medical expenses — such as childcare — if you’re in an accident.
Optional coverages — such as uninsured/underinsured motorist, collision, and comprehensive — can provide additional protection, but Texas doesn’t require them.
Penalties for driving without auto insurance in Texas
You could face stiff penalties if you’re caught driving without insurance in Texas. You’ll likely receive a ticket and a fine of up to $350 for a first offense. Penalties for subsequent violations are more severe and may include:
Fines of up to $1,000
Driver’s license suspension
Vehicle registration suspension
Vehicle impoundment for up to 180 days at a cost of $15 per day
San Antonio Auto Insurance FAQs
Have questions about buying car insurance in San Antonio? Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
State Farm has the city’s lowest average car insurance rates, at just $39 per month, according to Compare.com data.
The overall average auto insurance rate in San Antonio is $179 per month, according to our data. That breaks down to $125 per month for basic liability policies and $233 for full coverage.
Shopping around and comparing quotes from multiple insurers is the best way to make sure you get the lowest rates available. Maintaining a clean driving record and good credit score and asking about available discounts can also help you save.
Texas law requires drivers to have bodily injury liability coverage of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. You must also maintain property damage liability limits of at least $25,000 per accident.
The first time you’re caught driving without insurance, you’ll likely receive a ticket and a fine of up to $350. Authorities may fine you up to $1,000, suspend your license and vehicle registration, and impound your vehicle if they catch you driving without insurance again.
Sources
City of San Antonio., “Public Safety Committee Agenda,” accessed January 22, 2025.
Texas Department of Insurance, “FAQ: Auto insurance, claims, coverage issues, and more,” accessed January 22, 2025.
Texas Department of Insurance, “Prescribed Auto Card Form,” accessed January 22, 2025.
Texas Department of Insurance, “Auto Insurance Guide,” accessed January 22, 2025.
Insurance Information Institute, “What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?” accessed January 22, 2025.
Insurance Information Institute, “Insurance Handbook,” accessed January 22, 2025.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “Teenagers,” accessed January 22, 2025.
Insurance Information Institute, “Understanding your insurance deductibles,” accessed January 22, 2025.
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
Jennifer Brozic is a personal finance who has written for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has been featured in publications such as Credit Karma, Kelley Blue Book, Credit One Bank, and NEXT Insurance. She’s committed to creating content that inspires people to take action. Her expertise includes insurance, financial planning and budgeting, building credit, loans, credit cards, and more.
Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.