Car Insurance in San Antonio: Costs, Coverage, and Savings Tips

Amani TurnageUpdated February 19th, 2025

Share

• 
• 
• 

Car insurance in San Antonio isn't optional, as the state of Texas sets minimum requirements for liability coverage. Still, mandates shouldn't be the only reason you want reliable coverage. San Antonio is a large city with heavy traffic conditions that can lead to accidents, which could be costly in the at-fault state without the required 30/60/25 coverage. If you have a lease or loan, the provider or lender may require more coverage.

This guide explains Texas car insurance requirements and discusses how to find affordable car insurance in San Antonio. Keep reading to learn all about San Antonio car insurance.

Texas Insurance Requirements: Coverage and Options Explained

In Texas, you must purchase a liability insurance policy proving you can pay for accidents you cause. San Antonio, Texas, car insurance must offer minimum coverage of 30/60/25 to meet state mandates, which means:

• $30,000 coverage for injuries per person
• $60,000 coverage for injuries per accident
• $25,000 coverage for property damage

The first two parts are known as bodily injury liability, which covers injuries to other drivers and their passengers.

Additional Coverage Needs

State minimums might not offer enough coverage for every situation. Imagine you're responsible for a multi-vehicle accident. In that scenario, multiple injuries and property damage may exceed policy limits. You are still liable for the excess, and other drivers can sue you. The financial impact will likely be significant.

Purchasing more liability coverage than required can help you avoid having to dip into your savings. Many insurance professionals recommend coverage of $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident, and $100,000 for property damage.

Additional Coverage Options

Auto insurance companies offer other policies to protect you and your passengers. For example, you can purchase car insurance in San Antonio referred to as medical payments coverage. This policy pays your and your passengers' medical expenses. It may also cover injuries you sustain while riding in someone else's car.

Personal injury protection, or PIP, is similar to medical payment coverage, but it goes beyond paying medical bills. This type of policy also pays for nonmedical costs, such as lost wages.

Then, there is collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision insurance pays for repairing or replacing your car following an accident, while comprehensive coverage pays for damages from non-accident causes such as theft, fire, or vandalism.

Minimum Coverage Versus Full Coverage

Minimum coverage provides the lowest average rates for insurance, while higher policy limits should protect you financially against lawsuits and losses. That said, liability coverage does nothing to cover injuries to you or your passengers, or damage to your vehicle.

Full coverage means a higher insurance premium but provides more complete protection. A typical full coverage policy from an insurance company includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.

Lease agreements and lenders typically require full coverage. Even if it's not a requirement, it's worth considering, especially in an at-fault accident state.

What Affects Car Insurance Rates in San Antonio?

After you decide which type of policy you want, it's time to consider insurance rates. Many factors can affect the rates for car insurance in San Antonio. Some of the most influential factors include:

• Clean driving record
• Location of vehicle
• Credit score
• Type of vehicle

Things out of your control also influence insurance costs. For example, living in an area that experiences frequent severe weather events can increase your rates. Thankfully, San Antonio only experiences occasional severe weather, so that shouldn't affect your rates too much.

Additionally, the rate of claims in your area often affects insurance rates. The more probable claims activity is, the greater risk an insurer has of paying out on a policy. Insurers circumvent this risk by raising prices.

While these things can have an adverse effect on your premiums, they are out of your control. It's better to focus on things you can control, like driving responsibly and avoiding traffic violations.

How Driving Violations Affect Insurance Premiums

The effect of a Texas traffic violation on your insurance premium depends on its severity. A speeding ticket might have a minimal impact, especially if it's uncommon for you. However, an accident can significantly affect rates when you're at fault.

For more specific examples, look at the DUI laws in Texas. The state takes violations seriously, and so do insurers. On average, a DUI conviction can increase annual car insurance costs by 52%. This may cause you to dip into your emergency fund and may have a drastic impact on your savings goals.

What Are the Cheapest Cars to Insure in San Antonio?

The average car insurance cost in Texas varies based on car make and model. It's difficult to rank the cost of insuring every car make, model, and year combination in San Antonio. That said, it's possible to highlight newer models while investigating cheap car insurance in San Antonio. Here are the top 10 most affordable car makes and models to insure, weighted by zip codes and population sizes (data accurate as of July 1, 2024):

These rates come from our partner Quadrant Information Services. Your rates may differ based on credit score and driving record.

Save on Car Insurance in San Antonio With EverQuote

The price of car insurance in San Antonio depends on several factors, including those under your control, like driving habits, so do your homework before selecting a policy. Use the EverQuote comparison tool to compare several insurance quotes and find the best car insurance in San Antonio for your budget and needs.

FAQs