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Full-coverage auto insurance in San Antonio costs more than twice as much as a liability-only policy, on average. Freedom National offers the lowest rates for state-minimum coverage, at $85 per month, and Mercury has the cheapest full-coverage rates, at $188 per month.
Vehicle theft in San Antonio is up almost 60% since 2022, according to the San Antonio Police Department, which may explain the sharp difference in price between liability-only and full coverage. Comprehensive coverage, which is included in a full-coverage policy, can reimburse you if your vehicle is stolen.
Key Takeaways:
- San Antonio’s auto insurance rates are about the same as the state and national averages.
- San Antonio’s cheapest car insurance company is Dairyland, with average overall rates of $90 per month.
- Mercury offers the lowest average full-coverage rates in San Antonio, at $188 per month.
In This Article:
San Antonio’s Cheapest Car Insurance Companies
The average cost of car insurance in San Antonio is $143 per month, 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 | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Dairyland | $91 |
| Freedom National | $125 |
| Liberty Mutual | $144 |
| The General | $157 |
| Elephant | $167 |
Dairyland has the lowest average rates in San Antonio, at $90 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.
Find the Cheapest San Antonio Car Insurance Company for You
How we chose the cheapest companies in San Antonio
Our team analyzed thousands of rates from dozens of the top insurance companies in San Antonio. Using that data, we listed the five cheapest options for San Antonio drivers based on several key factors, such as age, coverage level, driving history, and more. All the rates listed are based on someone who drives a 2016 Honda Accord and has the minimum limits for coverage in San Antonio. The listed “full-coverage” rates include $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverages in addition to state-minimum liability coverage.
The Best Car Insurance Companies in San Antonio in 2024
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.
Commonwealth Casualty: Best company for drivers with spotty records
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. Commonwealth Casualty customers in San Antonio pay an average of $80 per month for liability coverage and $225 per month for full-coverage car insurance.
Pros:
- Local agents and adjusters
- Multiple add-on coverages
- Online quotes and payments
Cons:
- Above-average number of customer complaints
- Limited auto insurance discounts
- Doesn’t offer online claim filing
Dairyland: Best car insurance company for affordable coverage
Dairyland’s average auto insurance rate is just $90 per month in San Antonio — well below the city’s $143 average. It offers multiple optional coverages and flexible payment plans that work with your budget. Dairyland has an A+ rating from A.M. Best — an indicator of good financial strength.
Its app makes it easy to get bill alerts, access your ID cards, and see policy information. You can report claims online or by phone, and the company provides 24/7 customer service.
Pros:
- Fewer-than-average complaints
- Multiple discount opportunities
- Policy customization options
Cons:
- No accident forgiveness
- Doesn’t offer gap coverage
- Limited number of local agents
Hugo: Best car insurance company for low-income drivers
Hugo is a relatively new insurance company founded in 2016. The company 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. Policyholders can cancel or purchase additional coverage at any time. Hugo’s average auto insurance rate is $176 per month in San Antonio.
Pros:
- No up-front fees
- Purchase coverage for as little as three days
- Ability to withdraw unused money
Cons:
- Only available in 13 states
- Limited policy customization options
- Doesn’t file SR-22 forms
Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for State-Minimum Insurance: Freedom National
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.
| Company | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Freedom National | $85 |
| Liberty Mutual | $86 |
| Dairyland | $90 |
| Elephant | $95 |
| GAINSCO | $103 |
Freedom National has the lowest average monthly rates for state minimum insurance, at $85 per month, followed closely by Liberty Mutual at $86. Both insurers offer the coverage you need to meet Texas’ insurance requirements, plus optional coverages to customize your policy and discounts to keep your rate low.
Dairyland and Elephant may also be affordable options, with average monthly rates of $90 and $95, respectively. GAINSCO rounds out the top five, at $103 per month.
Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Full-Coverage Insurance: Mercury
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 table below outlines the five companies with the cheapest full-coverage rates in San Antonio.
| Company | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Mercury | $188 |
| Liberty Mutual | $197 |
| Elephant | $204 |
| Freedom National | $212 |
| GAINSCO | $224 |
Mercury has the cheapest full-coverage rates in San Antonio, at $188 per month. Plus good driver, pay-in-full, multi-car, and auto-pay discounts help policyholders keep rates low.
Liberty Mutual may also be an affordable option, with average rates of $197 per month. Elephant, Freedom National, and GAINSCO complete the top five with average rates ranging from $204 to $224 per month.
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.
| Age Group | Average Rate | Cheapest Company |
|---|---|---|
| 16–19 | $266 | Dairyland |
| 20–29 | $193 | Dairyland |
| 30–39 | $145 | Dairyland |
| 40–49 | $133 | Dairyland |
| 50–59 | $109 | Dairyland |
| 60+ | $109 | Dairyland |
As you can see, rates tend to drop as you age, with drivers 50 and older paying the cheapest rates in San Antonio. So if you’re still under 25 or have a young driver on your policy, those sky-high rates won’t stick around forever — as long as you keep your driving record clean.
Cheapest car insurance for San Antonio teens: Dairyland
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.
Here’s the cheapest company for liability insurance for 18-year-old San Antonians.
| Company | Average Rate |
|---|---|
| Dairyland | $160 |
Dairyland has the lowest rate for teens in San Antonio. An average liability policy from this insurer costs $160 per month for an 18-year-old driver. Its defensive driving, anti-theft, advanced quote, and payment frequency discounts can help reduce your rate further (if you qualify).
The company’s app makes it easy for teens to review policy information, see when their next payment is due, and access their ID cards.
Cheapest car insurance for San Antonio seniors: Dairyland
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.
Let’s take a look at the three companies with the lowest average monthly rates for 65-year-old drivers in San Antonio.
| Company | Average Rate |
|---|---|
| Dairyland | $74 |
| Elephant | $121 |
| The General | $123 |
Dairyland has the most affordable rates for senior drivers, at $74 per month. Roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement are a few of its optional coverages that provide added protection. The company also offers various discounts to help seniors keep rates low.
Elephant and The General — the next two cheapest options — have rates that are significantly more expensive, at $121 and $123 per month, respectively.
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.
Cheapest car insurance for good drivers in San Antonio: Dairyland
Good drivers with clean records qualify for the lowest auto insurance rates because they’re less likely to file a claim. Here are the lowest rates in San Antonio for drivers with no accidents or tickets on their driving record.
| Company | Average Rate |
|---|---|
| Dairyland | $90 |
| Freedom National | $121 |
| Liberty Mutual | $143 |
Dairyland offers the lowest rates for good drivers, averaging just $90 per month. Defensive driving, anti-theft, homeowners, and multi-car discounts are available to help you save even more with Dairyland.
If Dairyland isn’t a good option, you may consider Freedom National or Liberty Mutual. But they have much higher rates than Dairyland — even for good drivers. A policy with Freedom National costs $32 more per month, and one from Liberty Mutual costs $54 more.
Cheapest car insurance in San Antonio after a ticket: Commonwealth Casualty
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 8% after a ticket, according to Compare.com data.
Here are the cheapest average auto insurance rates for San Antonio drivers with a single speeding ticket on their record.
| Company | Average Rate |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Casualty | $109 |
| First Chicago | $115 |
| Freedom National | $154 |
Commonwealth Casualty offers the lowest rates for drivers with a speeding ticket, at $109 per month. First Chicago is a close second, with rates that are just $6 more per month. Advance quote, anti-theft, multi-car, homeowners, and other discounts help First Chicago customers keep their rates affordable — even with a ticket.
Freedom National rounds out our top three, at $154 per month.
Cheapest car insurance in San Antonio after an accident: Commonwealth Casualty
Having an at-fault accident on your record can cost you. Auto insurance rates may increase by about 28% after an accident, according to Compare.com data. But that doesn’t mean you just have to accept rate hikes.
The table below shows the cheapest average rates for San Antonio drivers with one at-fault accident.
| Company | Average Rate |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Casualty | $117 |
| First Chicago | $126 |
| Freedom National | $160 |
Drivers with an at-fault accident may find the lowest rates with Commonwealth Casualty, at $117 per month. This company helps you get back on the road quickly after an accident by providing fast repair estimates and claims processing timelines.
Another affordable option is First Chicago, with rates that are just $9 more per month.
The Average Cost for San Antonio Car Insurance
San Antonio drivers pay an average of $143 per month for auto insurance. But rates vary based on many factors, including age, driving history, the type of car you drive, and more. Your rate may be significantly higher or lower than the citywide average, depending on your unique driving profile.
Is car insurance more expensive in San Antonio?
Car insurance rates may vary by location — even within the same state. The table below shows how rates in San Antonio compare to other Texas cities, as well as Texas and the U.S. as a whole.
| State | Average Rates |
|---|---|
| San Antonio | $143 |
| Austin | $161 |
| Dallas | $171 |
| Houston | $211 |
| Rest of Texas | $145 |
| Rest of U.S. | $145 |
The average cost of a car insurance policy in San Antonio is about the same as the Texas and national averages. But drivers with a San Antonio ZIP code pay less than those in other big Texas cities, including Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
Drivers in areas with larger populations, more accidents, and higher crime rates typically file more claims. Insurance companies in these areas often charge more for coverage to offset how much they pay out in claims.
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 score. “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 providers 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.
Find Cheaper Auto Insurance in Minutes
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
Average Auto Insurance Rates for Other Cities in Texas
San Antonio drivers pay more for car insurance coverage than drivers in many nearby cities. The table below shows how rates in San Antonio stack up to its neighbors.
| City | Average Monthly Quote | Compared to San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Boerne | $112 | -22% |
| Floresville | $115 | -20% |
| Helotes | $161 | +13% |
| Hondo | $98 | -31% |
| Kerrville | $119 | -17% |
| New Braunfels | $135 | -6% |
| Pearsall | $86 | -40% |
| Pleasanton | $97 | -32% |
| San Marcos | $149 | +4% |
| Seguin | $113 | -21% |
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.
Who is the cheapest auto insurance company in San Antonio?
Dairyland has the city’s lowest average car insurance rates, at just $90 per month.
How much is car insurance in San Antonio?
The overall average auto insurance rate in San Antonio is $143 per month.
How can you find cheaper car insurance in San Antonio?
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.
How much car insurance is required in Texas?
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.
What happens if you get caught driving without insurance in San Antonio?
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.
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance rates from more than 75 partner insurance providers in order to compile the quotes 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 quotes listed in this article have been gathered 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 drivers with insight into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
Sources
- City of San Antonio. “Public Safety Committee Agenda,” Accessed July 7, 2023
- Insurance Information Institute. “What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?,” Accessed July 7, 2023
- AM Best. “AM Best Assigns Credit Ratings to Dairyland American Insurance Co and Point Ins Co; Affirms Ratings of Sentry Ins Group Members,” Accessed July 7, 2023
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. “Consumer Insurance Search Results,” Accessed July 7, 2023
- Texas Department of Insurance. “Auto Insurance Guide,” Accessed July 7, 2023
- Insurance Information Institute. “What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?, Accessed July 7, 2023
- Insurance Information Institute. “Insurance Handbook,” Accessed July 7, 2023
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Teenagers,” Accessed July 7, 2023
- Insurance Information Institute. “Understanding your insurance deductibles,” Accessed July 7, 2023
- Texas Department of Insurance. “FAQ: Auto insurance, claims, coverage issues, and more,” Accessed July 7, 2023
- Texas Department of Insurance. “Prescribed Auto Card Form,” Accessed July 7, 2023
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