(800) 253-1482Your Ultimate Guide to Cheap Car Insurance for Students in Texas
Summary: Car insurance for students in Texas doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re dodging hail in College Station or navigating Austin traffic, or finishing up high school in your hometown, the right coverage can save you big. From student discounts to smart bundles and low-mileage plans, there are real ways to cut costs without cutting corners—no matter where you go to school. Estimated Read Time: 8 mins
Navigating car insurance as a student in Texas can be challenging due to the high premiums young drivers face. Statistically, young drivers, particularly those in their teens and early twenties, are more likely to be involved in accidents, making them higher-risk for insurance companies. As a result, students may feel the financial burden of car insurance more than other drivers. However, affordable options exist, and understanding your coverage options can help you save money while staying protected.
Car Insurance for Texas Students: Facing the Facts
Car insurance for students in Texas isn't one-size-fits-all. Whether you're a freshman at the University of Texas or finishing grad school at Baylor University, your needs—and your risks—are different.
Even students going to school in the same cities will have different risk factors.
For example, Houston is home to Rice University, the University of Houston, and other places of higher learning, yet the risks each students face, whether it be on their commute, local crime statistics, etc., all vary.
Student car insurance might feel like just another line item on your already-tight budget, but it’s one of the smartest investments you can make.
Between busy campuses, unpredictable weather, and traffic-heavy commutes, accidents (and surprises) happen more often than you’d think.
For example, when you’re at Texas A&M in College Station, a hailstorm rolls through, leaving your parked car a total loss. Without comprehensive coverage, you’re stuck footing the bill.
Or say you're commuting to class at the UTEP and get rear-ended by a driver without insurance. If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, you could be on the hook for thousands in medical costs.
Even smaller incidents can cost a lot. Maybe you’re a UT Dallas student pulling into a tight spot after a late-night study session and accidentally back into a parked car. That’s where collision coverage steps in—covering repairs so you don’t have to empty your savings.
The truth is, car insurance isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s a financial safety net.
Whether you’re navigating downtown Beaumont as a student at Lamar University, driving to class in Denton at UNT, or living on campus in Lubbock at Texas Tech, having the right coverage can save you a lot of stress and money when life throws a curveball.
How to Save on Car Insurance as a Student in Texas
Adding teens to an auto policy can add 50% to 100% higher costs to auto insurance premiums, meaning both high school and college students are stuck facing very high rates for their protection.
Fortunately, there are several ways for students in Texas to save on car insurance. Here’s how to stay protected while in school without overpaying:
Take Advantage of Student Discounts
Insurance companies offer discounts specifically for students, and taking advantage of these can save you a significant amount of money. A car insurance student discount can come in many forms, including the following:
- Good Student Discount: If you maintain a "B" average or better, you could save up to 20% on your car insurance.
- Safe Driving Discount: Drivers who maintain a clean driving record can earn discounts over time. Safe driving habits can lead to lower rates as you gain more experience behind the wheel.
- Resident Student Discount: College students who live more than 100 miles from home may qualify for a discount of up to 35%.
Keep in mind that these are just discounts related to students, but there are many others available. Click the link to explore more car insurance discounts in Texas that may help you maximize your savings.
Find Savings: Not sure if you live far enough from home for savings? Use the Waze Maps tool below by clicking the expand button in the upper right corner. Then input the address of your vehicle and the address of where you’re living while you’re away for college to see if you may qualify:
Bundle Your Policies
Many insurance companies offer discounts if you bundle your car insurance with other types of insurance, such as renters or homeowners insurance. College students, in particular, can often save money by bundling their auto insurance with renters insurance, especially if they're living off-campus.
Related: Save Money With an Auto and Renters Insurance Bundle
Drive a Safe Car
The type of car you drive can affect your insurance premium. Vehicles with high safety ratings, lower repair costs, and anti-theft features typically cost less to insure. Before buying a car, consider the insurance costs associated with different models.
Compare Carriers to Find Cheap Car Insurance for Students
Insurance companies use different algorithms to assess risk, meaning quotes can vary widely. Shopping around and comparing quotes from multiple providers is essential to finding the best rate for a student auto insurance policy.
Essentially, car insurance costs depend on how risky you are to insure, with higher risk meaning higher premiums.
Each company has its own way of calculating this risk, leading to different quotes even for the same person.
Since young drivers are seen as riskier, finding cheap car insurance for students can be tough and confusing if you don’t know where to look.
To compare top-rated companies offering reliable coverage for less to students in high school and college, fill out our form below or call one of our agents at the number at the top of the page for a free, no-obligation quote:
Pay Attention to Your Credit Score
In Texas, your credit score may affect your car insurance rate. Maintaining a good credit score can help you secure lower premiums, as it’s part of your overall insurance score. If your score needs improvement, focusing on financial habits like paying bills on time can eventually lower your insurance costs.
Understanding Car Insurance Costs for College Students in Texas
Car insurance for college students in Texas often one of the bigger expenses drivers under 25 can face.
Students at places like Texas State, Abilene Christian University, or the University of the Incarnate Word can start seeing those savings sooner if they maintain a clean driving record with no accidents or tickets.
Still, insurance can feel confusing, especially when you’re balancing classes, work, and figuring out finances.
One common question is whether you can use student loans to pay for insurance. Federal and most private loans are meant strictly for education-related expenses like tuition and textbooks, not car insurance.
However, if you receive a refund or scholarship surplus, you might be able to stretch it toward transportation, just be smart about budgeting.
For international students at campuses like Rice, U of H, or Texas Wesleyan University, finding coverage can be tricky.
Some companies do offer policies to non-citizens or visa holders, but premiums are often higher due to limited U.S. driving history.
It’s worth exploring insurers that cater to international students or discussing options with your school’s international office. Remember, cheap auto insurance for students can be found when you compare multiple carriers.
Your job can also impact your rate, as some insurance providers factor in your occupation when calculating your premium.
So, a student working part-time in an office or as a lab assistant may pay less than someone doing food delivery or rideshare driving around Austin or College Station. It really comes down to time on the road and perceived risk.
If you're living in Texas and your family is too, staying on your parents’ policy is usually the most affordable option. For example, a student attending Baylor but returning home to Dallas on weekends might find it easier, and cheaper, to stay on the family plan.
But if you're living full-time on campus at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi or renting in San Marcos, switching to a solo policy tied to your college ZIP code could make more sense financially.
For students attending school from outside of Texas, to find car insurance for college students away from home, some insurers may even require a separate policy under Texas regulations.
Another option worth considering is pay-as-you-go insurance. If you're walking to class at UTSA, using campus shuttles at Texas A&M, or just don't drive much during the semester, low-mileage insurance can help cut costs.
These plans calculate your premium based on how many miles you drive, making them ideal for those who clock under 8,000 miles a year and a path to find affordable car insurance for students.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost for Students in Texas?
While rates vary by driver, location, and insurance provider, here are some average monthly premiums for full coverage for college-aged drivers at universities across Texas:
- Baylor: $90 per month
- Lamar University: $104 per month
- Rice University: $84 per month
- Sam Houston State University: $94 per month
- Southern Methodist University: $82 per month
- Stephen F. Austin State University: $103 per month
- Texas A&M: $91 per month
- Texas Christian University: $89 per month
- Texas Tech: $92 per month
- UTEP: $73 per month
- UTSA: $95 per month
- University of Houston: $97 per month
- University of Texas at Austin: $85 per month
Remember, these are general estimates and can vary significantly based on driving history, ZIP code, vehicle type, and discounts applied.
The Best Car Insurance for Students in Texas
The best car insurance for students combines affordable premiums with the right coverage.
Remember, every student’s needs are different, but with the right research and comparison, you can find a policy that offers the protection you need at a price you can afford.
Texas is home to a large number of teen and college drivers, and it's essential to take the time to explore your options.
Whether you're a high school senior or a college freshman, using an independent insurance agent or comparison tool can help you find the best deal.
Since 2005, Freedom Insurance Group has helped Texas families find affordable car insurance for young drivers by working with a network of top-rated insurance providers to give students access to the best coverage options at competitive rates.
Our personalized approach ensures that each student gets the protection they need without breaking the bank.
The best car insurance for college students and young drivers as a whole is going to protect them at the lowest price possible.
Always compare carriers, and you’ll be able to find the best deal possible on car insurance for students in Texas that meets your needs.
