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Beth Swanson

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Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. She is a licensed insurance agent whose goal is to make insurance content easy to r…

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Nathan is an insurance professional with a focus on creating positive customer experiences with more than 10 years of industry experience.

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Kristine Lee

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Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

How much does car insurance cost in San Antonio?

San Antonio is a reasonably affordable city compared to other major cities in the United States. Auto insurance in San Antonio is typically priced at $965 for a six-month policy or roughly $161 per month. GEICO is the most budget-friendly car insurance company in San Antonio, according to our 2023 data, with rates starting at $750 for a six-month policy.

San Antonio residents pay slightly more than the statewide average for auto insurance in Texas, which is $992 per six-month policy. The city's average rates are also higher than the national average of $742. Based on our data, 42% of San Antonio residents feel like they are paying too much for their car insurance. Whether you want to know how your rates compare to those typical of San Antonio or better understand the factors that impact your premiums, such as age, credit score, and weather, we can help.

Car Insurance in San Antonio vs. Texas Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
San Antonio Average $1,036
Texas Average $992

The cheapest car insurance companies in San Antonio

1st place medal
1st place: GEICO

GEICO is the cheapest at $125 per month or $750 for a six-month policy.

2nd place medal
2nd place: Nationwide

The next most affordable on our list is Nationwide. On average, a Nationwide policy in San Antonio costs $818 per six-month policy ($136 per month)

3rd place medal
3rd place: State Farm

Our third best option for affordable auto coverage in San Antonio is State Farm, which costs $143 per month, or $860 every six months.

The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in San Antonio:

  • The average cost of a car insurance policy in San Antonio is $1,036 per six-month policy — $173 per month.
  • The cheapest company in San Antonio is GEICO ($750).
  • San Antonio is one of the more affordable large cities in Texas when it comes to car insurance.
  • 42% of Zebra customers in San Antonio stated they used our product because they were paying too much for car insurance with their current provider.

Are you paying too much for auto insurance?

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San Antonio car insurance rates by company

San Antonio's cheapest option for full coverage car insurance in 2023 is GEICO with rates at $125 per month or $750 per six-month policy, according to our data. Nationwide is the second most affordable option, with rates at $136 per month or $818 for a six-month policy.

To learn more about the top-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we can provide you with further information.

Learn more about based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

 

Cheapest car insurance companies in San Antonio, TX
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $750
Nationwide $818
State Farm $860
Texas Farm Bureau $872
USAA $923
Progressive $1,246
Allstate $1,273

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Shop around for the best rates


Your time and money are important, especially when searching for the right car insurance coverage in San Antonio. Our comparison tool can help you save both by allowing you to shop around for the coverage you need at a price you can afford. Simply enter your ZIP code to compare rates from top companies such as Progressive, Allstate, GEICO, State Farm, and others, to find the best and cheapest car insurance in San Antonio.

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Average car insurance in San Antonio by rating factor

Different rating factors affect what you pay for car insurance in San Antonio, and different insurers may consider the importance of one factor more than another. For example, some insurance companies may give more weight to credit scores, while others may examine previous claims history more closely. This means that the car insurance company that was suitable for you in your 20s may not be the best fit for you in your 40s.

In San Antonio, it's important to obtain insurance quotes periodically to ensure that you're getting the best possible rate. It's also wise to reassess your insurance needs and the cost of coverage when personal circumstances change due to events such as marriage, landmark birthdays, or credit improvement.

Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?

A: Auto insurance rates in San Antonio are influenced by end-of-year earnings, which refer to the revenue of premiums versus the cost of paying insureds’ claims. Even if you're a great driver with zero claims, you may still pay more with one insurance company than another due to the costs they incur by operating in San Antonio.

Auto insurance premiums by age in San Antonio

Age is among the many factors used when computing insurance rates. Insurance providers use statistics to determine the likelihood of drivers being involved in accidents or making claims. Unfortunately, teenagers have the highest accident rate compared to any other age group. Consequently, they are charged the highest premiums. In San Antonio, the discrepancy between the rates paid by teenage drivers and those in their 20s can be as high as $3,600 annually.

Insurance companies aim to manage risk, and insuring a teenage driver can appear disproportionately expensive or unreasonable. However, teenagers present a higher risk of accidents, and to balance the increased cost of claims, insurers charge them higher premiums.

Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in San Antonio, TX
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Texas Farm Bureau $1,636
GEICO $1,896
USAA $2,053
State Farm $2,879
Nationwide $2,949
Allstate $5,694
Progressive $5,910
Age Bracket Cheapest Companies Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s GEICO $925
30s Texas Farm Bureau $803
40s Nationwide $774
50s Texas Farm Bureau $709
60s Texas Farm Bureau $656
70s Texas Farm Bureau $706

Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for San Antonio drivers between 20-40 are GEICO, Texas Farm Bureau and Nationwide


Our data tells us that drivers between the ages of 20-40 make up the bulk of San Antonio drivers. On average, this group pays $1,192 every six months. By going with these companies, these groups can potentially save 23%.

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in San Antonio

Adjusting your coverage level is one factor that can directly impact the premium you'll pay for car insurance in San Antonio. According to our research, 32% of drivers in San Antonio have the state minimum coverage, which can lower premiums but also puts them at risk of being underinsured in the event of an accident. While states only require a certain amount of coverage, the bare minimum isn't always the best option in the long run.

Adding collision or comprehensive coverage (together, they're referred to as "full coverage") can raise your rates, but it can give you more peace of mind while driving in San Antonio. These coverages generally have a deductible, which can also affect your rates. In general, the higher your deductible, the lower your rates will be. For instance, coverage with a $2,500 deductible will typically cost less per month (or per policy period) than coverage with a $1,000 deductible.

In San Antonio, you might want to opt for extras like roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage that can shield you against drivers who don't carry their own auto insurance. These additions can increase your overall car insurance rates, but The Zebra's insurance experts suggest carrying them for both peace of mind and practicality in the event of an accident.

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

San Antonio drivers who own their vehicles have the ability to adjust their coverage to save on car insurance premiums, whereas if you're leasing or financing you'll likely be required to carry a certain amount of coverage. If your car is worth less than $4,000, you may want to consider dropping collision or comprehensive coverage, which can increase your rates. However, keep in mind that in the event of an accident, you will be responsible for paying for repairs out of pocket if you do not have these coverages.

Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in San Antonio, TX
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $298
USAA $350
Texas Farm Bureau $357
Allstate $366
State Farm $418
Nationwide $434
Progressive $481

45% of our customers in San Antonio opt for the basic level of coverage, and it is a popular option, but that doesn't mean its right for everyone. We also understand state minimum coverage is a budget-friendly solution, but be aware that it can put you at risk for damages that exceed your liability limits if you're responsible for an accident. Texas' 30/60/25 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $30,000 per person in bodily injury, $60,000 per accident in bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. This is probably enough for a standard fender-bender, but might not be for a multiple-car situation or one involving injuries.

Learn more about insurance laws in Texas.

San Antonio car insurance rates by credit score

If you're wondering why your car insurance rates are so high, your credit score could be a big part of the problem. Insurance companies have found that drivers with lower credit scores tend to file more claims and engage in riskier driving behavior, which means they're more expensive to insure. So if your credit score needs some work, it's worth taking steps to improve it in order to lower your insurance premiums.

If you have poor credit, it's worth taking steps to improve it, as doing so can help you save money on car insurance and other expenses. 36% of drivers in San Antonio have "Average" credit, and GEICO is the best option for those whose score fall in that credit tier.

car insurance in San Antonio by credit score
Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in San Antonio, TX
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $1,164
Nationwide $1,267
Texas Farm Bureau $1,657
State Farm $1,766
USAA $1,837
Allstate $1,930
Progressive $2,186

Zebra Tip: If you recently improved your credit score, shop around for car insurance!


San Antonio drivers with poor credit scores pay an average of $1,771 per year for car insurance, which is about 108% more than drivers with excellent credit, according to our data. However, if you can improve your credit score to the "Fair" range, you could save an average of $1,026 per year on insurance premiums.

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

In San Antonio, at-fault accidents and collisions are the most common type of insurance claims. If you're involved in an at-fault accident, it can increase your monthly insurance premium by anywhere between $42 and $104. However, this can vary depending on the severity of the accident and other factors such as your insurance company's policies. We recommend shopping around for insurance quotes to find the best rates after an accident.

If you want to keep your car insurance premiums low, it's essential to drive safely and avoid accidents. A clean driving record shows insurance companies that you're a responsible driver, which translates to lower rates. Keep in mind that tickets for speeding, reckless driving, and DUIs, as well as at-fault accidents, can all lead to rate increases.

Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in San Antonio, TX
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
State Farm $1,042
GEICO $1,089
Nationwide $1,328
Texas Farm Bureau $1,379
USAA $1,409
Progressive $1,807
Allstate $2,027

San Antonio car insurance rates by violation

The table below illustrates the amount that different violations and claims can increase your rates in San Antonio.

Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in San Antonio, TX
Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $1,036 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $1,044 1% $9
One comp claim $1,101 6% $65
Not-at-fault accident $1,104 7% $69
Failure to show documents $1,107 7% $71
Driving with expired registration $1,116 8% $80
Two Med/PIP claims $1,120 8% $84
Driving without lights $1,123 8% $87
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,123 8% $87
Child safety restraint $1,130 9% $94
Cell phone violation $1,150 11% $115
Texting while driving $1,150 11% $115
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,153 11% $118
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,153 11% $118
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,153 11% $118
Driving too slowly $1,158 12% $123
Speeding in school zone $1,158 12% $123
In 65 MPH zone $1,160 12% $125
Failure to stop at a red light $1,160 12% $125
Two comp claims $1,163 12% $127
Improper passing $1,164 12% $129
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,166 13% $130
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,167 13% $132
Failure to yield $1,170 13% $134
Illegal turn $1,170 13% $134
Following too closely $1,172 13% $136
Passing school bus $1,177 14% $142
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,184 14% $149
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,287 24% $251
Driving with a suspended license $1,453 40% $417
Racing $1,458 41% $423
Reckless driving $1,480 43% $444
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $1,503 45% $467
Open container $1,512 46% $476
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,655 60% $620
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,661 60% $626
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $1,703 64% $668
DUI $1,723 66% $687

Why is car insurance in San Antonio so expensive?

San Antonio is a large and diverse city with a mix of urban and rural areas. This can make it difficult for insurance companies to assess risk, which can result in higher premiums. Additionally, San Antonio has a high number of uninsured drivers, which can drive up the cost of insurance for those who are insured.

costs
Business costs

Many cities across the country have experienced an increased cost of living for residents in the last few years, and usually, that also means an increased cost of doing business for auto insurers. Companies help offset their operating costs by passing some of that expense onto the consumer.

location
Location

Insurance rates can vary depending on the location where you live and drive. In San Antonio, areas with higher crime rates or more uninsured motorists may result in higher insurance costs. Insurance companies consider these risk factors when calculating your car rates. By living in a low-crime or low-risk area, you may be able to save money on your auto insurance premiums.

weather
Weather

Certain climates or regions that have hurricanes, frequent flooding or experience regular natural disasters will increase the risk for insurance companies, resulting in higher premiums. Carrying comprehensive insurance to help protect you from damaging weather may be a good idea in San Antonio, as Texas actually experienced 160 tornadoes in 2022 and also took the top spot as the state with the most hail events that same year. [1] 

Drivers
Drivers

As people move around the country and certain areas see population growth, this obviously changes the number of cars in a city, as well. With more cars on the roads in San Antonio, there is a natural increase in the risk of accidents. This causes insurers to raise their rates (even for good or infrequent drivers). 


Zebra Tip: Comprehensive coverage and uninsured property damage coverage are good to have in Texas


Weather-related damage is covered under comprehensive coverage, so if you are concerned about damage from hurricanes, flooding, wildfires (or any other severe weather situation) we suggest maintaining comprehensive coverage in San Antonio, even if your car is paid off.

San Antonio drivers should be aware of the risks of sharing the road with uninsured drivers. Although 66% of drivers in San Antonio are currently insured, that means the rest of them aren't. Uninsured motorist coverage (also called UMPD) can provide valuable protection in case you're in an accident with someone who doesn't have adequate insurance. It's usually less expensive than other types of coverage and often comes with a lower deductible.

Bundling insurance policies in San Antonio

One way to save on your insurance costs is by bundling your policies. If you have both auto and home insurance, you could save money by combining them with the same insurance company. Contact your insurer to learn more about bundle discounts.

Bundling home and car insurance can simplify your life by having all your policies with one company. This can make it easier to manage your insurance and file claims if necessary.

bundling home and auto insurance in San Antonio
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in San Antonio, TX
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $702
State Farm $722
Nationwide $739
Texas Farm Bureau $795
USAA $846
Progressive $1,051
Allstate $1,065

Switching insurance providers can be a slight hassle, but it's often worth it to save money on your coverage. If you're thinking about making the switch, it's important to do your research and compare auto insurance quotes from multiple providers. This will help you find a company that offers the coverage you need at an affordable rate. Keep in mind that different providers may offer different discounts or other incentives, so be sure to ask about these when you're comparing quotes.

Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!

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Frequently asked questions

The average for a six-month auto insurance policy in San Antonio is $1,036 for a six-month policy or $173 per month. This is more expensive than the national and Texas state averages.

GEICO is the carrier with the cheapest rates in San Antonio, coming in at an average of $750 per six-month policy.

Teenagers in San Antonio pay over $3,000 for a six-month policy or $522 per month. Because car insurance is so expensive for teen drivers who have their own policy, we recommend that young drivers be added to their parents' policies to significantly bring down the cost.


Find affordable rates in minutes!

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How much is car insurance near me? — explore more cities near San Antonio, TX


Recently answered questions about car insurance in San Antonio from real Zebra customers

Car insurance near me in San Antonio

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.