According to the Texas Department of Transportation, El Paso reported more than 16,000 car crashes in 2019 alone, making it one of the top five cities in the state for automotive accidents. For this reason, it is critically important for El Paso residents to obtain an auto insurance policy that can protect them in case an accident occurs.



a view of a city with a mountain in the background: Shot El Paso, Texas skyline.


© 4kodiak/Getty Images
Shot El Paso, Texas skyline.

Texans pay, on average, $496 per year for minimum levels of car insurance and $1800 per year for full coverage, which is similar to the national annual average of $563 for minimum coverage and $1738 for full coverage. El Paso residents can choose from a range of insurance providers to find the right coverage and premium for their needs.

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Our team put together a list of the best cheap car insurance providers in El Paso based on market share, customer satisfaction, financial strength, available discounts and breadth of coverage. Read on to find out which are the best cheap car insurance providers in El Paso.

Best car insurance companies in El Paso

Finding the best cheap car insurance companies in El Paso can be a challenge. That’s why we compiled a list of the four best options for El Paso residents based on market share, customer satisfaction, financial strength, available discounts, breadth of coverage and – of course – affordability. The following table illustrates which providers in El Paso offer the cheapest policies while also boasting the best service:

Insurance Company J.D. Power Score AM Best Financial Strength Rating Average Annual Premium for Minimum Coverage Average Annual Premium for Full Coverage
USAA 878 / 100 A++ $411 $1,443
Geico 846 / 100 A++ $371 $1,298
State Farm 844 / 100 A++ $490 $1,485
Nationwide 820 / 100 A+ $534 $1,612

Quadrant Information Services, 2020

USAA

For veterans, active military and their family members, few insurance providers offer a better option than USAA. With over 1.4 million veterans living in Texas, USAA car insurance could be an excellent option for your family. The company boasts the strongest customer satisfaction across all regions, according to the 2020 U.S. Auto Insurance Study by J.D. Power. Not only that, but the provider offers the second-lowest rates for auto insurance in the state, with full auto coverage costing just $1,443 annually (about $400 less than the El Paso average), according to Quadrant Information Services.

One drawback to USAA is that the coverage options the company offers are pretty basic: You won’t find any add-ons like pet protection, rental car reimbursement or full glass replacement in its repertoire. However, if you’re looking for options that cover all the most common car troubles following an accident, USAA is a good place to start. Additionally, you can take advantage of its many available discounts to save even more, including safe driving discounts, vehicle-specific discounts and membership discounts.

Geico

For the best cheap car insurance in El Paso regardless of military status, Geico takes the top spot. Featuring excellent customer service and great financial strength, Geico is happy to assist its policyholders through all their auto insurance concerns. Offering minimum and full coverage options at just $371 per year and $1,298 per year, respectively, this auto insurance carrier is the least expensive option in the region. And, with the wide range of available discounts, policyholders can save even more on their premium. Included among these discounts are the following:

  • Vehicle Equipment Discounts
  • Driving History & Habits Discounts
  • Driver’s Education Discounts
  • Driver Affiliations Discounts
  • Customer Loyalty Discounts

Geico also offers customers additional coverage options, including emergency roadside service, rental reimbursement and mechanical breakdown insurance.

State Farm

Yet another excellent choice for cheap car insurance in El Paso is State Farm. With rates comparable to USAA and customer satisfaction on par with Geico, it offers an affordable solution with dedicated customer service to back it up. State Farm provides a variety of endorsements, including car rental coverage, travel expenses coverage, emergency road service coverage and rideshare driver coverage for Uber and Lyft drivers. The company also touts a long list of available discounts, allowing drivers to save for things like safe driving, vehicle safety, customer loyalty and much more.

Nationwide

While Nationwide’s rates may be higher and customer satisfaction may be lower than other providers on the list, it more than makes up for it with its broad range of coverage options. In addition to its minimum and full auto coverages, Nationwide also offers special coverage options for accident forgiveness, roadside assistance, vanishing deductibles and total loss deductible waiver.

If Nationwide’s higher rates give you pause, you’ll be happy to hear that there are many available discounts that can help you save more on your premium. Such discounts include accident-free discounts, good student discounts, vehicle equipment discounts and easy pay sign-up discounts.

Cheapest car insurance in El Paso

When it comes to finding the best car insurance providers in El Paso, affordability is a top concern. El Paso insurance rates are moderately higher than the state average with full coverage costing an average of $1,833 and minimum coverage costing $483 annually. According to current data, the state average for full and minimum auto insurance coverage is $1,800 and $496, respectively.

The following table identifies the cheapest car insurance rates from the most popular carriers based on market share:

Insurance Company Average Annual Premium for Minimum Coverage Average Annual Premium for Full Coverage
Geico $371 $1,298
Mercury $394 $1,651
USAA $411 $1,443
MetLife $441 $2,100
Allstate $473 $1,851

Quadrant Information Services, 2020

You’ll notice that Geico and USAA are included in this list, but there are a few other names that may not be as familiar. Of the three additional companies, Allstate is the only one that has received a J.D. Power rating through the 2020 U.S. Auto Insurance Satisfaction Study in the Texas region with a score of 832/1,000. Allstate also touts some special insurance options, including car insurance for travel to Mexico and classic car insurance. MetLife and Mercury offer similar coverage options and discounts, with Mercury having a slight edge with its available rideshare coverage. While neither company holds a rating through J.D. Power in the 2020 U.S. Auto Insurance Satisfaction Study, MetLife touts a B- rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Mercury, however, is not currently rated by the BBB.

El Paso insurance requirements

Each state has its own guidelines for the minimum insurance required to legally drive within the state. In Texas, drivers must meet the following basic requirements in order to drive legally:

  • Bodily Injury Liability: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident
  • Property Damage Liability: $25,000
  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $2,500, but this coverage can be rejected
  • Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident, but this coverage can be rejected
  • Uninsured Motorist Property Damage: $25,000 and a $250 deductible, but this coverage can be rejected

While these are the basic coverages required to drive legally in Texas, minimum coverage often does not provide the protections needed when an accident occurs. This is why it is important for drivers to seek full auto coverage when they are able to do so. Having a full coverage auto policy can provide added protections for things like medical expenses, rental car reimbursement and more.

Car insurance discounts in El Paso

Available discounts largely depend on the carrier you select. In general, the following car insurance discounts may be found through El Paso providers:

  • Safe Driving
  • Multi-Policy
  • Vehicle Safety
  • Defensive Driving

Of the discounts available to El Paso drivers, the safe driving discount often carries the highest premium benefit. According to State Farm, drivers that participate in the Drive Safe and Save program can save up to 30% on their insurance rates. In fact, policyholders get a discount just for joining the program.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best car insurance company?

The best car insurance company is largely based on your personal needs and preferences. However, based on our research, we believe USAA and Geico are among the best car insurance providers for El Paso drivers.

How much does car insurance in El Paso cost?

According to Quadrant Information Services, El Paso residents can expect to pay an annual average of $1,833 for full coverage and $483 for minimum limits.

How much car insurance do I need in El Paso?

In order to drive legally in the state of Texas, drivers must have a minimum level of coverages in their auto insurance policy. These are listed above in full, under “El Paso insurance requirements.”

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:

  • $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $50,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
  • $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
  • $500 collision deductible
  • $500 comprehensive deductible

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverages that meet each state’s requirements. Our sample drivers own a 2018 Honda Accord, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.

These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes may be different.

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