Insurance Rate Increases: A Texas Perspective

Hey there, I’m Lauren Fix, an automotive journalist and member of the Automotive Engineers Association. Welcome to Quick Fix, where I address your car-related questions.

Today, I have a question from Danny, who lives in Wiley, Texas.

Hello, Lauren.

Three years ago, my family and I relocated from Southern California to the northeast suburbs of Dallas, and we couldn’t be happier. California is in the rearview mirror for us.

However, it was time for my insurance renewal with AAA, the main insurer for California that also operates in Texas, and I’ve been with them for over 20 years.

But guess what? They increased our rates by nearly 50%. We’ve got two cars and two drivers with a clean record—no tickets, no accidents.

This increase means our insurance jumped from $4,000 to $6,000 a year. Unbelievable, right? I’ve never seen anything like it.

When we decided to buy a new car and keep the two we already had, I was taken aback. I spent two hours on the phone with AAA, and they just kept saying, “Our rates have increased.”

Is this legit, or is it just nonsense?

For the record, after this ordeal, we moved to State Farm and found better coverage, with all three vehicles now costing around $4,500 a year. What do you think?

Many of us can relate to your situation, Danny. Factors like data mining and natural disasters can impact insurance rates. It’s important to shop around for a better rate, which you’ve clearly done.

Check out the video below for more insights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cjezdole58

Got car-related questions? Feel free to send an email to getquickfix@pm.me.