If you’re like most North Texas families, you’re probably paying more for auto insurance than you need to. Between commutes to Dallas, school drop-offs, and weekend errands, your car is essential—but that doesn’t mean your insurance should drain your budget.
After years in the insurance industry (including my time in Alaska’s challenging market), I’ve seen the same costly mistakes over and over. The good news? They’re all fixable. Here are five ways families are overpaying—and exactly how to stop.
1. Sticking with State Minimum Coverage (Then Paying Out of Pocket Later)
The Problem: Texas requires only 30/60/25 liability coverage—$30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage. Sounds cheap, right? Until you’re in an accident.
One serious collision can easily exceed these limits. If you cause $100,000 in damages but only have $60,000 in coverage, you’re personally liable for the remaining $40,000.
The Fix: Upgrade to 250/500/250 coverage. It typically costs only $20-40 more per month but provides 8-10x the protection. Think of it as paying a little now to avoid financial disaster later.
2. Not Bundling Auto and Home Insurance
The Problem: Buying auto and home insurance separately means you’re missing out on the biggest discount available—bundling.
Most families don’t realize that bundling can save 15-30% on both policies. For a typical Denton family, that’s 0-,000+ per year in savings.
The Fix: Get quotes for bundling your auto and home insurance. Even if you’re happy with your current providers, it’s worth checking. We’ve helped countless families discover they could save hundreds just by consolidating.
Bonus: Bundling also simplifies your life—one agent, one renewal date, and if the same event damages both your car and home, you only pay one deductible.
3. Ignoring Available Discounts
The Problem: Insurance companies offer dozens of discounts, but they don’t always advertise them. If you don’t ask, you don’t get them.
Common discounts North Texas families miss:
- Multi-car discount: Insure 2+ vehicles
- Good student discount: For teens with a B average or higher
- Defensive driving course: Take a state-approved course and save 5-10%
- Low mileage discount: Drive under 7,500 miles/year? You qualify
- Safety features: Anti-lock brakes, airbags, anti-theft systems
- Paid-in-full discount: Pay annually instead of monthly
- Paperless/auto-pay discount: Go digital and save
The Fix: Review your policy with your agent annually. Ask specifically: “What discounts am I eligible for that I’m not currently getting?” You might be surprised.
4. Keeping the Same Policy Year After Year Without Shopping Around
The Problem: Loyalty doesn’t always pay in insurance. Rates change, new discounts become available, and your carrier might not notify you of better options.
Meanwhile, your premium quietly creeps up each renewal—sometimes without any claims or changes to your driving record.
The Fix: Shop your auto insurance every 2-3 years (or whenever your rate increases). Even if you don’t switch, you’ll know you’re getting a competitive rate.
At The Wrice Agency, we shop 15+ carriers for you, so you don’t have to call around. We do the work; you get the savings.
5. Paying for Coverage You Don’t Need (Or Skipping Coverage You Do)
The Problem: Not all coverage is created equal, and what made sense five years ago might not today.
Examples:
- Collision/comprehensive on an old car: If your car is worth $3,000 and your deductible is $1,000, you’re paying for coverage that might only net you $2,000 in a total loss. Sometimes it’s smarter to drop it and self-insure.
- No uninsured motorist coverage: In Texas, 1 in 5 drivers is uninsured. If one hits you, you could be stuck with medical bills and repair costs. This coverage is cheap and essential.
- Skipping umbrella insurance: If you have significant assets (home equity, savings, retirement accounts), a $1M umbrella policy costs only $200-400/year and protects everything you’ve worked for.
The Fix: Review your coverage annually with an agent who understands your situation. Ask:
- “Is this coverage still worth it for my vehicle’s value?”
- “Am I adequately protected if I cause a serious accident?”
- “Should I add umbrella coverage?”
Bonus Tip: Don’t Assume Your Current Agent Is Shopping for You
Many agents represent only one carrier. That means they can’t shop around—even if they want to help you save.
At The Wrice Agency, we’re independent. We work for you, not the insurance company. We compare rates across 15+ carriers to find the best combination of coverage and price for your family.
Ready to Stop Overpaying?
If you’re a North Texas family paying too much for auto insurance, let’s fix it. We’ll review your current coverage, identify savings opportunities, and show you exactly how much you can save—no pressure, no fees, just honest advice.
📞 Call or text: 945-258-1795
📍 Visit us: 2925 Country Club Rd #104, Denton, TX 76210
🌐 Get a quote: www.twatexas.com
Let’s make sure your insurance is working as hard for your family as you do.
– Jennifer Wrice & The Wrice Agency Team
