Car Insurance in Beaumont, TX [Cheap Rates + Best Coverage]

It was the moment that changed everything.

The year was 1901, and a man named Anthony Francis Lucas was drilling a salt dome in Spindletop Hill, just a few miles south of Beaumont. And then, the unthinkable happened:

Pure, black gold.

Crude oil gushed from the dome, spraying more than 160 feet into the air. What quickly became known as “Lucas’ Gusher” promptly put the city of Beaumont — and the state Texas — on the map.

As the oil continued to flow, so did a steady stream of residents and business. In just two years, Beaumont’s population grew from 9,000 to 50,000.  Major companies like the Gulf Oil Corporation (later purchased by Chevron) and the Texas Fuel Company (later becoming Texaco) also emerged, putting down deep roots in the city.

And you can say the rest is history.

Fast forward to present day Beaumont, and the oil and gas industries still have deep roots in the city. But now, Beaumont is about much more than oil. Residents can be found working in a number of industries including mining, construction, health care, and education.

For all who live and work in Beaumont, the importance of car insurance can’t be understated. And where finding the right provider may not seem nearly as exciting as Beaumont’s booming beginnings… it’s really important.

We get it. Finding accurate information isn’t always easy. Gathering rates for multiple companies is time-consuming. Doing research on the latest laws and city regulations can feel overwhelming.

But thanks to this comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide, we’re answering all of your need-to-know questions in one place. Whether you’re looking for cheap rates, best coverage, or what it really means to live and work in Beaumont — we have you covered.

Getting the answers you need is as easy as sticking with us, and scrolling down for the rest. You can also begin shopping rates by entering your zip code into our FREE car insurance comparison tool.

The Cost of Car Insurance in Beaumont

We’re sure this comes as no surprise — car insurance can be really complicated.

Think about it. If you’ve ever gotten a quote or submitted paperwork for a new policy, you were asked a series of questions:

What is your driving record? Have you ever had an accident? Do you rent, or do you own? How many miles do you drive to and from work?

Truth be told, these providers weren’t just getting to know you — they were looking to assess your risk, and whether you’re more likely to file a claim.

But here’s the thing — once you have a better understanding of what companies are looking for, you’ll begin to have a better understanding of the “why” behind your rates.

And that’s exactly why we’re going to spend the next few moments digging into our Quadrant data and shedding more light on what common factors are impacting your rates.

– Rates by Age

Perhaps you remember the feeling — the excitement and pride of getting your first license and your first set of car keys.

But perhaps the feeling you were the least prepared for? The sticker shock tied to your premiums.

In the world of car insurance, it’s pretty common knowledge — younger drivers tend to pay higher rates, and older drivers tend to pay lower rates. Why? Because statistically speaking, younger drivers tend to end up in more car accidents, and therefore pose a greater risk to insurers.

In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shares this startling statistic —teen drivers have crash rates that are nearly four times that of drivers 20 and older, per mile driven.

What does this mean for Beaumont? According to Data USA, the median age in the city is 34.3

From here, we can take a look at the average car insurance rates among four key age groups:

As expected, the youngest drivers in this group are paying the highest rates, and the oldest drivers are paying the lowest rates.

When comparing the average rate of 17-year-old drivers to 60-year-old drivers, we find that 17-year-olds are paying premiums that are a staggering 3.26 times higher than their counterparts.

– Rages by Gender

More accidents, more speeding tickets, and more DUIs.

They’re all among the reasons why the experts at Esurance say women tend to pay lower car insurance rates than men. But that’s not all —

Experts say that accident and DUI statistics consistently show that men take more driving risks than females.

We compared the rates among male and female drivers in Beaumont:

Sure enough, this data reveals that male drivers in Beaumont are paying a higher average rate than females — by $234.41.

– Rates by Marital Status, Age, and Gender

Finally, whether a driver is married or single can result in lower or higher rates. National General Insurance puts it plainly: if you’re married you’ll probably pay lower auto insurance premiums. This is because, statistically speaking, married drivers tend to have fewer accidents than single drivers.

In examining rates among married and single drivers in Beaumont, we found that the statistics told a distinct story:

Where married drivers in Beaumont are averaging a rate of $2,662.68, single drivers are averaging a rate of $5,929.48 — that’s a difference of $3,266.80.

Without a doubt, the average rates among 17-year-old male and female drivers play a large part in that disparity, as they’re paying $9,206.81 and $7,733.40 respectively.

– Cheapest Zip Codes in Beaumont

To insurance providers, zip codes reveal important information — for instance, crime rates. Companies will look to the amount of car-related crime in your zip code (like car thefts and vandalism) to assess risk and ultimately, determine premiums.

With that in mind, we compiled a list of the average rate for each zip code in Beaumont:

Overall, we found that the average rates among Beaumont’s zip codes were fairly consistent. Each rate remains within the $6000 range, with the difference between the highest zip code (77705) and the lowest zip code (77713) falling at $315.89.

– What’s the Best Car Insurance Company in Beaumont?

When determining what makes for a good car insurance company, most drivers will agree on a few key characteristics — good coverage, good customer service, and good rates.

But with those rates, drivers must consider much more than the provider. They must also look to several important factors, and how they will affect their premiums.

– Cheapest Car Insurance Rates by Company

There’s Progressive or Nationwide. And then there’s Geico or USAA.

When it comes to car insurance companies in Beaumont, drivers have options. Let’s begin by comparing rates among some of the largest providers in the city:

By and far, USAA has the lowest average rates on this list. At an average rate of $2,746.34, USAA is more than two times less than the highest provider on this list, which is Allstate.

– Best Car Insurance Rates by Commute

According to the U.S. Department of Transporation’s Federal Highway Administration, the average Texan drives 15,533 miles annually. For some insurance companies, that kind of mileage matters. Why?

Experts say the more you drive, the more likely you are to get in an accident. Therefore, a longer commute to work will often result in higher rates.

As for Beaumont drivers? We found that a longer commute time doesn’t always equal higher rates:

For drivers insured with State Farm, Nationwide, Progressive, and American Family, the average rates are the same whether their commute is 10 miles or 25 miles.

However, for drivers insured with USAA, Geico, and Allstate, distance makes a difference. For Allstate customers, the difference is the highest at $287.67. For USAA customers, the difference is the lowest at just under $70.

– Best Car Insurance Rates by Coverage Level

It’s pretty simple  — drivers opting for higher levels of coverage will generally pay higher rates. But when looking at what Beaumont drivers with varying levels of coverage are paying, we found one exception:

Where just about every provider on this list progressed in cost from low coverage to high coverage, Nationwide did not. In fact, Nationwide customers with low coverage are paying higher rates than their counterparts with medium and high coverage.

As for the drivers paying the highest rates, and the lowest rates? Those distinctions go to Allstate and USAA, respectively. USAA customers are averaging $2,746.33 across coverage levels, where Allstate customers are averaging $5,763.01.

– Best Car Insurance Rates by Credit History

Make no mistake about it — the state of your credit can have a significant impact on your rates.

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), there’s a difference between a credit score and a credit-based insurance score:

• A regular credit score looks at a variety of factors to predict how likely you are to repay a loan or a line of credit.
• A credit-based insurance score looks at some, but not all, factors in your credit history to determine how much of a risk you are.

Among the factors used in determining your credit-based score are payment history, outstanding debt, and the length of your credit history.

Here’s a breakdown of what Beaumont drivers with good, fair and poor credit are paying:

It’s obvious that across the board, drivers with good credit are paying the lowest rates, and drivers with poor credit are paying the highest rates. To be more specific:

• USAA drivers with good credit are paying the least, at an average rate of $1,883.51
• Allstate drivers with poor credit are paying the most, at an average rate of $7,326.13
• The insurance provider with the biggest difference in rates? That would be Geico, where drivers with poor credit are paying $3,680.55 more than their counterparts with good credit.

– Best Car Insurance Rates by Driving Record

Car accidents, DUIs, and speeding tickets.

Whatever the infraction, you can guarantee that your car insurance provider is paying close attention to your driving record. Whether your rates will go up will depend on a variety of factors, including the seriousness of the infraction.

We wanted to see what Beaumont drivers with varying driving records are paying:

What we see in analyzing these rates is a mixed bag —

• Some providers are charging their highest rates for drivers with one DUI (USAA, State Farm, Nationwide, and Allstate).
• Others are charging their highest rates for drivers with one accident (GEICO, Progressive, and American Family).
• Finally, some are charging the same rate for a clean record and for one accident (State Farm, American Family, and Allstate).

– Car Insurance Factors in Beaumont

By taking a closer look at a city’s local workforce, we can begin to get a better understanding of some other factors that can impact a resident’s car insurance rates — like education and occupation.

As we shared earlier, the oil and gas industry remains a major employer in the city. Case in point — in early 2019, Exxon Mobil Corporation approved a massive expansion of its Beaumont refinery, increasing its capacity by more than 65 percent. It’s a move expected to create as many as 1,850 temporary jobs, and 40 to 60 permanent positions.

The Port of Beaumont is also a significant contributor to the city and the state’s economy. As the nation’s fifth-largest port in terms of tonnage, experts estimate an annual impact of more than $111 million in local re-spending and consumption.

In spite of the strength of these industries, Beaumont has endured some trying times. The city suffered immense setbacks in 2017 in wake of Hurricane Harvey:

Economists, however, are hopeful for a turnaround. The Perryman Group’s 2018 Economic Forecast predicts that 12,600 jobs will be added in the Beaumont-Port Arthur Metropolitan Statistical Area over the next five years, in large part due to the “services, trade and construction sectors.”

– Median Household Income

Data USA reports that in 2017, the median household income in Beaumont was $45,268.

The good news? This represents a 6.78 percent increase over the previous year’s income of $42,395.

This figure, however, is less than the national median income of $60,336, and slightly below Jefferson County’s median income of $46,315.

If we factor the average car insurance rate of $6,256.70 into Beaumont’s median income of$45,268, we can conclude that 13.82 percent of this salary is going toward car insurance.

To determine how much of your income is going toward car insurance, click on the Calculator Pro Tool below:

CalculatorPro

– Homeownership in Beaumont

For many drivers, simply owning a home will result in lower car insurance premiums. So much so, the Consumer Federation of America estimates that good drivers who rent may be paying as much as 47 percent more than those who own.

As for the city of Beaumont? Homeownership is on the rise. In 2017, Data USA reported a 56.3 percent homeownership rate, an increase over 2016’s rate of 55.4 percent.

In spite of the increase in homeownership, property values from 2016 to 2017 remained unchanged at $99,800. This is lower than the 2017 national median property value of $193,500.

– Education in Beaumont

Can your education level have bearing on your insurance rates? According to some experts…yes.

Where some states prohibit setting rates based on education or employment, a Consumer Federation of America study claims many providers will still assess higher rates to those with lower levels of education (i.e., a high school diploma).

This leads us to take a closer look at higher education in Beaumont.

According to City-Data, the three largest colleges and universities in Beaumont by enrollment are:

1. Lamar University (Full-time enrollment: 13,658)
2. Lamar Institute of Technology (Full-time enrollment: 2,023)
3. Kaplan College-Beaumont (Full-time enrollment: 497)

According to Data USA, the largest colleges and universities by degrees awarded are:

1.  Lamar University 4,836 degrees awarded
2.  Lamar Institute of Technology 644 degrees awarded
3. Brightwood College-Beaumont 99 degrees awarded

– Wage by Race and Ethnicity in Common Jobs

In taking a closer look at Beaumont’s population, City-Data reveals the following racial and ethnic breakdown:

• 46 percent Black
• 32.3 percent White
• 15.1 percent Hispanic
• 3.4 percent Asian
• 0.7 percent Two or more races
• 0.3 percent American Indian
• .04 percent Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander

From here, we can examine the average salaries of workers by common jobs, and by race and ethnicity. According to Data USA (which provides this information at the state level) the highest-paid race and ethnicity among Texas workers in 2017 was Asian, with an average salary of $ 64,947.

The next-highest paid groups by race and ethnicity were Whites at $52,072, and American Indians at $45,538.

To determine what percentage of these workers’ income is going toward their car insurance, we took the average pay of those classified as “Miscellaneous managers” and compared them against Beaumont’s average car insurance premium of $6,256.70:

Based upon this analysis, Asians are paying the smallest percentage of their salaries toward car insurance, at 5.8 percent. On the flip side, the race/ethnicity paying the most toward car insurance is Native Hawaiin and Other Pacific Islander, at 13.32 percent.

– Wage by Gender in Common Jobs

Moving on to gender, we once again look to state-wide statistics.

In 2017, the average male worker in Texas had an average salary of $64,953 — that’s 1.41 times greater than the average female worker’s salary of $45,959.

This difference in pay is demonstrated further in this graph, as we see male workers consistently earning higher salaries than females across various professions:

When considering the salaries of the highest-paid male and female workers in this graph — Miscellaneous managers — and factoring in Beaumont’s average car insurance premium of $6,256.70, we can see what percentage of their incomes are going toward car insurance:

– Poverty by Age and Gender

Statistics show that a substantial portion of Beaumont’s population was found to be living below the poverty line in 2017 — an estimated 22,500 people, amounting to just under 20 percent of the city’s residents.

The largest demographic in that group? Females ages 25-34, followed by Females ages 18-24, and Females ages 6-11.

– Poverty by Race and Ethnicity

As we take a closer look at those living in poverty, we discover which racial and ethnic groups are most represented. According to Data USA:

• The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Beaumont by far was Black, at 14,310 people
• The next highest racial or ethnic group was White at 6,249 people
• The third-largest racial or ethnic group was Hispanic, at 3,206 people

– Employment by Occupations

Data USA reports that employment in Beaumont grew to 52,500 employees in 2017, representing a 1.82 percent increase over the previous year.

As for Beaumont’s top three most common job groups, they are:

1. Office & Administrative Support Occupations (6,315 people)
2. Sales & Related Occupations (6,148 people)
3. Construction & Extraction Occupations (4,357 people)

A more in-depth break down of professions can be seen in this image below:

Driving in Beaumont

You grab your car keys. You open the door. You start the ignition.

Beaumont drivers know that from the moment they hit the road, anything could happen —

A smooth commute…or bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Well-paved roads….or uneven, or pothole-ridden streets.

Driving through safe neighborhoods…or areas more prone to crime.

Where we certainly can’t predict what could happen on the road, we can help you become more informed. By taking a closer look at Beaumont’s streets, vehicles, and traffic trends, we’re helping you become a more savvy motorist ready to brave Beaumont’s roads.

– Roads in Beaumont

It’s obvious — with a population of just under 120,000, Beaumont’s traffic doesn’t rise up to the congestion levels of cities like Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio.

But don’t let that fool you.

The city is still home to a number of major roads and connectors, all subject to plenty of motorists.

– Major Highways

Through Interstate Guide, we learn that the state of Texas has 25 active routes spanning 3,501.15 miles. Of these 25 routes, drivers in Beaumont can count on encountering Interstate 10.

Here’s what we know about I-10 in Beaumont —  the Texas Department of Transportation is proposing a long-term, $500 million project to reconstruct and expand the interstate, along with US 69, in order to “improve mobility, reduce congestion and also improve emergency evacuation.” If these plans are approved, officials are looking at a 2021 start date.

But there’s more.

State lawmakers from Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi are proposing the expansion of Interstate 14 into Beaumont.

Leaders with the Gulf Coast Strategic Highway Coalition say the expansion would “provide better access to the strategic military seaports at Corpus Christi and Beaumont,” and would “enhance military readiness and efficiency.”

Check out this news report to learn more:

Other major roads in Beaumont that aren’t interstates include US 69, US 96, US 287, and US 90.

Some good news for Beaumont drivers? There aren’t any toll roads in the city, though they have been proposed. The closest tolls Beaumont residents will encounter are those in nearby Houston.

– Popular Road Trips and Sites

Beaumont residents looking for a quick getaway or day trip by car are in luck.

From the great outdoors to unique indoor destinations — the city offers several options:

• The Big Thicket National Preserve is full of hiking trails, forests, and waterways.
• The Art Museum of Southeast Texas houses a variety of permanent and seasonal exhibits
• The Beaumont Botanical Gardens is home to a Horticulture Center, Native Plant Center, Japanese garden, modern rose garden, and a 9/11 Memorial Garden
• The Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum is located on Lamar University’s campus and includes the 1941 Lucas Gusher Monument.
• The Sabine Lake is a 90,000-acre saltwater estuary on the Texas-Louisiana border and is known for fishing

– Road Conditions

It’s not difficult to imagine. You’re driving around Beaumont, running your typical errands, when suddenly —

Boom.

You’ve hit something.

Frantic, you park your car, take a look and quickly discover the culprit is…a pothole.

Let’s face it. Potholes and poor roads are more than just a nuisance — they can be a hindrance to your car, and to your safety. In fact, the AAA Exchange reports that where most pothole-related repairs cost less than $250, some can exceed $1,000.

As for the city of Beaumont, officials are actively working to address poor roads. In 2018, the city authorized the issuance of $10 million in certificates of obligation (COs) to fund street rehabilitation projects throughout the city during fiscal years 2019 and 2020.

Curious to know what roads are being addressed? Residents can take a look at a list of streets being targeted in 2019 by clicking on this link. They can also see how individual streets are ranked on the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) by clicking here.

– Red Light and Speeding Cameras in Beaumont

Drivers in Beaumont are no longer seeing red — red-light cameras, that is.

As of June 2, 2019, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation banning the use of red-light cameras. Governor Abbott even went as far as taking to Twitter to post a video of himself signing the bill into law:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DByYxyZtmo

– Vehicles in Beaumont

The Insurance Information Institute reports that in 2017, Texas ranked second in the nation for the most car thefts, with more than 68,000 vehicles stolen.

It’s with these statistics in mind we’re looking at vehicles in Beaumont from all angles — including household trends, theft, speed traps, and crime.

– Cars Per Household

Statistics show that in 2017, 42.6 percent of all Beaumont households had two cars. The next largest share of households, at 28.7 percent, had one car.

– Households without a Car

As for the number of Beaumont households without a car? Those numbers are declining, dropping from 8.8 percent in 2015, to 7.7 percent in 2016.

– Speed traps in Beaumont

Motorists in search of speed traps have a source in the National Motorists Association’s National Speedtrap Exchange.

While Beaumont does not make the site’s “10 Worst Texas Speed Trap Cities,” a few of its neighboring communities do — specifically, Pasadena and Houston.

Pasadena ranks fifth on the list, with eight reported speed traps. Houston takes the top spot, with 45 reported speed traps.

– Vehicle Theft in Beaumont

We know that Texas has one of the highest rates of car theft in the nation. But how does Beaumont compare to other Texas cities?

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Beaumont ranked 15th in the state for car thefts in 2017, with 405 vehicles stolen. As for the top five cities for car thefts in Texas, they are:

1. Houston (11,596 thefts)
2. Dallas (7,913 thefts)
3. San Antonio (6,864 thefts)
4. Fort Worth (2,706 thefts)
5. Austin (2,079 thefts)

– Safest Neighborhoods in Beaumont

In our examination of crime in Beaumont, we now turn to Neighborhood Scout, which analyzes crime data from all 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States.

First, we begin with the site’s list of the ten safest neighborhoods in Beaumont:

1. China / Lamar U
2. Galloway / Gladys
3. Gladys Ave / Dowlen Rd
4. Phelan Blvd / N Major Dr
5. Elizabeth
6. Mount Evergreen
7. Walden
8. Voth / Bor-ley Heights
9. N Major Dr / Tolivar Rd
10. College St / S Major Dr

– Crime in Beaumont

Statistics show the city of Beaumont has a much higher rate of violent crime when compared to the rest of the state. At 10.63 crimes per 1,000 residents, Beaumont’s rate of violent crime is more than twice than that of the state rate of 4.39 crimes per 1,000 residents.

Neighborhood Scout reports that your chances of becoming a victim of crime in Beaumont are also higher in the city than they are in the state. The odds are one in 94 in Beaumont, versus one in 228 in Texas overall.

As for Beaumont’s Crime Index? Tha’s four out of 100. In other words, the city’s Crime Index indicates Beaumont is safer than just 4 percent of all U.S. cities.

Here’s a look at Beaumont’s annual violent and property crime rates:

In light of these startling statistics, we discovered this:

Neighborhood Scout has ranked Beaumont #64 on its list of the 100 Most Dangerous Cities of 2019, with experts describing the city as having one of the highest crime rates when compared to all communities of all sizes.

In our search for city programs tied to crime prevention, we came across the Beaumont Police Department’s “Cops and Kids” program. In the words of the department, the program is designed to be “proactive in cultivating positive relationships to shape Beaumont’s future”:

– Traffic in Beaumont

Bumper-to-bumper traffic, moving slower-than-a-snail’s pace.

We get it — being stuck in traffic is aggravating no matter what city you’re driving in. And it’s not just a matter of aggravation. It’s a matter of valuable time — and money — lost. In fact, researchers at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) reveal that the average commuter:

• Spends 54 hours in congestion,
• Wastes 21 gallons of fuel due to congestion, and
• Loses $1,010 in wasted time and fuel.

– Traffic Congestion in Beaumont

In ranking small urban areas (cities with a population of less than 500,000), TTI’s 2019 Urban Mobility Report concluded the following about Beaumont:

• Commuters experienced an average delay of 41 hours.
• Congestion in Beaumont has resulted in excess fuel consumption of 16 gallons of gas per driver
• The estimated congestion cost for every Beaumont commuter is $660
• Of 101 urban areas studied in TTI’s report, Beaumont had a 95th place ranking.

– Transportation

The typical commute time for Beaumont drivers is 18.2 minutes — just under seven minutes slower than the commute time of the average American worker.

On the flip side, statistics show that 0.497 percent have “super commutes” of over 90 minutes.

Beaumont drivers also prefer to drive alone — by an overwhelming majority of 89.8 percent. The next highest group of commuters, at just 6.8 percent, carpool and 1.39 percent work at home.

– How Safe are Beaumont Streets and Roads?

By taking an in-depth look at crash data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), we can begin to analyze road fatality trends in Jefferson County:

In reviewing these categories, we can see that some of the highest numbers of fatalities in this time period can be seen in:

• Single-Vehicle Fatalities (74 total fatalities)
• Alcohol-Impaired Fatalities (56 total fatalities)
• Roadway Departure Fatalities (56 total fatalities)

To learn more about where these fatalities are taking place, we turn to NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Among some of the roads listed include:

• Arterial roads, or roads that carry large amounts of traffic.
• Minor arterials, or smaller roads that link cities, towns, and geographical areas.
• Collector roads that either “collect” local traffic to arterial roads, or serve as intra-county connections.

Here’s a breakdown of fatalities in Jefferson County, and throughout the state of Texas:

Finally, we have the U.S. Department of Transportation‘s data highlighting railroad and highway crash incidents:

– Ridesharing

Here’s the deal — when it comes to ridesharing, the numbers don’t lie.

Take it from the Pew Research Center, where experts report that in 2018, 36 percent of U.S. adults reported using a ridesharing service. This is a significant jump from 2015, when just 15 percent of U.S. adults said they had used a ridesharing service

We looked to RideGuru and found that both Uber and Lyft are available in Beaumont. We also found prices between the two services to be comparable, and often equal.

Our advice? Utilize websites and apps to compare rates ahead of time.

– E-Star Repair Shops

The frustration of being involved in a collision, and the stress of getting repairs.

Sadly, these are situations no driver wants to face. But when it comes to finding a reputable repair shop, esurance offers its e-star® direct repair program.

Through its E-star Network, drivers are connected to more than 1,400 high-quality shops. Businesses will not only provide online monitoring of your car’s repairs, but they will also ensure that any repairs made are guaranteed.

In searching all of Beaumont’s zip codes, we located this E-Star repair shop:

SANDIFER’S COLLISION CENTER, INC.
3301 25TH ST
PORT ARTHUR TX 77642

email: [email protected]
P: (409) 985-4309
F: (409) 985-8020

– Weather

From sunny skies to torrential downpours — drivers in Beaumont can expect to experience a bit of both.

We can see it in the average temperatures and precipitation totals provided by U.S. Climate Data:

What should be of particular note is the city’s average annual rainfall of 60.38 inches. With that comes a sobering warning from the Beaumont Police Department — “nearly 50 percent of all flash flood fatalities nationwide involve vehicles.”

Officers offer the following words of wisdom regarding driving in heavy rain:

• Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways.
• Avoid underpasses.
• Even in relatively shallow water, tires can act as flotation devices, lifting up big vehicles and sending them downstream. It takes only two feet of water to float a 3,000-pound car.
• Beware that water covering roadways may hide washed-out bridges or gouged-out roadbeds. If you attempt to drive across, you may not be driving on a road.
• If you drive through high water, remember to watch your speed. Your vehicle may be able to maneuver in high water, but you will push water into homes and cause problems for others.

You can read the full list of safety tips here

– Public Transit

Looking to take advantage of public transportation? Look no further than Beaumont Municipal Transit (BMT).

BMT offers ten different routes to riders who have cash (you must have exact change) or passes. We’ve compiled a table below with the most common rates:

To read more about BMT’s fares, click here

– Parking in Metro Areas

Here’s what you need to know about parking in Beaumont:

• Parking Meters are regulated Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Parking Meters are not regulated on weekends, or on the following holidays:
  • January 1
  • July 4
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • December 25
• Parking Meters can be paid by coin. Be sure to carefully review the meter and signage to determine the cost, and the maximum time allowed.

Those who park illegally can expect the following fines:

• Over-parking: $10.00 ($20.00 after five days)
• No parking zone: $15.00 ($30.00 after five days)
• Fire zone: $40.00 ($70.00 after five days)
• Other parking violations: $15.00 ($30.00 after five days).

– Air Quality in Beaumont

“Dirty cars, dirty air.”

Four words the Union of Concerned Scientists is using to remind motorists that vehicles play a significant role in air pollution. Experts say that:

• Cars, trucks, and buses powered by fossil fuels emit more than half of nitrogen oxides in our air. 
• Additionally, these vehicles are a major source of global warming emissions in the US.

This leads us to review Beaumont’s Air Quality Index, or AQI, via the Environmental Protection Agency.

When it comes to AQI, a higher index indicates a higher level of pollutants. We took a look at Beaumont’s AQI over a three-year period:

Here are some important takeaways:

• The number of good days has gone down
• The number of moderate days has increased
• The number of unhealthy days for sensitive groups spiked in 2018.
• There have been no “very unhealthy” days in this time period

Military and Veterans

Fifteen active-duty installations, and an economic impact of over $100 billion.

Without a doubt, the military is making its mark in the state of Texas.

With just over 164,000 active and reserve members of the military statewide, there’s no question that military discounts tied to car insurance are in demand.

But before you think you need to spend hours searching the internet for answers and providers, we have good news — you don’t have to. We’ve done the work for you.

— Beaumont Veterans by Service Period

First, we’re looking at where military personnel living in Beaumont have served.

According to Data USA, the largest share of Beaumont veterans served in Vietnam, followed by the Gulf War of the 1990s.

— Military Bases

While Beaumont isn’t home to a military base, its contributions to the military and its operations are evident.

The Port of Beaumont claims to be the number one military port in the nation, and home to the 842nd Transportation Battalion, 597th Transportation Brigade. Leaders say that the port has the ability to handle multiple deployments and manage major cargo movements. You can learn more in the video below:

— Military Discounts by Provider

The following companies offer military discounts in Texas:

• GEICO (active or retired)
• USAA (membership exclusive to military personnel)
• Liberty Mutual (active duty)
• Allstate
• Farmers
• Met Life (based on years of service, retired or active)

Keep in mind that discounts may vary from person to person, and from even city to city. Be sure to speak with an agent or representative to learn more.

— USAA Availability in Texas

With membership exclusive to the military, USAA is undoubtedly a popular provider among those with ties to the military.

Here’s a look at how USAA and other providers in the state measure up:

It’s clear — USAA not only offers the lowest average rate on this list, but it is also significantly lower than the state average, at a 38.47 percent price reduction.

Unique City Laws

It could happen to anyone.

You’re cruising down the highway, when suddenly the flashing lights of a police car flood your rearview mirror.

You thought you were obeying the law. But it turns out by crossing city lines, you were subject to a new set of rules and regulations…completely unaware.

Fortunately, events like this can be avoided. As we wrap up our Beaumont car insurance guide, we’re highlighting the important — and unique — laws you need to know.

– Hands-Free Laws

It’s simple — texting and driving are illegal in the state of Texas.

But it doesn’t stop there. According to the Texas Department of Transportation:

• It’s also against the law to use handheld devices while driving in a school zone.
• Drivers with learner’s permits cannot use handheld cell phones in the first six months of driving.
• Drivers under the age of 18 cannot use wireless communications devices.
• School bus operators cannot use cell phones while driving if children are present.

Here’s something else you want to keep in mind —

where the state bans texting and driving, some Texas cities go as far as passing a total ban of handheld devices while driving.

While Beaumont isn’t one of those communities, you could very easily find yourself driving in another Texas city where the law is different (see a full list of cities by reading this blog post).

– Food Trucks

Before you hit Beaumont’s roads with a food truck, you must first follow the letter of the law.

The city’s Environmental Health Department provides a detailed list of requirements all mobile food truck operators must meet. Just to name a few, operators must have:

• A State Tax Permit
• A Valid Texas Driver License
• Proof of vehicle insurance
• A central Preparation Facility Affidavit
• A certified Food Manager Certificate
• A Use of Property Affidavit

To see view the full list of requirements, click here.

And to download an application, click here.

– Tiny Homes

Tiny homes are taking root all over Texas. The big question is — are they legal in Beaumont?

A simple internet search reveals that tiny homes are definitely springing up in the Southeast Texas Community, but it will be up to residents to ensure that they’re in accordance with city code and zoning laws.

Something else to keep in mind — your tiny home may not qualify for typical homeowner’s insurance, but rather, mobile home or manufactured home insurance.

Bottom line? Be sure to do your research, and consult with an insurance agent.

– Parking Laws

Finally, here’s a refresher of some important parking laws in Beaumont:

• City police say parking in streets, alleys, or other public places not intended for storage for 48 continuous hours is illegal.
• Angle parking is not permitted on city streets
• Parking a truck, bus, or any commercial vehicle on any street between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. is prohibited
• Parking in any city parking lot for two or more hours is prohibited, unless you’re conducting business or attending an event.

Beaumont Car Insurance FAQs

You’ve nearly reached the end of our guide, but if you find you still have some lingering questions about Beaumont, don’t worry — we have you covered.

Here’s our list of frequently asked questions:

– How Far is Beaumont From Other Texas Cities, and From Louisiana?

The Beaumont Convention & Vistors Bureau provides this handy guide:

Houston, TX – 90 miles
Louisiana Border – 25 miles
Austin, TX – 248 miles
New Orleans, LA – 260 miles
San Antonio, TX – 280 miles
Corpus Christi, TX – 307 miles
Dallas, TX – 325 miles
El Paso, TX – 832 miles

– What Are The Car Insurance Requirements in the State?

Here are the minimum coverage requirements for the state of Texas:

• $30,000 in Bodily Injury liability per person
• $60,000 liability per accident
• $25,000 Property Damage liability

– Is There An Airport in Beaumont?

Yes! The Jack Brooks Regional Airport (BPT) offers daily flights to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), as well as private and executive aircraft.

– What does “Beaumont” mean?

In French, “beau mont” translates to “beautiful mountain.”

You’ve made it to the end of our comprehensive guide to car insurance in Beaumont, Texas. You can begin your journey by shopping rates now — simply enter your zip code into our FREE car insurance comparison tool.