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

Cowboy culture, dusty oil rigs, and the film and novel Friday Night Lights are all part of Odessa, a friendly West Texas city. Along with a vast landscape, the town retains its historical culture while adding modern amenities.

The web is full of facts like these, including those regarding car insurance. This comprehensive guide will kickstart your search for car insurance in Odessa, TX. If you end up needing to compare car insurance rates in Texas, we also have a state guide.

Other topics of interest include driving laws and living statistics, which help you stay updated and ticket-free.

If you want to start comparison shopping today, you can enter your ZIP code in our free tool above.

Car Insurance Rates in Odessa

Owning a vehicle brings new costs like oil changes, tire maintenance, and gas. While some people insure themselves with the cheapest policy, others are tempted to bypass insurance completely.

Having good car insurance and affordable rates are not mutually exclusive. In fact, by understanding which companies have the best rates for your specific needs, you are more likely to save money.

To bring you the most up-to-date data on rates, we’ve partnered with Quadrant to bring you the following info for Odessa.

If you want to gain valuable info on car insurance in Odessa, keep reading.

Do gender and age affect my car insurance in Odessa?

The truth is, many factors influence your car insurance rates. One is age, and another is gender. Whether you are a brand-new driver or have been on the road for longer than you can remember, it’s time to look at some rates.

Data USA found that the average age in Odessa is 30.6 years. This indicates that most drivers pay between the third and second most expensive rates in the city for insurance coverage (25 to 35 years old)

Take a look at what Odessa drivers tend to pay by age in the table below.

All in all, 60-year-old drivers pay around $5,000 less than 17-year-old drivers. This disparity is due to teens’ riskier driving styles, which makes them more likely to be in an accident where a claim is filed.

Professional driving schools may help teens develop their road skills, but what about the unchangeable aspect of gender?
While states like California, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Hawaii have enacted laws that ban gender-biased rate adjustments, Texas has yet to adopt such laws. Gender has a significant impact on rates.

• The male average premium in Odessa is $3,873.58
• The female average premium in Odessa is $3,651.31

Although conventional beliefs say otherwise, studies have shown men to be “riskier” drivers. The result is that men must pay higher rates.

The table below displays how age and gender combined affect your car insurance rates in Odessa.

The gaps in these rates drop as drivers get older. This is because male drivers become better as they age, resulting in insurers lessening rates to a more reasonable level.

What are the cheapest ZIP codes in Odessa?

Wondering about how your rates compare to those of your neighbors?

The table below shows the least expensive ZIP codes in the Odessa area.

If you happen to live in the 79765 ZIP, you will be paying about $100-$400 less than the other zip codes in Odessa. Neighborhoods in Odessa are in close proximity, and you won’t have to pay a significant jump in rates if you decide to move to another ZIP.

What’s the best car insurance company in Odessa?

Exploring car insurance companies takes time, but we know that an in-depth analysis is nearly impossible. To help you save time, we will focus on what changes rates of companies, from driving records to annual commute distance.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates by Company

We covered average rates by gender and age earlier, but there is more data on individual insurance companies.

The table above reveals that State Farm is the cheapest insurer across all age groups. In fact, you will save up to $2,496.86.

For purposes of this article, we have excluded USAA, as it is usually only available to military personnel and their families.

Best Car Insurance for Commute Rates

According to our data, Texas residents drive an average of 15,533 miles on the road each year.

That’s 140 miles more than the average American.

We also know that the longer your commute time, the greater the risk of an accident. This often leads car insurance companies to increase their rates for people with long commutes.

Few companies in Texas raise their rates for longer commutes. These companies include Allstate, Geico, and USAA. Keep in mind that sometimes, the companies whose rates remain consistent are more expensive overall.

Best Car Insurance for Coverage Level Rates

Finding a company that has affordable coverage can be hard. But purchasing medium or low coverage can backfire after an accident. To see which companies have the best rates for high coverage, take a look at the table below.

If you are seeking high coverage, Allstate and American Family have the most expensive rates. If you want high coverage that is more affordable, State Farm and USAA are your best bet.

Did you know that higher coverage levels offer you greater protection after an accident?

Best Car Insurance for Credit History Rates

Companies often examine one’s credit history when adjusting insurance rates. This is because a good credit score indicates that a customer will be able to keep up with their insurance payments.

For drivers with good credit scores, State Farm and USAA offer the best rates.

If your credit score is less than stellar, USAA is a great option across the board. Nationwide is also a cheap option, as they raise rates by only $1,182 if your credit score drops from good to poor. American Family will alter rates by up to $3,238, depending on your credit history.

Best Car Insurance for Driving Record Rates

Wondering how previous accidents can raise your rates? Check out the table below to see how one accident, speeding ticket, or DUI can negatively affect what you pay each year.

As you can see, DUI’s have the most significant rate increases. Going from a clean record with Allstate to one DUI will raise your rates by $2,404.

On the other end, companies Allstate, American Family, and State Farm raise their rates by $0 for a first-time speeding violation. This will change, of course, if you are in an accident.

What are car insurance factors in Odessa?

We now know that factors such as credit score and accident history can affect your rates, but what else factors into your policy?

Outside factors, such as poverty rates, property value, and median income can also shift the rates for where you live.

Why?

Finding the answers to these factors helps insurers figure out how much to charge based on the prosperity of a city. If you are interested in how external factors in Odessa may influence your rates, continue reading this section.

Odessa Metro Report

Brookings Metro Report also highlights important regional trends. Odessa is only 200 miles east of El Paso, which had areas of growth in 2017.

The city of El Paso was listed as five out of 100 on the inclusion index, meaning that more low-wage workers were pulled from the sidelines. They were also listed as “best performing” for percent change in employment rate and poverty rate.

Median Household Income

Data USA provided data on the average income of Odessa. In 2017, the median income was $61,541. This is higher than the Texas average of $57,000, showing that Odessa is experiencing growth.

On average, Odessa residents spend 9.22 percent of their annual income on car insurance, as the average premium is $5,673.

Odessa residents are not far from the average of 10 percent. Please remember that your unique percentage could be higher or lower depending on what you make and how much you pay for car insurance.

If you want to calculate the exact percentage of your income that you spend on car insurance, use our free percentage calculator below.

CalculatorPro

Homeownership in Odessa

Renting and owning a home both have their advantages. Did you know that insurers take homeownership into consideration when adjusting your rates?

Insurers may lower rates for homeowners because they are historically viewed as more responsible. Keeping up with bills, housing payments, and the upkeep of a home is usually indicative of a good credit score and secure income.

So just how many Odessa residents own their homes?

In Odessa, a majority of residents own homes. The exact percentage of homeowners totals 61.2 percent. Lower than the national average of 63.9 percent, this could be attributed to more millennials renting homes.

Data USA 2017 evidence also shows that the median property value in Odessa was $136,300,which is a nearly 10 percent increase from 2016. Property value growth goes hand-in-hand with other factors like employment rate and average income.

Odessa’s median property value is more than the Texas average of $151,500. With other changes to the economy since 2017, a number of residents capitalize on auto and home bundling discounts.

Education in Odessa

There are two universities in Odessa, The University of Texas of the Permian Basin and Odessa College.

Odessa College, a junior college, is designed to prepare students for skilled trades. The college has focused study tracks for Business Administration, Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair and more.

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin is a public university that is part of the University of Texas system. In-state-tuition averages $10,000 after aid.

Below, you can see Data USA’s information on degrees awarded by universities in 2017.

• Odessa College awarded 1,278 degrees.
• The University of Texas of the Permian Basin awarded 1,020 degrees.

Another interesting fact is that about 60 percent of the student population in Odessa, Texas is female.

Wage by Race and Ethnicity for Common Jobs in Odessa

In getting to know a city, it is important to understand the different factors that affect wages. In this section, we will examine the annual earnings of different races and ethnicities in Texas. Below is Data USA’s information on wages for miscellaneous managers.

Asians are the highest paid in Texas, earning about four percent more than Whites. However, both Asians and Whites spend only about 5 percent of their income on car insurance.

On the other hand, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders spend the highest percentage on car insurance, about 12 percent of their annual wages.

Wage by Gender for Common Jobs in Odessa

The most obvious gaps in wages are those dealing with gender. In recent years, we still see that men, on average, continue to earn 1.41 times more than women in Texas.

Data USA provides that in 2017, full-time male employees earned $64,953, while full-time female employees earned $45,959.

The table below shows the wages of both male and female employees by occupation. We have also included the percent of their annual income that is spent on car insurance.

Across all listed professions, men earn significantly more than women. As you can see, this greatly affects how much percentage of income is being spent on car insurance. Women paying for the same insurance have less expendable income.

Poverty by Age and Gender in Odessa

Living at or below the poverty line makes it difficult to afford decent auto insurance.

Examining Data USA’s 2017 statistics, we see that females aged 18-24 are the largest demographic facing poverty. The second-largest group facing poverty in Odessa is females aged 25-34, and third-largest males aged 18-24.

Of Odessa’s population of 114,000 people, about 13,500 (1.8 percent) are facing poverty. This is still lower than the national average of 13.1 percent, which may indicate that the inclusion index and economy are in check.

Poverty by Race and Ethnicity in Odessa

Most people facing poverty in Odessa are women. But to what degree does poverty affect the various races and ethnicities of this West Texas city?

In the table above, we see that the largest group facing poverty in Odessa are Whites, at 43.1 percent. The second-largest group facing poverty are Hispanics, at 41.3 percent. Pacific Islanders are the smallest group facing poverty.

Employment by Occupations in Odessa

Odessa thrives off of its oil industry. The Permian Basin, a geographic region on which Odessa is located, is a prime ground for crude oil extraction. For the past several years, fracking has become a huge part of Odessa’s economy during

According to Data USA, the specialized industry of Construction and Extraction is 2.48 times higher in Odessa than in other regions. The breakdown of the most common jobs in Odessa is listed below.

1. Office and Administrative Support Occupations: 7,438 people
2.  Sales and Related Occupations: 7,320 people
3. Construction and Extraction Occupations: 6,932 people

From 2016 to 2017, Odessa’s employment rate increased by 1.39 percent. The number of employees during this time increased from 55,400 employees to 56,100 employees. This growth demonstrates potential economic strength in the region.

Driving in Odessa

Now that we’ve covered the basics of insurance rates, regional demographics, and culture, it’s time to address the current state of driving in Odessa. From oil fields to city streets, you’ll want to know about the factors that affect you in your daily life.

Luckily, we have compiled this information all in one place. In this section, we will cover everything from roads to traffic in Odessa, Texas. Keep reading to learn more about traffic conditions and roadways.

What are the major roads in Odessa?

The first order of business is Odessa’s roads. From major highways to traffic cameras, it is all covered here. This may seem like a boring subject, but a city’s roads can mean the difference between a smooth commute and banging your head on the steering wheel in frustration.

So keep scrolling to learn what to watch out for and what to avoid in the city of Frisco.

Major Highways

Navigating, planning, and assessing the traffic of your trips is a feat in itself. Twenty-five active routes run through the state of Texas, totaling 3,500 miles of open roadway.

I-20 is the only major highway to run through Odessa. It is one of the largest east-west highways in the Southern United States. Beginning just west of Odessa in Kent, Texas, I-20 crosses  Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia until reaching South Carolina.

A few smaller highways connect Odessa to major cities and highways.

• TX 191
•  US 385

What about toll roads?

Although many toll roads, bridges, and the like exist in Texas, Odessa itself has none.

A number of toll roads are situated in major metro areas throughout Texas. When traveling on from Odessa to other areas, however, you’re likely to come across other access points.

If you are a new resident or are interested in acquiring a Toll Tag sticker through TxTag, visit the Texas Department of Department of Transportation website.

Popular Road Trips/Sites

Wondering what kinds of getaways you can plan in Odessa? We have gathered some key destinations below.

• Marfa Lights — The mysterious ghost lights of Marfa, Texas show themselves at night. Only about 2.5 hours from both El Paso and Odessa, the site even has an official viewing center.
• Monahans Sandhills — Who doesn’t love sand dunes? Just 45 minutes from Odessa and a little over an hour from Midland, this state park allows you to explore, set up camp, or ride your horse.
• Odessa Meteor Crater — 50,000 years ago, a giant meteor hit Ector County.  The 550-feet-wide crater can be visited every day of the year, and the site includes an awesome museum.
• The Permian Playhouse — An educational venture for the whole family, the Permian Playhouse features live productions put on by an elite group of 7th-12th graders. Visiting town? This is a great way to get reacquainted with Shakespeare.

These scenic and cultural options will surely make your visit to Odessa a memorable one.

Road Conditions

From the potholes of the north to the tumbleweeds of the Texas south, each region has its own roadway problems. How does Odessa measure up in the grand scheme of road conditions?

Although Odessa’s unique share of good, mediocre, and poor road conditions are not listed, information about road closures and conditions in the area can be found through the Texas Department of Transportation.

Does your city use speeding or red light cameras?

The state of Texas doesn’t allow the use of speeding cameras. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill on June 2nd, 2019, that banned the use of red-light cameras in Texas.

While some drivers believe that red light cameras violate privacy laws, others blame city lawmakers for profiting off of the new technology. No matter the reason Texas has decided to ban red-light cameras, the device foreshadows the future of traffic safety.

What types of vehicles are in Odessa?

Let’s take a look at the average number of vehicles per household in Reno, along with important data such as speed traps and vehicle theft rates.

How many cars per household

Most cities have their own unique qualities, and car ownership is no exception to the rule.

Data USA’s recent study revealed that residents in Odessa have two cars on average.

The next greatest number of households owned one vehicle, while an even smaller margin of people owned three cars. Only 1,620 households did not own a car, which we will address in the next section.

Households without a Car

If you are lucky enough to live in a city or town with options for public transportation, you can get away with not owning a car. Let’s take a look at how many Odessa residents didn’t own cars in 2015 and 2016.

The data shows a significant increase in the percentage of households without a car, which jumped by 18 percent. Fewer people in Odessa are owning cars, indicating that the cost of owning, maintaining, and insuring a vehicle is too great an expense.

Speed Traps in your Odessa

Do you know if your city qualifies as a Speed Trap Town?

While Odessa does not join Olar, Seneca, or Society Hill on the 10 worst cities in Texasfor speed traps, this doesn’t mean that your town is free of them.

You are likely to find speed traps in school zones, busy roads, and highways.

Drive defensively, while keeping a safe distance from the cars around you. Even if other cars are driving fast, keep under the speed limit. Otherwise, you may face speeding ticket fines and higher rates from your insurer.

Vehicle Theft in Odessa

Just because Odessa is one of Texas’ smaller cities does not make it immune to crime.

In 2016, the FBI’s Crime in the U.S. report recorded 369 motor vehicle thefts in Odessa, Texas. In 2019, Neighborhood Scout reported that there were 370 vehicle thefts accounting for a theft rate of 4.26 per 1,000 people.

Neighborhood Scout has indicated that the following neighborhoods are the safest areas in the city of Odessa:

• Andrews Highway / E Hillmont Rd
• Rocky Lane Rd / Deering Dr
• The U of Texas of the Permian Basin / E 42nd Street
• Lyndale Dr / N Grandview Ave
• State Loop / Jonn Ben Shepperd Pky
• Bounce / Warfield
• I-20 / John Ben Shepperd Pky
• Gardendale
• E Everglade Ave / N Grandview Ave
• W 16th St / San Fernando Dr

While Odessa has more property crime than Texas in total (25.35 per 1,000 vs 23.67) it is still less than Houston, at 41.25.

The city has a higher level of property crimes than any other type of crime. Vehicle theft is included in that statistic.

All in all, Odessa is safer than 11 percent of U.S. cities. While this may not seem like a promising statistic, cities have a higher concentration of people, bringing more crime.

How is traffic in Odessa?

Traffic Congestion in Odessa

Odessa isn’t on traffic scorecards like Inrix or TomTom, but this doesn’t mean you will never encounter traffic. You probably won’t be sitting in traffic for hours of the day, which is good news.

Transportation

People in Odessa, TX have an average commute time of 19.9 minutes, and they mostly commuted solo. Below are the statistics for types of transportation in Odessa.

Odessa has a high number of professionals working in Transportation Operations (1.45 percent higher than the U.S. average), which may account for their residents opting to use public transit.

Busiest highways

The Texas A&M Institute did a detailed study on the top 100 most congested roadways in Texas. The Odessa-Midland area (Ector County) contains 1 out of these 100. This route is E 42nd St / SH 191.

Other areas to watch out for are:

• I-20
• Andrews Hwy / US 385
• W University Blvd /
• Jon B. Shepperd Pkwy

If you are one of the drivers who use these routes daily, you may find that you additional time is tacked onto your commute. Texas A&M also did the math and found that many drivers

According to the report, $623 is the dollar amount one person spends annually in traffic congestion. In nearby Lubbock, Texas, $388 is the amount one person spends annually in traffic congestion.

These are just a few areas affected by the most congested roads in the Odessa-Midland area. Traffic apps can help you plan your route ahead of time so that you don’t get stuck in a line of cars and miss a meeting.

How safe are Odessa streets and roads?

Now that we’ve covered safety and traffic congestion statistics in Odessa, it’s time to get a snapshot of road safety and fatalities.

We’ve included fatalities for significant factors (crash types, blood alcohol content of the driver, and types of vehicles involved) that increase the potential of an accident. Please keep in mind that these statistics are included to inform you, not to scare or deter you from getting behind the wheel.

We hope that viewing these statistics in Ector County will help you make good choices on the road.

The table below reveals the total fatal crashes in Washoe County from 2014 to 2018, according to data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Between 2014 and 2018, the total number of crashes in Ector County has seen a slight increase, peaking in 2018 with 56 overall fatal crashes.

The main causes of these crashes can be found in the table below.

The leading causes of crashes in 2018 for the Odessa area were crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver, crashes involving an intersection, and crashes involving speeding. Unfortunately, the number of crashes that occur at an intersection has increased by 75 percent since 2016.

As for those killed in car crashes, the Odessa area saw the following deaths:

According to the data, passenger car occupant fatalities have increased in the Odessa area. On the other hand, pedestrian fatalities have dropped significantly since the spike in 2014. Remember to exercise caution and share the road with pedal cyclists.

When driving, walking, or bicycling in the following roadways, use caution. NHTSA has found that these roads have the most fatalities in Texas.

In 2018, Texas was the state with the highest number of fatal crashes. Only California, with 3,259 fatal crashes, even came close to the statistic. Logistically speaking, this makes sense. Texas and California are both large states and contain metropolises.

What about arterial roads?

A high number of fatalities occur on arterial roads in Texas. An arterial road is simply a high-traffic road like a highway. A minor arterial road carries less traffic than an arterial road, and a collector arterial road takes local traffic to minor arterial and arterial roads.

Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report

Although Odessa is not listed on Allstate’s Annual Best Drivers in America Report, the nearby city of Lubbock ranks as the 53rd safest city to drive in as of 2019. Their rank is up 4 percent from last year. Residents typically have 11.3 years between claims, on average.

Compared to the national average, the relative likelihood of a claim being made in Lubbock is 10 percent lower.

Ridesharing

One of the perks of living in a city is that there are always rideshare options available. Here are the rideshare companies operating in Odessa:

• Taxi — You can take a traditional taxi in Odessa for a relatively low cost.
• Lyft — A ride from a Lyft driver will cost you a little less than a taxi.
• Uber — Uber is also available in Odessa and the cost is roughly the same as a Lyft.
• Lyft Premier — For about $10 more per ride, you can get a luxury car from Lyft instead of a standard sedan.
• Uber Select — This is the luxury version of Uber; it will also cost you about $10 more than the standard car.

To get a rough estimate of prices from different rideshare programs, enter your planned route into RideGuru and they will break down your options.

E-star^® Repair Shops

Do you always have one or two dependable auto repair shops on hand? If not, you may want to take a look at Esurance’s E-Star^® repair shops. Esurance only gives their approval to the best shops, based on customer service and quality.

What is the weather like in Odessa?

Situated in the heart of the American Southwest, residents of Odessa enjoy mild temperatures in the cooler months and sometimes sweltering heat in the warmer seasons. U.S. Climate Data provided annual temperature data in Odessa.

Ector County has experienced 9 natural disasters, which is a bit lower than the national average of 13. Of the nine natural disasters, two were declared national emergencies by the president.

The causes of these natural disasters include:

• Fires: Five
• Hurricanes: Three
• Tornado: Two
• Floods: One
• Storms: One

Some natural disasters could fall into more than one category.

Choosing car insurance coverage is tough enough without accounting for natural disasters. Various natural events such as floods, wind damage, and fires, are all protected under comprehensive coverage.

If natural disasters concern you, purchasing comprehensive coverage might save you money in the long run.

Is public transit available in Odessa?

It is the mission of the Midland Odessa Urban Transit District (EZ-Rider) to provide safe and efficient public transportation with quality customer service to the Midland Odessa urban area. Below are the fares by person type.

• Single-use pass adult: $1.25
• Monthly pass: $37.00
• Student: $1.00
• Senior/Disabled: $0.60

Another option for public transportation around Odessa-Midland is the Paratransit Service. A branch of EZ-Rider, this service is designed for persons with disabilities who are not able to use the regular bus.

Are other Alternate Transportation options available in Odessa?

Recently, Lime and Bird scooters have been storming U.S. cities.

Is Odessa loving or leaving them in the dust?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOMYOBBRtM8

Currently, the Odessa-Midland area has yet to adopt Lime Scooters. Here are the Texas cities with Lime Scooters.

• Austin
• Dallas
• Lubbock
• Plano
• San Antonio

Midland, the closest city to Odessa, does provide a bike-sharing service called Bike Midland. With annual memberships and pay-as-you-go, the service costs only $1 every 30 minutes.

Is parking easy in Odessa?

Anticipating the parking situation of a new city can be a challenge. Many cities in the United States have transitioned to parking kiosks and parking apps, while some have remained traditionally coin-operated.

Did you know that in Odessa, it is illegal to park against traffic?

If you live in or are visiting Odessa, downtown has parking meters that accept both coins and credit cards. You can use these meters when parking on the streets, as well as in some lots.

If you are visiting the Midland Airport, parking in the lots for short and extended periods are permitted.

How is the air quality in Odessa? Touch on how vehicles contribute to air quality

Did you know that vehicles are one of the leading sources of pollutants? While certain states have strict laws limiting emissions, these laws do not prevent all pollution. Cars still have a huge impact on the environment.

As it turns out, air pollution can wreak serious havoc on your health, too. Odessa was specifically identified by the EPA for 3 years. The table below displays the EPA Air Quality Index Report for the area between 2016 and 2018.

According to the EPA’s three consecutive years of data, only one day was termed unhealthy for sensitive groups. As you can see, there were no days with air quality listed as unhealthy or very unhealthy between 2017 and 2019.

Military/Veterans

Military personnel and veterans are key members of the community, so we have provided a section that accounts for the specific insurance policies designed for this group.

If you’ve served or are serving in the military, keep reading for our breakdown of statistics that could save you money on your insurance.

In Odessa, the most significant population of military personnel who live in the city are residents who served in the Vietnam War. The second and third most common service periods are the second and first Gulf Wars, respectively.

As of 2017, there were 1,700 Vietnam veterans, 1,122 veterans from the second Gulf War, and 726 veterans from the first Gulf War living in Reno. That’s a well-sized veteran population.

Texas is home to many military bases, but only two are located within an hour of Odessa.

• Goodfellow AFB Base (San Angelo)
• Dyess AFB Base (Abilene)

Wondering if your insurer includes discount benefits?

The table below displays companies that do offer these types of benefits.

As you look at the table above, please note that not every company released its discount percentages. To get an idea of what you might be paying, simply contact your insurance provider and ask about military discounts.

USAA

We’ve mentioned USAA a few times already, as it provides some of the most affordable options in Texas. However, USAA is only for military members and veterans, which makes State Farm the next most economical choice for customers.

To see how cheap USAA is compared to other Texas providers, check out the table below.

USAA’s average rate is well below the Texas average but is not available to everyone. The second-cheapest option is The General.

Allstate, on the other hand, has premiums well above the other insurers. Prices vary from insurer to insurer, showing how important it is to shop around for auto insurance.

Unique City Laws

The United States is home to many different traditions, laws, and systems. Odessa, Texas is no exception! If you are a new resident, or have lived in the city for a while, here are some laws to be aware of.

Parking Laws

Parking on Unpaved Surfaces — Residents are reminded it is illegal to park vehicles and boats on front yards. All vehicles and boats parked in front of a residence must be parked on paved surfaces. A violation of this ordinance could result in a fine up to $2,000.

Parking the Wrong Direction — Drivers are prohibited from parking against traffic, even on residential, two-way streets. Even though your vehicle is at rest, parking in the wrong direction is hazardous to other motorists.

Hands-free Law

Texas has implemented a ban on device-usage while driving. Below are the laws for specific use patterns.

• Texting ban — Applies to all drivers
• Handheld ban — Applies to drivers during the first six months of permit and school zones
• Cellphone use ban — Applies to all drivers under 18 (zero tolerance for any use of devices)

If you plan on sending a text message while on the road, pull over first. Law enforcement officers in c take driver safety seriously, so you will be arrested or fined for distracted driving.

Food Trucks
Odessa is home to many cuisines, and food truck vendors enjoy great business. People who want to operate a food truck in Odessa need to have all their paperwork in order, as the law requires all food truck owners to have a license.

To apply for a license, food truck owners must have the following documents submitted before a food inspection:

• Ector County Health Department Permit
• Signed Release Statement
• Copy of Insurance Policy of a minimum of $1,000,000
• Notarized Statement from CPF (if required)
• Certified letter of water supply and wastewater disposal
• Copy of Food Handlers Certification

Once the license and food inspection are approved, food truck owners can start operating in Odessa.

Laws Regarding Tiny Homes

Yes, you can build your tiny home in the state of Texas.

Basically, you’ll need to comply with city zoning, and set-up your tiny home in an approved place (such as a mobile park). Your tiny home must also pass safety regulations (properly hooked up to gas, sewage, etc.).

In Midland, Texas, tiny homes are being used to support the growing number of people facing homelessness. According to the Midland Reporter-Telegram, residents John-Mark and Briana Echols are building a village called “The Field’s Edge.”

The tiny home community intended to give homeless individuals a permanent residence. Many larger cities across the county are getting on-board with the idea of providing safe, affordable places for people facing homelessness.

Odessa Car Insurance FAQs

We’ve covered a lot of ground in this guide, but it’s hard to answer every single question. That’s why we have included some frequently asked questions about living and driving in Odessa.

How do I register my car?

If you move to the state of Texas, you will need to register your vehicle within 30 days. If you do not update your registration within this time frame, you will be charged a penalty.

Similarly, Texas is unique in that you cannot apply for a driver’s license at a Texas DMV. Instead, licenses are handled through the Texas Department of Public Safety. The deadline is 90 days after moving to the state.

What are the employment opportunities in Odessa?

Odessa’s economy is largely driven by its oil industry, especially due to the fracking of the Permian Basin. If you have experience in oil and natural gas extraction, this may be the city for you.

Is there an airport nearby?

Yes. The closest airport is the Midland International Airport, located 12 miles outside of Odessa.

How hot does it get in the summer months?

Odessa is very arid and hot, especially during the summer months. Temperatures reach the high 90s in the summer, with sunny days occurring 256 days out of the year.

If you are a new resident, prepare to pay more for central air conditioning a few months out of the year.

What if I get into an auto accident?

Texas is an at-fault state, which means if you caused the accident, you are responsible for the other driver’s medical bills and property damage bills. If it is difficult to tell who caused the accident, the two insurance companies will assign costs depending on the level of fault.

For example, if you are responsible for 60 percent of the accident damage, you will receive 60 percent of the bill.

This is the conclusion of our comprehensive car insurance guide to Odessa Texas. We hope you have enjoyed reading the information regarding insurance rates, city demographics, and roadway laws and conditions.

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