Honda Element Insurance Cost in Texas: Compare Rates & Save
Published: January 28, 2026
Navigating the financial landscape of owning a Honda Element requires a deep understanding of several technical variables, especially within the unique regulatory environment of the Texas insurance market. While the Element ceased production over a decade ago, it remains a highly sought-after utility vehicle for outdoor enthusiasts and urban commuters alike. However, calculating the Honda Element insurance cost in Texas is not a one-size-fits-all equation. It involves analyzing vehicle safety ratings, the cost of specialized parts, and the specific risk profile of the Lone Star State, which includes everything from extreme weather events to high-traffic metropolitan corridors like the I-35. For many owners, finding the balance between "cheap" and "sufficient" is a complex challenge that necessitates a professional look at the numbers.
From a technical standpoint, the Honda Element is categorized as a compact crossover SUV. Its boxy design and unique structural elements, such as the rear-hinged side doors (often called "suicide doors"), play a significant role in how actuarial tables determine your monthly premium. In Texas, where liability requirements are strictly enforced at 30/60/25 limits, drivers often find that their premiums are influenced more by their ZIP code and driving history than by the vehicle's MSRP. This article provides a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of the factors that dictate insurance rates for the Honda Element in Texas, offering insights into how you can optimize your coverage without sacrificing the financial protection your asset deserves.
Analyzing the Technical Risk Profile of the Honda Element
When an underwriter looks at a Honda Element, they are evaluating the "loss cost" associated with the model. Technically, the Element is built on a modified CR-V platform, which is a point in its favor due to the availability of standardized mechanical parts. However, the unique body panels and glass configurations can sometimes lead to higher repair costs following a collision. In Texas, where hail damage is a frequent occurrence, the large, flat roof of the Element represents a specific risk area for comprehensive insurance claims.
Safety ratings are another critical metric. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the late-model Elements "Good" ratings in front and side crash tests, though roof strength was a variable concern in earlier versions. Texas insurance providers use these safety metrics to determine the "Injury Protection" portion of your quote. Furthermore, the AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system found in many Element trims adds a layer of complexity to the mechanical drivetrain, which insurers may factor into the vehicle's overall value and repair potential. To get the lowest rates, drivers should emphasize the presence of anti-lock brakes (ABS), stability control, and side airbags, all of which are standard in later models.
The depreciation curve of the Honda Element also affects the actual cash value (ACV). Since the vehicle is no longer in production, its market value has stabilized, and in some cases, appreciated among collectors. This creates a technical dilemma: if the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds a certain percentage of its ACV, the insurance company will "total" the car. Drivers in Austin or Dallas should be aware that high labor rates in these cities can accelerate the likelihood of a total loss designation, making Gap Insurance or New Car Replacement coverage irrelevant, while shifting the focus toward high-limit liability and uninsured motorist protection.
Regional Texas Variables: ZIP Codes, Liability, and SR-22 Requirements
Texas is a "fault" state, meaning the person responsible for an accident is liable for the damages. The state-mandated minimum is $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. However, for a Honda Element owner in Texas, these minimums are often insufficient. Given that a single accident involving a modern luxury vehicle or a multi-car pileup in Houston can easily exceed $25,000 in property damage, technical experts recommend increasing these limits to at least 100/300/100 to protect personal assets.
Your location in Texas is perhaps the most significant non-vehicle variable. Insuring a Honda Element in a rural area like West Texas will almost always be cheaper than in high-theft or high-congestion areas like San Antonio or El Paso. Statistics show that urban drivers face a higher frequency of "fender benders," which increases the premium for collision coverage. Additionally, if you have a history of DUI or multiple traffic violations, you may be required to file an SR-22 certificate with the Texas Department of Public Safety. This is a technical filing that proves you carry the state's minimum insurance, and it can stay on your record for several years, significantly impacting your Honda Element insurance cost.
Climate factors cannot be ignored in a professional insurance analysis. Texas leads the nation in many types of catastrophic weather claims. For the Honda Element, which is often used for camping and off-road excursions, comprehensive coverage is vital. This covers non-collision events like fire, theft, vandalism, and the infamous Texas "golf-ball" hail. When selecting a deductible, choosing a higher amount (e.g., $1,000) can lower your monthly premium, but you must ensure you have the liquid assets to cover that cost in the event of a claim. Professionals often suggest a $500 deductible as the "sweet spot" for older SUVs like the Element.
Provider Comparison: Who Offers the Best Rates for Honda Element?
In the Texas car insurance market, several carriers stand out for their ability to provide competitive quotes for older SUVs. Choosing the right provider involves more than just looking at the bottom line; it requires an assessment of their claims handling efficiency and customer service ratings. Here is a technical breakdown of how the major players generally treat the Honda Element.
Progressive Insurance
Progressive is known for its "Name Your Price" tool and its willingness to insure older vehicles with high mileage. For a Honda Element, Progressive often provides competitive liability-only rates. Their technology-driven approach allows for telematics-based discounts (Snapshot), which can benefit Element drivers who use their vehicle primarily for weekend trips rather than daily commuting in heavy Texas traffic.
Geico
Geico typically offers some of the lowest baseline premiums in Texas due to their low overhead and direct-to-consumer model. They are a strong choice for government employees or military members (of which there are many in Texas cities like Killeen and San Antonio). Their multi-policy discount is one of the most aggressive in the industry, making them a top contender if you bundle your homeowners insurance with your Honda Element policy.
Fully Protected Insurance
As a specialized Texas agency, Fully Protected Insurance understands the nuances of the local market better than national giants. They often have access to regional carriers that specialize in the Texas SR-22 market or high-risk drivers. Their agents can manually underwrite policies that take into account the specific modifications many Element owners make, such as lift kits or specialized roof racks, which national carriers might struggle to value correctly.
Professional Evaluation & Finding a Trusted Agency in Texas
To truly save money on Honda Element insurance, you must look beyond the automated quotes. A professional evaluation involves auditing your current policy for "junk" coverages. For example, if your Element has over 200,000 miles, the collision coverage might cost more than the potential payout if the car were totaled. In this technical scenario, dropping collision while maintaining high-limit liability and Uninsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is often the most fiscally responsible move.
In Texas, it is also crucial to work with an agency that is licensed and has a physical presence. This ensures they are familiar with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) regulations and can help you navigate claims after a major storm. Look for agencies with high transparency regarding their fee structures and those that offer a variety of discounts, such as those for defensive driving courses or good student discounts if the Element is being driven by a younger family member.
[Get a Custom Honda Element Insurance Quote in Texas Here]
Final Strategy for Lowering Your Premiums
In conclusion, managing the Honda Element insurance cost in Texas is an exercise in data management and risk assessment. Start by improving your credit score, as Texas is one of the states where credit-based insurance scores heavily influence premiums. Next, consider installing a dashcam or an anti-theft device, as these technical additions can sometimes lead to additional discounts. Finally, reshop your policy every 6 to 12 months. The Texas insurance market is highly volatile, and the company that was the cheapest last year may no longer be the most competitive today.
Always prioritize Liability and Uninsured Motorist coverage above all else. With the number of uninsured drivers on Texas roads being significantly higher than the national average, protecting yourself from other people's mistakes is the most important part of your insurance strategy. By following these technical guidelines and choosing a reputable Texas insurance provider, you can enjoy your Honda Element with the peace of mind that you are fully protected at the best possible price.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost to insure a Honda Element in Texas?
While prices vary significantly based on the driver, the average cost for full coverage on a Honda Element in Texas ranges from $1,100 to $1,500 per year. Liability-only policies can be found for as low as $500 to $700 annually for drivers with clean records in lower-risk ZIP codes.
Does the Honda Element's age make it cheaper to insure?
Technically, yes, because the Actual Cash Value (ACV) is lower than a new car, which reduces the insurer's liability for a total loss. However, since the Element is a "cult classic," its value remains higher than other vehicles of its age, and scarcity of parts can sometimes keep the comprehensive and collision premiums slightly higher than expected.
Are there specific Texas insurance discounts for Honda Element owners?
Common discounts include Multi-Car, Multi-Policy (bundling), and Safe Driver. Because the Element is often driven by safety-conscious outdoor enthusiasts, many owners qualify for low-mileage discounts if the vehicle is not their primary daily driver. Be sure to ask your Texas agent about telematics programs.
Is the Honda Element considered a high-theft vehicle in Texas?
While not at the top of the "most stolen" list like the Honda Civic or F-150, the Element is targeted for its catalytic converter. Texas law enforcement has noted an uptick in these thefts. Having comprehensive insurance is the only way to ensure you are covered for the replacement of a stolen catalytic converter, which can cost upwards of $1,500.