Honda S660 Insurance Cost in Texas: Compare Rates & Save
Published: January 28, 2026
Owning a Honda S660 in the Lone Star State is a dream for many JDM enthusiasts. This mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive Kei car offers a level of nimbleness and open-air excitement that is hard to find in domestic models. However, the excitement of driving this turbocharged marvel down the Texas highways can quickly turn into a financial headache if you are not prepared for the complexities of the Honda S660 insurance cost. Most drivers assume that because the car is small and has a 660cc engine, the premiums will be dirt cheap. This is the first—and perhaps most dangerous—mistake you can make. Finding coverage for a vehicle that was never officially sold in the United States requires navigating a maze of non-standard VINs, import regulations, and specialized underwriting requirements that standard big-box insurers often refuse to touch.
The reality is that many Texas drivers face immediate rejection from major carriers the moment they provide a Japanese chassis number. Without the proper guidance, you could find yourself paying double the actual market value in premiums or, worse, driving with a policy that won't actually pay out in the event of a total loss. Understanding the nuances of car insurance rates for JDM imports is not just about saving money; it is about protecting your investment and ensuring you stay legal on Texas roads. Before you sign a title or commit to a monthly payment, you must understand the pitfalls that lead to astronomical insurance quotes or outright coverage denials.
The Hidden Traps of Insuring a JDM Honda S660 in Texas
One of the most significant hurdles in determining the Honda S660 insurance cost is the vehicle's "Gray Market" status. Since the S660 was designed for the Japanese domestic market, it does not have a standard 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Standard insurance software in Texas is designed to automatically pull data from 17-digit codes to determine safety ratings, crash test results, and repair costs. When you provide a short-form Japanese chassis number, the system often triggers a "high-risk" or "unidentified vehicle" flag. This typically results in an automated quote that is significantly higher than a standard domestic sports car like a Mazda Miata.
Furthermore, the Texas Department of Insurance has strict guidelines regarding financial responsibility. While the S660 may be legal to import under the 25-year rule (once applicable) or specific show-and-display exemptions, many local agents are unfamiliar with how to classify a 64-horsepower Kei car. If the agent classifies it simply as a "high-performance roadster" due to its mid-engine layout, your car insurance rates will skyrocket. Conversely, if they classify it as a "low-speed vehicle," you might find your coverage is insufficient for highway speeds, leaving you legally vulnerable during a Texas sunset drive.
5 Critical Mistakes That Inflate Your Honda S660 Insurance Cost
To keep your Honda S660 insurance cost manageable, you must avoid the common pitfalls that trap most JDM owners in Texas. These mistakes often stem from a lack of communication between the owner and the underwriter, or simply choosing the wrong type of policy for a rare vehicle.
- Relying on Standard Liability Policies: While Texas law only requires minimum liability, a standard policy rarely accounts for the actual replacement value of an S660. If your car is totaled, a standard insurer might only pay out the "Blue Book" value of a generic subcompact, which is far less than the cost of importing another S660.
- Ignoring the "Agreed Value" Clause: For rare imports, you should always seek an Agreed Value policy. This ensures that in the event of a total loss, the insurance company pays you a pre-determined amount that reflects the true market value of a Honda S660 in the US.
- Misrepresenting Annual Mileage: Many Texas owners use the S660 as a weekend toy. If you tell your local insurance agent it is a daily driver, your rates will be calculated based on high-risk commuting statistics rather than low-risk leisure driving.
- Failing to Mention Modifications: Many S660s come from Japan with aftermarket exhaust systems, suspension, or body kits. Failing to disclose these can lead to a denied claim, but disclosing them to the wrong insurer can lead to an immediate policy cancellation.
- Skipping Local Expertise: Large national call centers rarely understand JDM culture. Working with a licensed insurance office in Texas that specializes in unique vehicles is often the only way to get an accurate and fair quote.
Comparing Coverage Options for Your Honda S660
When looking at the Honda S660 insurance cost, you need to weigh the pros and cons of different coverage tiers. Because this car is a mid-engine marvel with specialized parts, repair costs in Texas can be surprisingly high, even for minor fender benders. Most parts will need to be shipped directly from Japan, which adds significant "Loss of Use" time to your claim.
Agreed Value Specialty Insurance
This is widely considered the gold standard for JDM cars. You and the insurer agree on a set value (e.g., $25,000). If the Honda S660 is stolen or totaled on a Texas highway, you get exactly that amount. This policy type usually requires the car to be garaged and not used as a primary vehicle, but the car insurance rates are often lower because the risk is better defined.
Stated Amount Coverage
Often confused with Agreed Value, Stated Amount allows you to tell the insurer the car is worth a certain amount to justify higher coverage limits. However, the insurer can still choose to pay the "Actual Cash Value" at the time of the loss if it is lower. For an appreciating asset like a clean Honda S660, this can be a risky gamble.
Standard Full Coverage
If you plan on daily driving your S660 through Texas traffic, you may be forced into a standard non-standard policy. These premiums are typically the highest because the insurer views the car as an "unlisted" or "exotic" vehicle with no local parts availability. Expect to pay a premium for the convenience of using the car for errands and commuting.
Top-Rated Agencies for JDM Insurance in Texas
Finding a reliable partner to handle your Honda S660 insurance cost in Texas is crucial. You need an agency that understands the difference between a standard Honda Civic and a mid-engine S660. Local expertise allows for better negotiation with underwriters who might otherwise be hesitant to cover a right-hand-drive vehicle. Fully Protected Insurance has established itself as a leader in providing cheap auto insurance quotes for specialty and imported vehicles across the state, from Houston to El Paso.
By working with a licensed insurance office, you gain access to multiple carriers that specialize in high-risk or unique vehicle profiles. They can help you navigate the Texas SR-22 requirements if necessary, or simply find a carrier that won't penalize you for having a 10-digit chassis number. Their knowledge of the Texas Department of Insurance regulations ensures that your policy is not only affordable but also fully compliant with state law.
[View detailed Honda S660 insurance quotes here]
Take Action: Protect Your Honda S660 Today
Don't wait until you are pulled over on a Texas road or involved in an accident to realize your insurance is inadequate. The Honda S660 insurance cost is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your JDM treasure is fully covered. Start by gathering your import documents, including the export certificate and customs entry forms, and contact a specialist. Compare at least three different quotes, but prioritize "Agreed Value" over the lowest monthly price. Your S660 is a rare piece of automotive history; make sure you treat it like one by securing a policy that actually protects its value.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Honda S660 Insurance
Is the Honda S660 legal to drive and insure in Texas?
Yes, provided the vehicle has been imported legally under federal guidelines (such as the 25-year rule or specific exemptions) and is registered with the Texas DMV. Insurance is a legal requirement for all operating vehicles on Texas public roads.
Why is my Honda S660 insurance cost higher than a Mazda Miata?
The higher cost is usually due to "parts availability" and "repair complexity." Since the S660 was never sold in the US, body panels and engine components must be imported, increasing the cost of any claim. Additionally, right-hand-drive vehicles are sometimes placed in higher risk pools by Texas insurers.
Can I get a standard 12-month policy for a JDM import?
Most specialty insurers offer 12-month policies, while standard carriers in Texas typically offer 6-month terms. For a Honda S660, a specialty 12-month policy is often more cost-effective if you maintain a clean driving record.
Does Texas require special coverage for right-hand-drive (RHD) cars?
Texas law does not explicitly require "special" coverage for RHD cars, but you must disclose the configuration to your insurer. Failure to disclose that the vehicle is RHD can be considered material misrepresentation, potentially voiding your policy in the event of an accident.