Living in Bryan means you're part of the Brazos Valley community—home to Texas A&M, downtown charm, and that Aggie spirit. But whether you're a longtime resident or just moving to the area, one thing matters: making sure you've got the right insurance coverage. Between Texas weather, state requirements, and finding an agent who actually knows the local scene, it can feel overwhelming. Here's everything you need to know about insurance in Bryan, broken down in a way that actually makes sense.
Auto Insurance in Bryan: What You Need to Know
If you're driving in Texas, you're legally required to carry auto insurance. The state minimum is what's called 30/60/25 coverage—that's $30,000 for injuries per person, up to $60,000 total per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. These numbers haven't changed for 2025 or 2026, so if you already have minimum coverage, you're good to go.
Here's what that actually costs in Bryan: if you're only buying the minimum liability coverage, expect to pay around $87 per month, or about $1,044 annually. That's actually a decent deal—it's roughly $10 cheaper per month than the rest of Texas. If you want full coverage (which includes comprehensive and collision), you're looking at about $161 monthly, or $1,932 per year.
But here's the thing: while minimum coverage meets the legal requirement, it might not be enough if you cause a serious accident. If someone's medical bills exceed $30,000—which isn't hard to do in a bad crash—you're personally responsible for the difference. Many insurance experts recommend bumping up your liability limits to at least 100/300/100 for better protection. It costs more, but it could save you from financial ruin if the worst happens.
One quirk of Texas law: your insurance company must automatically include $2,500 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) unless you decline it in writing. PIP covers your medical expenses regardless of who's at fault, and it can be helpful if you don't have great health insurance. Most people keep it, but you can opt out if you want to save a few dollars.
Homeowners Insurance: Protecting Your Brazos Valley Home
If you own a home in Bryan, homeowners insurance is likely required by your mortgage lender. Even if you own your home outright, it's a smart move—Texas weather doesn't mess around. Bryan homeowners pay an average of about $1,256 per year for coverage, which is actually lower than the area average of $1,658. That's good news, but your actual rate depends on your home's value, age, location, and the coverage limits you choose.
Standard homeowners policies typically cover wind damage, hail, fire, theft, and liability if someone gets hurt on your property. That's crucial in Texas, where we see around 130 tornadoes every year statewide and hundreds of major hail events. In fact, 2024 alone saw 20 billion-dollar weather events across Texas. If a tornado rips through or a hailstorm damages your roof, your homeowners policy should have you covered.
But here's the catch: flood damage isn't covered by standard homeowners insurance. This surprises a lot of people. Even if your policy covers tornado damage and hail, it won't pay a dime if your home floods. You need a separate flood insurance policy for that, and it typically takes 30 days for coverage to kick in after you buy it—so don't wait until a storm is on the way.
Flood Insurance: A Must-Have for Bryan Residents
If you think flood insurance is only for people living in high-risk flood zones, think again. Over 20% of all flood insurance claims come from areas outside mapped high-risk zones. That means even if your home isn't in a designated floodplain, you could still be at risk. In Bryan, flood insurance is available to all residents through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), no matter where you live.
Flood policies are usually affordable—especially if you're outside a high-risk zone—and they can save you tens of thousands of dollars if a major storm hits. Given that Texas sees its share of heavy rain and flash flooding, it's worth having a conversation with your insurance agent about whether flood coverage makes sense for your property.
Finding Local Insurance Agents in Bryan
Working with a local agent has real advantages. They understand the specific risks in Brazos County—like which neighborhoods have had flooding issues, how Texas weather patterns affect premiums, and which carriers offer the best rates for Bryan residents. They can also help you bundle your auto and home policies for additional savings, which can knock 10-20% off your total premium.
How to Save Money on Insurance in Bryan
Insurance can feel expensive, but there are ways to bring down your costs without sacrificing coverage. First, shop around—rates can vary significantly between carriers, even for the same coverage. Get quotes from at least three different companies or agents. Second, ask about discounts. Most insurers offer lower rates if you bundle multiple policies, have a good driving record, install home security systems, or even just pay your premium in full upfront.
Another smart move: increase your deductible. If you can afford to pay $1,000 or $2,000 out of pocket in the event of a claim instead of $500, your premiums will drop. Just make sure you actually have that money set aside in an emergency fund. Finally, review your coverage every year or two. Your needs change—maybe you paid off your car and don't need full coverage anymore, or maybe your home's value increased and you need higher limits. Regular check-ins with your agent can keep you from overpaying or being underinsured.
Getting Started: Next Steps for Bryan Residents
If you're new to Bryan or just reviewing your current coverage, start by taking inventory of what you need. Do you own a home? Multiple cars? Are there drivers in your household with recent accidents or tickets? Once you know what you're insuring, reach out to a few local agents to get quotes. Don't be shy about asking questions—good agents will explain your options in plain English and help you understand the trade-offs between price and protection.
Insurance isn't the most exciting topic, but it's one of those things that matters when life throws you a curveball. Whether it's a fender bender on Texas Avenue, a hailstorm that dents your roof, or an unexpected flood, having the right coverage means you can recover without going broke. Take the time to get it right, and you'll have one less thing to worry about.
