If you're living in Longview, Texas—the county seat of Gregg County and home to the Great Texas Balloon Race—you already know this East Texas hub has its own unique character. What you might not know is that Longview also has some of the most competitive insurance rates in Texas. With a population of over 82,000 and a thriving downtown district, Longview offers residents access to numerous local insurance agencies that understand the specific risks facing homeowners and drivers in this region.
Whether you're protecting your home from severe thunderstorms, insuring your daily commute, or just trying to understand what coverage you actually need, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about insurance in Longview. Let's get into it.
Auto Insurance in Longview: What You'll Pay
Here's some good news: if you're driving in Longview, you're paying less than most other Texans for car insurance. The average cost in Longview is about $161 per month, compared to the Texas state average of $170. That's a 15% savings just for living here.
If you're looking for minimum coverage to meet Texas requirements, you'll pay around $112 per month. Full coverage—which includes comprehensive and collision—averages about $150 to $161 per month depending on your driving record, age, and vehicle type. Texas Farm Bureau and State Farm consistently offer some of the lowest rates in the area, with quotes as low as $112 per month for full coverage.
Texas law requires you to carry at least 30/60/25 liability coverage. That breaks down to $30,000 for injuries to one person, $60,000 total per accident for multiple injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. While this meets the legal minimum, one serious accident can easily exceed these limits. If you cause an accident that results in $80,000 in medical bills, you'd be personally responsible for the $50,000 difference. Most insurance professionals recommend carrying at least 100/300/100 coverage for better protection.
Home Insurance: Protecting Your Investment
Home insurance in Longview is significantly more affordable than the Texas average. While the statewide average sits at $3,851 per year, Longview homeowners typically pay between $1,385 and $2,161 annually. That's a substantial savings, though your actual rate will depend on several key factors.
Your home's age matters more than you might think. Older homes in Longview can pay up to 56% more than newly built homes—that's a potential difference of $653 per year. Construction type also plays a role. If your home has frame construction rather than brick, expect to pay about 10% more, or roughly $164 extra annually. And here's something that catches many people off guard: your credit score can impact your premium by as much as $819 per year. Poor credit can result in rates 47% higher than what someone with good credit would pay for the same house.
One crucial thing to understand: standard homeowners insurance in Texas doesn't cover flooding. Even if you're not in a designated flood zone, flash flooding can happen anywhere in Longview during severe weather. You'll need a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. Given that Longview experiences regular severe thunderstorms and occasional flooding, this coverage is worth serious consideration even if your lender doesn't require it.
Weather Risks Every Longview Resident Should Know
Living in East Texas means dealing with some serious weather. Longview sits in an area where severe thunderstorms are common, especially during spring and summer months. These aren't just ordinary rainstorms—we're talking about systems that can produce wind gusts up to 70 mph, hail larger than an inch in diameter, and dangerous lightning.
Tornadoes are also a real concern, though damaging straight-line winds are actually more common—about 10 to 20 times more frequent than tornadoes. Still, tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms, and their destructive power can level homes in seconds. The good news is that tornado damage is typically covered under your standard homeowners policy as wind damage, though you should verify your specific coverage limits.
Flash flooding is another major risk. Excessive rainfall can lead to deadly flash floods that develop rapidly, sometimes in areas you wouldn't expect. The City of Longview maintains detailed FEMA flood maps showing floodplain and floodway areas, but remember that flooding can occur outside these designated zones. This is why flood insurance isn't just for people living near creeks or in low-lying areas—it's smart protection for any Longview homeowner.
Finding the Right Insurance Agent in Longview
Longview has a robust insurance market with numerous local agencies, particularly in the downtown district. You'll find independent agents who can shop multiple carriers on your behalf, as well as captive agents who represent specific companies like State Farm, Farmers, or Nationwide.
Independent agencies like Gans & Smith Insurance Agency, Bockmon Insurance Agency, and Charles M. Tomberlain Insurance have been serving Gregg County for years. These agencies work with multiple insurance carriers, which means they can compare quotes from different companies to find you the best rate and coverage combination. They understand local risks—severe weather patterns, flood zones, crime statistics—and can recommend coverage that actually makes sense for your specific situation.
Here's the advantage of working with a local agent: when a severe thunderstorm rips through Longview and damages your roof, you're not calling a 1-800 number. You're calling someone who knows you, knows your property, and can walk you through the claims process. That personal relationship matters when you're dealing with a stressful situation.
Getting Started: Your Insurance Checklist
Ready to get the right insurance coverage for your Longview home or vehicle? Start by gathering some basic information: your current policy details (if you have one), your vehicle's VIN number and annual mileage, your home's age and construction type, and any major claims you've filed in the past three years.
Get quotes from at least three different sources—a couple of independent agents and maybe one direct carrier. Don't just compare prices; look at coverage limits, deductibles, and what's actually included in each policy. Ask about discounts for bundling home and auto, having a security system, being claims-free, or maintaining good credit.
Most importantly, make sure you understand what you're buying. Ask questions. If you're not clear on the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost coverage, or if you don't understand your deductible structure, speak up. A good agent will take the time to explain these things in plain English. After all, insurance is only valuable if it actually covers what you think it covers when you need it most.
