Texas SR-22 Insurance: Liability requirements, Filing, Duration, Costs, Types

Who needs SR‑22 Insurance in Texas?

Only high‑risk drivers need an SR22 insurance certificate. If you keep a clean driving record, you will never need to file one because you do not risk losing your driver’s license.

SR‑22 insurance in Texas is a requirement after a conviction of a major traffic violation that results in losing your driver’s license for a period of time. The state of Texas will notify you when you are required to file an SR‑22.

An SR‑22 insurance requirement in Texas comes after committing at least one of the following serious driving offenses:

• Driving while intoxicated (DWI)

• Driving without insurance

• Multiple traffic violations

• Driving on a suspended license

• Multiple At‑Fault Accidents

Texas Minimum Liability Car Insurance Requirements

An SR‑22 insurance certificate proves to the state of Texas that you carry at least the state mandatory minimum coverage.

When shopping for car insurance, it is highly recommended that you increase your coverage limits, as the minimums outlined by the state are not enough to fully protect you financially in a car accident.

However, to successfully file your SR‑22 form, you must meet at least the state’s minimum liability car insurance requirements.

Texas law sets the mandatory minimum liability coverage under Transportation Code Chapter 601. The Texas Department of Public Safety publishes the following limits:

• $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person

• $60,000 for bodily injury liability per accident

• $25,000 for property damage liability per accident

Every driver in Texas must carry at least the minimum liability coverage outlined by state laws. Covering damages and injuries is a legal necessity that many states employ.

Failure to do so can result in a drivers license suspension or revocation. A driver’s license suspension compromises your driving privileges and dramatically affects your policies rates.

When purchasing car insurance, you should also consider adding coverage that protects yourself and your car.

How long do drivers need an SR‑22 Certificate in Texas?

The excellent news about an SR‑22 in Texas is that you typically do not have to carry it forever. SR‑22 requirements have an expiration date that the state of Texas will inform you about following your conviction.

You must tell your insurance provider when you reach the end date and no longer need the SR-22. The insurance provider then removes the SR-22 filing from your auto insurance policy. The insurance provider also notifies the Texas DPS.

Texas drivers must maintain an SR-22 for two years from the date of the most recent conviction. For a crash judgment, the two-year period runs from the date the court rendered the judgment, per the Texas DPS. The two-year period is shorter than the three-year filing period required in most states.

However, SR‑22 requirement periods can vary based on the circumstances of your case. Suppose this is not your first offense, or your violation is serious. In that case, your SR‑22 maintenance period can be longer than two years.

Texas law requires continuous SR-22 coverage throughout the two-year period. The DPS can impose further license actions and reinstatement fees if the SR-22 lapses before the period ends. The suspension may also start over after a lapse.

If a new conviction that requires an SR‑22 is reported, the length of your SR‑22 requirement may be extended.

How do I get an SR‑22 Certificate in Texas?

Finding SR‑22 insurance can be challenging as you have a less‑than‑favorable driving history, and many insurance companies are not too excited to offer coverage to high‑risk drivers.

Once you find a company providing high risk car insurance, they will file the SR‑22 for you with the state of Texas. The insurance company will charge a fee for filing an SR‑22 certificate on your behalf.

Finding a car insurance policy after a major traffic violation can be difficult. Your insurer must notify the Texas DPS if your insurance policy lapses. The lapse can lead to a renewed license suspension and a $100 reinstatement fee. The SR-22 must remain active for the full two-year period to avoid a second suspension of your driver's license.

How much does a Texas SR‑22 Insurance Certificate Cost?

Insurance companies frequently charge a one‑time SR‑22 filing fee, which is a small charge applied to cover the administration of this specific insurance requirement. The cost of filing an SR-22 certificate typically ranges from $15 to $35. Most insurers charge around $25.

For drivers required to submit an SR‑22 due to a lapse in coverage, getting at least the state’s minimum coverage is necessary. This minimum coverage is an additional charge separate from the SR‑22 filing fees.

The reason for filing an SR‑22 often causes an increase in auto insurance rates. Having an SR‑22 on your record can lead to higher premiums for a couple of years.

Drivers are required to pay their insurance premiums regularly while the SR‑22 is in effect. Failure to make regular payments could result in the SR‑22 being canceled.

If a driver does not have auto insurance, obtaining a new policy quote that includes the SR‑22 filing is required.

Drivers should inform an insurance agent about the SR-22 filing requirement. This step ensures that the agent files the correct documents with the Texas DPS.

Find SR‑22 insurance quotes in Texas

To find affordable auto insurance rates in Texas, you should shop around and get quotes from various car insurance companies.

Insurance Navy compares rates from the top Texas insurance companies to get you the best coverage at the lowest possible price, making it easy for drivers to get coverage without getting individual quotes from multiple companies.

If you have already found the lowest insurance rates possible for you, given your driving record, contact your insurance agent to see about any policy discounts you can qualify for to save even more.

Learn more about SR‑22 Insurance from the Texas Department of Public Safety.