Guide to SR-22s in Texas

• An SR-22 is a form that proves you meet Texas’ minimum liability insurance requirements. You’ll need an SR-22 after certain violations, like driving without insurance or a DUI. The state may require an SR-22A if you have repeat traffic violations.
• Having an SR-22 will designate you as a high-risk driver, so expect to pay around 36 percent more for the same coverage. Drivers in Texas with an SR-22 pay an average premium of $3,206 per year.
• SR-22s last for a minimum of two years. During the required filing period, you must pay a reinstatement fee and have continuous coverage.

An SR-22 is a document that proves you have the state’s minimum required limits for car insurance. In Texas you are required to file an SR-22 following specific traffic violations, including driving without insurance, a DUI or DWI conviction, multiple traffic offenses within a short period, or having your license suspended or revoked.

Texas drivers may need to file an SR-22 form—also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility—after certain traffic violations or legal issues. Common reasons you may be required to get SR-22 insurance in Texas include:

• DUI or DWI convictions – If you’re convicted of driving under the influence, the state will likely require you to carry SR-22 insurance.
• Driving without car insurance – Getting caught driving without the minimum required coverage can trigger an SR-22 requirement.
• Serious or repeated traffic violations – Multiple speeding tickets, reckless driving, or other major infractions within a short time may lead to an SR-22 filing.
• License suspension or revocation – If your Texas driver’s license has been suspended or revoked, you may need to file an SR-22 to reinstate it.
• At-fault accident without insurance – Being responsible for an accident while uninsured often results in an SR-22 requirement.
• Driving with an invalid or expired license – Operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license may also prompt the state to request an SR-22.

Whatever the reason, you’ll have to maintain your SR-22 for two years following the date of the conviction or judgment. You’ll also need to pay a $100 license reinstatement fee.¹ To get an SR-22, contact your insurance agent. Even if you don’t own a vehicle, if you’re required to get an SR-22, you’ll still need to do so, so look for non-owner car insurance.

On average, expect rates for car insurance in Texas to increase by 36 percent with an SR-22 compared to with a clean driving record. This percentage will vary by company, with average increases of 23 to 67 percent.

Non-Owner Insurance

If you don’t own a car, you’ll have to get non-owner SR-22 insurance. Non-owner insurance costs less than regular insurance, as it includes liability insurance only, the minimum required by Texas car insurance laws.

Difference Between an SR-22 and SR-22A

In some cases, you may be required to file an SR-22A instead of an SR-22. SR-22As are like SR-22s, except they’re used for repeat lapses in coverage. For that reason, SR-22As mandate that drivers pay for six months of insurance coverage in advance.

An SR-22 will always increase your insurance premiums, but there are still ways to find cheaper insurance in Texas if you have one.

Get Minimum Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance

Liability coverage with the minimum limits required will cost the least amount of money with any car insurance company. However, know that it can leave you financially vulnerable in the event of an accident. Usually, you can only purchase minimum liability-only coverage if your car is fully paid off.

Raise Your Deductible

If you still have collision/comprehensive coverage, raise your deductible to lower your premium.

Lower Your Limits

Lower limits mean a lower premium (but also less financial protection if you have a claim).

Drop Add-ons

Some car insurance coverages are nice but not necessary, like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and new-car replacement coverage.

Take a Driver Training Class

If you have a teen driver in your household, you can help them improve their driving skills (and possibly unlock an insurance discount) by taking a parent-taught driver education course. You’ll learn how to help your child get a license and drive safely. Courses occur both online and in your car. Find a course in either English or Spanish here: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/dessearch.

Pay Per Mile

If you drive less than 7,500 per year on average, pay-per-mile insurance could save you money. Many companies offer test drives so you can compare rates to regular auto insurance policies.

Texas requires minimum car insurance of:

• Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $30,000
• Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $60,000
• Property damage liability coverage per accident: $25,000⁴

You can save money by getting these minimum liability limits, but keep in mind that they won’t cover any of your (or your passengers’) bodily injuries or your property damages. For those, you’d need personal injury protection, collision, and comprehensive coverage, otherwise known as full coverage car insurance.

Also, keep in mind that you need car insurance in Texas for vehicle registration. If you’ve just moved to Texas or purchased a car, make sure to get coverage so you can register your vehicle.

In Texas, SR-22s ensure that high-risk drivers carry liability insurance. While you can expect rates to increase with an SR-22, there are ways to keep premiums down, such as taking a defensive driver class, adjusting your coverage, or shopping for providers. If you have trouble getting insured, you can also get state-mandated car insurance through the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA).