The Complete Guide to SR-22 Car Insurance in Texas

If you’re a high-risk driver in Texas, you may need an SR-22 certificate. Texas requires you to maintain an SR-22 for two years, and failure to do so can result in additional enforcement actions.

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Jessica Martel
Written byJessica Martel
Jessica Martel
Jessica MartelPersonal Finance Writer

Jessica is a freelance writer, professional researcher, and mother of two rambunctious little boys. She specializes in personal finance, women and money, and financial literacy. Jessica is fascinated by the psychology of money and what drives people to make important financial decisions. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Cognitive Research Psychology.

Matthew Gross
Edited byMatthew Gross
Matthew Gross headshot
Matthew GrossEditor

Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.

Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

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An SR-22 certificate confirms that you meet Texas’ minimum liability insurance requirements. The state may require you to obtain an SR-22 certificate through a court order or state mandate after reckless driving offenses, like driving without insurance or under the influence (DUI). In Texas, you must maintain an SR-22 for two years. 

You can also expect your insurance premiums to increase by an average of 10% in Texas, according to our data. Here’s everything you need to know about SR-22 insurance in Texas, including where to find the cheapest insurers in Texas if you need an SR-22.

Key Takeaways
  • State Farm, GEICO, and Allstate offers some of the cheapest rates for SR-22 insurance..

  • Texas requires you to maintain SR-22 coverage for two years.

  • A lapse in SR-22 coverage can result in additional fees and license or driving privilege suspension.

Texas SR-22 Requirements Explained

The Texas Transportation Code requires drivers with serious violations to obtain an SR-22 — also known as a Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate — as proof of minimum-coverage insurance.

You may need an SR-22 if you have a suspended driver’s license, have multiple convictions for not having insurance, or the state convicts you of driving under the influence (DUI).[1]

You must maintain SR-22 coverage for two years. If you cancel your insurance, your coverage lapses, or your insurer terminates your policy, your insurer will automatically notify the Texas Department of Insurance. A lapse in coverage can result in additional fees, having your license suspended, or other enforcement actions.[1]

If you need an SR-22, you can ask your insurance agent if they offer them. Note that not all insurance companies offer SR-22s. If you don’t own a motor vehicle, ask your insurer about non-owner SR-22 coverage.

How to File an SR-22 With the Department of Public Safety

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If you need to file an SR-22 with the Texas Department of Public Safety, here’s a step-by-step process of what to do.

1. Get coverage (if you don’t already have it)

You’ll need to purchase insurance in Texas if you don’t already have it. The minimum liability coverage required in Texas includes:

  • $30,000 for bodily injury or death of one person

  • $60,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people

  • $25,000 for damage or destruction of others’ property in a motor vehicle crash

To get an SR-22 certificate, you need to contact your local insurance agent. You must maintain SR-22 coverage for two years, starting on your conviction or judgment date. If you have a suspended license or don’t have a car, you can get a non-owner SR-22 insurance policy.

If you need to obtain an SR-22, you can expect your insurance premiums to increase. But you can still shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies for the best rates.

2. Contact your insurance company

The state will notify you if you need an SR-22 certificate. You can then contact your insurance company to ask for SR-22 coverage. Your insurance company will add an SR-22 endorsement to your existing insurance policy. If you don’t own a vehicle, you can ask about non-owner SR-22 coverage. Your insurer will file your SR-22 form with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

3. Pay any filing fees

Most insurance companies in Texas will charge you a small fee for filing an SR-22 — usually $25, but the cost can vary. Some companies will incorporate the fee into your insurance policy, while others may ask for the fee up front. You must pay this fee with each new policy term for as long as you need the SR-22.

4. Receive filing confirmation

To determine if the state has processed your SR-22, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety’s license eligibility webpage. To view your status, log in using your driver’s license, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once you log in, you can review the status of your SR-22.[2]

5. Maintain coverage for two years

Don’t forget that you have to maintain a valid SR-22 for two years. Failing to do so can result in additional enforcement actions or reinstatement fees.

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Penalties for Not Meeting Texas’ SR-22 Requirements

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You must maintain your SR-22 requirements for two years from the date of your most recent conviction or the date the court issued a judgment against you.

If you fail to maintain your SR-22 requirements, the state will re-suspend your driver’s license and driving privileges. You must pay a $100 fee for a new SR-22 to reinstate your driver’s license. The state can also take additional enforcement actions against you.

How an SR-22 Requirement Affects Rates in Texas

While an SR-22 doesn’t directly affect your rates, you typically need this certificate due to reckless driving behavior. For instance, driving while intoxicated or without insurance will increase your premiums. Your driving record is one of the factors insurers consider when calculating your rates.[3]

The following table shows the average rates for Texas drivers with an SR-22, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, April 1 at 12:00 PM PDT
Average Monthly Premium: Liability Coverage
Average Monthly Premium: Full Coverage
Average Monthly Premium: All Policies
$134$252$194
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Even with an SR-22, you can still find cheap insurance coverage in Texas by shopping around and comparing quotes.

Cheapest Insurance Companies in Texas If You Need an SR-22

Several insurance companies in Texas offer affordable rates for drivers who need an SR-22. Rates can differ from one insurer to another, so you should compare quotes from multiple companies before deciding on a company.

The following table highlights some of the cheapest insurance companies in Texas for drivers with an SR-22, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, April 1 at 12:00 PM PDT
Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Premium
sort ascsort desc
State Farm$45
GEICO$50
Allstate$64
Mile Auto$67
USAA$81
Mercury$102
Nationwide$102
Progressive$121
Dairyland$129
Root$132
Safeco$138
Chubb$138
Clearcover$145
The General$145
Bristol West$145
AssuranceAmerica$148
Direct Auto$152
National General$152
Commonwealth Casualty$154
21st Century$159
Elephant$172
GAINSCO$183
Foremost$251
Liberty Mutual$268
State Auto$305
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

While these insurance companies are a good place to start, your rates will depend on various factors, including your age, gender, ZIP code, traffic violations, and the type of car you drive.

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Texas SR-22 Requirements FAQs

Looking for more information about the SR-22 Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate in Texas? Check out the following answers to some common questions from Texas drivers.

  • How long are SR-22s required in Texas?

    In Texas, you must maintain your SR-22 requirements for two years from your most recent conviction or judgment date. If you don’t keep your SR-22 up to date, the state can impose additional penalties or fines.

  • Do you need an SR-22 to reinstate your license in Texas?

    Yes, you need to maintain a valid SR-22 to reinstate your driver’s license. If you let your SR-22 coverage lapse, the state may re-suspend your driver’s license, and you’ll have to pay a $100 reinstatement fee.

  • Which company has the cheapest rates for SR-22 insurance?

    State Farm, GEICO, and Allstate have some of the cheapest rates for SR-22 insurance, according to Compare.com. But insurance rates vary based on factors like age, ZIP code, type of insurance policy, and the number of traffic violations.

  • How do you get rid of an SR-22 requirement in Texas?

    To get rid of your SR-22, you’ll need to maintain a clean driving record for two years. After two years, you can contact your insurance company to ask it to remove the SR-22 from your policy. Your insurance company will then contact the DMV to cancel the SR-22 certificate.

  • How much is SR-22 insurance in Texas?

    SR-22 coverage in Texas costs an average of $198 per month, according to Compare.com data. But your rates may vary based on factors like your age, ZIP code, and driving habits.

Methodology

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.

All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.

Related articles

Sources

  1. Texas Department of Public Safety. "Section 9: SR-22 (Proof of Financial Responsibility)."
  2. Official Texas Driver License Eligibility System. "Welcome."
  3. Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
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Jessica Martel
Jessica MartelPersonal Finance Writer

Jessica is a freelance writer, professional researcher, and mother of two rambunctious little boys. She specializes in personal finance, women and money, and financial literacy. Jessica is fascinated by the psychology of money and what drives people to make important financial decisions. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Cognitive Research Psychology.

Matthew Gross
Edited byMatthew GrossEditor
Matthew Gross headshot
Matthew GrossEditor

Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.

Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

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