SR-22 insurance is not a type of insurance, but it’s a certificate that proves you have the necessary insurance coverage required by your state. It is often required for drivers who have been involved in driving infractions, including DUI, reckless driving or driving without insurance.
The SR-22 form is filed by your insurance company with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to prove that you have the state-required minimum liability coverage. This form verifies that you have the necessary insurance coverage in place. If your driving privileges were suspended or revoked and you must carry an SR-22, you must maintain continuous coverage for the period specified by the court or DMV.
In this guide, you’ll find what SR-22 insurance covers in Texas and how it affects your annual premiums should you need one.
Who needs an SR-22 in Texas?
In Texas, if your driver’s license gets suspended or revoked because of certain violations, you might need SR-22. It is a form that proves you have car insurance.
Here are some reasons why a driver might need an SR-22:
- DUI or DWI (driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated) conviction
- Reckless driving
- Driving without insurance
- Multiple traffic offenses within a short period
- If you’re involved in an accident and don’t have car insurance, the DMV may suspend your license and require you to file an SR-22
- Nonpayment of fines or penalties if you’re sued after an accident
The SR-22 requirement in Texas typically lasts 2 years, although it can vary depending on the violation. You must maintain at least the minimum car insurance coverage required by Texas laws during this period.
Learn more about how to find out if you still need an SR-22
How do I get an SR-22 in Texas?
To obtain SR-22 insurance in Texas, you must first get a car insurance policy. Then, the insurance company will submit an SR-22 form to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on your behalf.
Getting the right car insurance:
- Reach out to your current insurance company: Most insurers file SR-22s, but your auto insurance rate increase will depend on the carrier.
- Compare quotes from other insurers: Shop around and compare quotes from different car insurance carriers who offer SR-22 coverage. Be transparent about your need for SR-22 to get accurate quotes.
- Meet state minimum liability requirements: Texas mandates a minimum of 30/60/25.
Filing the SR-22:
- Inform your insurer about your SR-22 requirement. They’ll handle the paperwork and submit the form to the DMV.
- Pay any associated fees. Expect an SR-22 filing fee from your insurance company on top of the increased premium for your high-risk status.
- Maintain continuous insurance. A lapse in coverage may result in the DMV suspending your license again.
Remember, getting SR-22 insurance may result in higher premiums due to your driving record. Compare car insurance quotes every six months and ask about discounts to get the cheapest car insurance possible.
Discover your options for getting SR-22 insurance without a valid license
You might also like
- Best car insurance companies in Texas
- Non-owner car insurance in Texas: Find affordable rates
- Liability insurance for Texas drivers
- Minimum car insurance requirements in Texas
- Texas car insurance calculator: Get quotes by ZIP code & vehicle
- How much is car insurance for a 25-year-old in Texas?
- Cheap car insurance for seniors in Texas
- What’s the cheapest car insurance in Texas?
- How much does car insurance cost in Texas?
How much is SR-22 insurance in Texas?
The cost of car insurance in Texas is $2,237 per year for full coverage with an SR-22, which is $144 higher than the national average of $2,093 annually. However, having a DUI on your driving record can significantly increase your premium to an average of $3,586 per year for full coverage.
In addition to the increased premium, there’s usually a small fee associated with filing the SR-22 form. To get your license reinstated, you must acquire car insurance and submit the SR-22 form.
How much is SR-22 insurance per month in Texas?
Texas drivers with a DUI can expect to pay an average of $299 a month for full coverage insurance with an SR-22.
Not all insurance companies provide car insurance for high-risk drivers, so you may need to look into various insurers to find the one that does. But be prepared to pay higher premium costs due to driving infractions on your record.
However, by driving responsibly and avoiding speeding tickets, DUIs and other infractions, you can gradually improve your driving record and secure lower insurance rates in the future.
Affordable SR-22 insurance companies by state
Please enter the correct format
Our apologies, we cannot display the data due to availability or spelling errors. Please check the spelling and try again. For assistance, reach out us via Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in Texas
Nationwide offers the cheapest SR-22 car insurance rates to Texas drivers at an average annual premium of $1,511. Geico and State Farm also offer affordable SR-22 car insurance rates in Texas, based on an in-depth analysis by CarInsurance.com.
Following a traffic violation like a DUI in Texas, getting SR-22 insurance becomes mandatory. Although the SR-22 doesn’t directly affect insurance rates, most violations requiring it often lead to premium hikes.
| Company | Full coverage rates without SR-22 | Full coverage rates after filling SR-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | 1,502 | 1,511 |
| Geico | 1,644 | 1,660 |
| State Farm | 1,956 | 1,974 |
| Allstate | 2,941 | 2,984 |
| Progressive | 3,032 | 3,426 |
| Farmers | 4,127 | 5,148 |
| USAA* | 1,812 | 1,856 |
Find out which providers offer the cheapest SR-22 car insurance
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Texas?
You will need SR-22 in Texas for a duration of 2 years It assures the Texas DMV that you’re consistently maintaining at least the minimum required coverage levels mandated by the state.
SR-22 insurance varies by state and the reason you need it. Usually, it’s required for three years but in some cases, it might be longer. For example, if someone has repeat violations, the requirement could extend out to five years, says Dr. James Brau, Joel C. Peterson professor of finance at Brigham Young University.
What happens if I cancel my SR-22 insurance?
Canceling your SR-22 insurance before the mandated period ends can lead to several serious consequences
- Driver’s license suspension: Your insurance company is required to inform the state if your SR-22 is canceled. This will likely lead to your driver’s license being suspended.
- Fines and penalties: Non-compliance with SR-22 requirements may incur additional fines or penalties, adding to the financial consequences of policy cancellation.
- extended probationary period: If your SR-22 was a condition of probation for a driving offense, canceling it could reset the probation clock.
- Insurance premium increase: A lapse in coverage and violations can lead to significant spikes in insurance premiums.
Failing to maintain continuous SR-22 coverage for the mandated period can result in legal consequences and the suspension of your driving privileges.
How to get an SR-22 removed in Texas
The most common way to get your SR-22 removed is to wait until the required filing period is over. In Texas, the standard SR-22 filing period is 2 years from its filing date.
Brau explains that you should maintain continuous insurance coverage without any lapses. If you cancel your policy or let it expire, the SR-22 will no longer be valid. Wait out the required period. During this time, drive responsibly and maintain your insurance coverage.
“Check with your state’s DMV and confirm the exact duration and any additional requirements for removal. Some states may require you to submit a formal request or provide proof of good driving behavior,” he says.
“Once the required period has passed, ask your insurer to file an SR-26 form with the DMV. This form notifies them that you no longer need an SR-22. After your insurer submits the SR-26, check with the DMV to ensure the SR-22 is officially removed from your record.”
How does an SR-22 affect car insurance rates in Texas?
The requirement of an SR-22 certificate can increase your car insurance premiums significantly. Most insurance companies consider drivers with SR-22 high risk, resulting in premium hikes.
Your specific increase in rates will vary based on various factors, including your driving record and the reason for the SR-22.
Car insurance can be more expensive after an SR-22, so it’s a good idea to get quotes from different companies to find the best deal. However, maintaining a clean driving record and adhering to SR-22 obligations can lead to decreased insurance rates.
Select your age, gender and type of violation to see average annual SR-22 insurance rates by company.
Note: These rates are for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance for Texas drivers
If you find yourself in a situation where you need an SR-22 in Texas but don’t own a car, there is a solution. Non-owner SR-22 insurance can help you reinstate your Texas driver’s license and meet the requirements.
Non-owner car insurance offers liability coverage for individuals who don’t own a vehicle. An added benefit is that some insurers can file the SR-22 form with the DMV for you, which may be required in certain situations.
Frequently asked questions: SR-22 insurance in Texas
How do I check my SR-22 status online in Texas?
There are two ways to check the status of your SR-22. Visit the official website of your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Most states allow you to check your SR-22 status through their online services. You can also contact your state’s DMV directly via phone.
Do I need an SR-1P or SR-22 in Texas?
Both the SR-22 and SR-1P are forms submitted by your insurance provider to the Texas DMV to confirm that you meet the minimum liability coverage requirements. The SR-1P is for two-wheelers like motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. If you’ve been cited for riding without insurance or have had your license suspended while operating a motorcycle, you’ll need to file SR-1P.
What happens to your SR-22 insurance in Texas if you move?
Your SR-22 insurance obligation in Texas remains even after you move. To comply with legal requirements, find a new insurance provider licensed in your new state. They’ll handle the paperwork to transfer the SR-22 obligation from Texas to your new location. Keep your coverage active until you get the new SR-22.
The SR-22 requirements in your new state may differ from those in Texas. It’s important to check with your new insurance provider and the local DMV to learn the state’s requirements.
Does Geico offer SR-22 in Texas?
Yes, Geico provides SR-22 insurance in Texas. As a major car insurance provider, Geico can file an SR-22 form with the state on your behalf and offer the required insurance coverage to comply with state laws.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
SR-22 Adviser. “SR-22 Requirements by State.” Accessed November 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get SR-22 car insurance rates in Texas. The rates are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record and good insurance score. We have compared 50,73,544 from 138 national and regional car insurance companies across 548 cities and 1,468 ZIP codes to evaluate the premiums.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
Ask the Insurance Expert
John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.
Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of Texas