How Much Does an SR-22 Cost in Texas?

An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility, not an insurance policy. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires it to verify a driver maintains at least the state’s minimum liability insurance coverage. This certificate is typically mandated after certain driving infractions, serving as official proof of insurance to the state.

What an SR-22 Is and Why It’s Required

An SR-22 is a Certificate of Financial Responsibility filed by an insurance company with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). This filing assures the state that the driver has the minimum required liability insurance coverage. It is a formal document proving financial responsibility, separate from the insurance policy itself.

The SR-22 facilitates the reinstatement or maintenance of driving privileges after incidents leading to a license suspension or revocation. Without this certificate, the state will not allow the individual to legally operate a motor vehicle. It helps the state monitor high-risk drivers and ensure insurance compliance.

Drivers in Texas may need an SR-22 for various reasons, often due to serious traffic violations or financial responsibility issues. Common scenarios include convictions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Being involved in an at-fault accident while uninsured also frequently triggers an SR-22 requirement.

Other reasons for an SR-22 mandate include driving with a suspended or revoked license, or accumulating too many traffic violations or points. Serious moving violations, such as reckless driving, can also lead to this requirement. These situations indicate a driver’s elevated risk profile, necessitating the SR-22’s oversight.

Calculating the Costs of an SR-22

The financial implications of an SR-22 involve two main components: a filing fee and increased auto insurance premiums. Insurance companies typically charge a one-time fee to process and file the SR-22 certificate with the Texas DPS. This administrative fee is generally small, often ranging from $15 to $50, covering paperwork and electronic submission costs.

The most substantial cost associated with an SR-22 is its impact on auto insurance premiums. An SR-22 signals to insurance providers that a driver is high-risk due to past violations or incidents. This elevated risk profile leads to a significant increase in car insurance costs.

Several factors influence the premium increase in Texas. The specific reason for the SR-22 requirement plays a large role; a DWI conviction typically results in a higher premium increase than an at-fault accident while uninsured. The driver’s overall driving record, including prior violations or accidents, also affects new rates.

Geographic location within Texas can also impact premiums, as rates vary by zip code due to differing risk factors. The type of vehicle, its value, and repair costs also contribute to the premium calculation. Each insurance provider assesses risk differently, so rates can vary significantly between companies, with some specializing in policies for high-risk drivers.

While individual rates vary, estimates suggest substantial increases. An SR-22 can raise car insurance rates by an average of 33% to 36% in Texas, or even higher. For example, minimum coverage after a DUI requiring an SR-22 can average around $88 per month, a 72% increase compared to a clean record. Other estimates indicate an average annual increase ranging from $400 to over $1,000 for drivers with an SR-22.

Drivers seeking minimum coverage with an SR-22 might pay an average of $101 monthly, while those with clean records pay around $65. For full coverage, SR-22 drivers could pay an average of $2,453 annually, a 47% increase over clean-record drivers. These figures highlight the financial burden of an SR-22, making it important for drivers to shop around for quotes.

For individuals who do not own a vehicle but need to reinstate their license, a non-owner SR-22 policy is available. The cost for this type of SR-22 can be lower than an owner-operator policy, but it remains subject to high-risk surcharges. This policy provides liability coverage for drivers who operate vehicles they do not own, ensuring they meet the state’s financial responsibility requirements.

The Process of Securing and Keeping an SR-22

Obtaining an SR-22 in Texas begins by contacting an insurance provider. Not all companies offer policies for drivers requiring an SR-22, so finding one specializing in high-risk policies may be necessary. Once an insurer is selected, the driver must purchase liability insurance that meets Texas’s minimum coverage requirements: $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

After the insurance policy is active, the insurance company will electronically file the SR-22 certificate with the Texas DPS. This electronic submission notifies the state that the driver has met the financial responsibility requirement. There are different types of SR-22s: an owner SR-22 for vehicle owners, a non-owner SR-22 for those who do not own a vehicle but need to reinstate their license, and an owner-operator SR-22 for individuals who own a vehicle and also drive non-owned vehicles.

Maintaining continuous insurance coverage is mandatory for the entire SR-22 requirement duration. Any lapse in coverage, even for a short period, will trigger an immediate notification from the insurance company to the Texas DPS. This can lead to serious consequences, including immediate re-suspension of driving privileges and potentially restarting the entire SR-22 process, including paying reinstatement fees again.

The typical duration for an SR-22 in Texas is two years from the conviction date or judgment date. However, this period can vary depending on the specific offense or court order. For more serious violations, the filing period might be longer. Drivers should confirm the exact duration of their SR-22 requirement directly with the Texas DPS or their legal counsel.

Once the required SR-22 period is fulfilled, the insurance company will file an SR-26 form, a Certificate of Termination, with the Texas DPS. This form notifies the state that the SR-22 is no longer needed. Drivers should ensure this form is filed and confirm with the DPS that their SR-22 requirement has been satisfied to avoid future issues with their driving privileges.