How Much Is SR-22 Insurance in Texas?

An SR-22 is a Certificate of Financial Responsibility required by the state of Texas for certain driving offenses. It is not an insurance policy itself, but rather a document filed by an insurance company to prove an individual has the minimum required auto liability insurance.

What an SR-22 Is in Texas

An SR-22 is a certificate that an insurance company files with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to verify that a driver maintains the minimum motor vehicle liability insurance required by law. Texas law mandates minimum liability coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident, commonly referred to as 30/60/25 coverage.

Drivers need an SR-22 in Texas after specific traffic violations or legal issues. Common reasons include convictions for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI), operating a vehicle without insurance, or accumulating multiple traffic violations. It is also required if a driver’s license has been suspended or revoked, and is necessary for reinstating driving privileges. The insurance provider must notify the DPS if the SR-22 is canceled or lapses, which can lead to further license suspension.

Factors Affecting SR-22 Insurance Costs

Several elements influence the cost of insurance premiums for drivers required to carry an SR-22 in Texas. The severity and type of the driving offense play a significant role. For instance, a conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI) results in a higher premium increase compared to an at-fault accident without insurance.

The driver’s driving record also impacts the premium. Younger drivers and those residing in geographic locations with higher accident rates may face increased costs. The type of vehicle being insured and the chosen coverage limits can further affect the premium. Insurance providers use their own risk assessment models, leading to variations in pricing for SR-22 insurance.

Average SR-22 Insurance Costs

The SR-22 itself has a one-time filing fee charged by the insurance company, which ranges from $15 to $50. This fee covers the administrative cost of submitting the certificate to the DPS. The primary financial impact, however, stems from the increase in the overall auto insurance premium.

Drivers requiring an SR-22 are classified as high-risk, leading to higher insurance rates. For example, after a DUI conviction, the average cost for minimum coverage with an SR-22 in Texas can be $88 to $101 per month. Some estimates suggest an average annual increase of $400 to $1,000 or more for auto insurance premiums for drivers with an SR-22 filing. The total annual cost for SR-22 insurance in Texas can range from approximately $1,217 for minimum coverage to over $2,400 for full coverage, depending on the violation and insurer.

The duration of the SR-22 requirement in Texas extends for two years from the date of conviction or judgment. In some instances, this period can be up to three years. It is crucial to maintain continuous insurance coverage throughout this entire period, as any lapse will result in the insurer notifying the DPS, potentially leading to further license suspension and an extension of the SR-22 requirement. For individuals who do not own a vehicle, a non-owner SR-22 policy is available, which typically carries lower rates than an owner’s policy.

Steps to Obtain an SR-22 in Texas

Obtaining an SR-22 in Texas involves a straightforward process, primarily handled through an insurance provider. The first step is to identify insurance companies authorized to file SR-22 certificates in Texas, as not all providers offer this service. It is advisable to gather necessary personal information, driver’s license details, and any specifics regarding the court order or license suspension before contacting insurers.

After identifying eligible providers, drivers should obtain quotes for a liability insurance policy that meets Texas’s minimum coverage requirements ($30,000/$60,000/$25,000). Once a policy is purchased, the chosen insurer will file the SR-22 certificate electronically with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) on the driver’s behalf. This electronic filing is typically a quick process, though it may take up to 21 business days for the DPS to process the SR-22.

Following the filing, the insurer should provide confirmation. Drivers will also need to pay any required license reinstatement fees, typically around $100, directly to the Texas DPS to fully restore their driving privileges. Maintaining continuous coverage without any lapses is paramount to avoid further suspensions and potential extensions of the SR-22 requirement.