If you drive in Texas and have had certain violations, you might need SR22 insurance to keep your license.
SR22 insurance is a special proof that shows you have the minimum required liability coverage required by Texas law after issues like a DUI or license suspension. Without it, you could lose your driving privileges.
Getting SR22 insurance in Texas means working with your auto insurer to file a certificate with the state.
This certificate confirms you meet the state’s financial responsibility rules. It’s not quite the same as regular insurance, but it relies on the same coverage requirements.
Understanding how to get and maintain SR22 can help you avoid more trouble.
You’ll want to know the cost, how long you must carry SR22, and what happens if you don’t comply.
These details can affect your budget and driving status.
Key Takeways
- You need SR22 insurance to prove financial responsibility after certain driving violations.
- Your insurer files a certificate with the state to meet Texas requirements.
- Costs and length of SR22 coverage depend on your situation and state rules.
SR22 Insurance Requirements in Texas
You must carry SR22 insurance if the state requires proof of financial responsibility due to legal or driving issues.
This involves meeting specific conditions to keep your driving privileges active and following rules on how long to maintain the SR22 filing.
Who Needs SR22 Insurance in Texas
If you’ve been convicted of serious driving offenses, you’ll need SR22 insurance.
This includes DUIs, driving without insurance, or reckless driving charges. Texas may also require SR22 after your license has been suspended or revoked.
You don’t have to own a vehicle to get SR22.
You can buy a non-owner SR22 policy if you need proof of insurance but don’t currently own a car.
Situations That Require SR22 Filing
You must file SR22 after convictions like DUI, driving uninsured, hit and run, or multiple traffic violations.
The court or Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will let you know if you need SR22.
After an SR22 requirement starts, you must keep your insurance active for at least two years.
If your insurance lapses or you cancel the policy, you must notify DPS and your license can be suspended again.
How SR22 Impacts Your Driving Privileges
Having SR22 insurance shows you can pay for damages if you cause an accident.
It restores or keeps your driving privileges after suspension or revocation.
Without SR22 on file, Texas will suspend your license until you get proper insurance.
Paying the SR22 filing fee is also required.
This fee usually ranges from $15 to $50, depending on the insurer.
Maintaining SR22 keeps you legally allowed to drive, but your insurance premiums may be higher due to the higher risk you represent.
How to Obtain SR22 Insurance in Texas
To get SR22 insurance in Texas, you need to follow specific steps with an insurance provider.
You must choose a company that offers SR22 filings and prepare the right documents to prove your identity and driving history.
Step-by-Step Process for Getting an SR22
First, contact an insurance company licensed in Texas that offers SR22 insurance.
Many providers handle SR22 filings, but not all do, so double-check before buying a policy.
Next, buy the required minimum liability insurance.
The SR22 is a certificate that proves you have this coverage, not the insurance itself.
After purchasing, your insurer will file the SR22 form with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) electronically.
This notifies the state that you meet financial responsibility requirements.
Once filed, keep your insurance active.
If your policy lapses or is canceled, the insurer must notify the DMV, which could cause your license to be suspended again.
Choosing the Right Insurance Provider
Look for insurance companies experienced with SR22 filings in Texas.
Providers like State Farm, GEICO, or local agencies often handle SR22 forms.
Compare costs because SR22 insurance premiums can be higher than usual.
Some companies offer cheaper options specifically for SR22, which can save you money over time.
Check the provider’s customer service and how fast they file SR22 forms.
Quick filings help avoid delays that might affect your driving privileges.
Finally, pick a company that explains the coverage and any additional fees related to SR22 insurance.
Documents and Information Needed
You’ll need your Texas driver’s license number and personal details like your full name, address, and date of birth.
Be ready to provide information about why you need the SR22.
This may include details of the DUI, accident, or license suspension that triggered the requirement.
Your current insurance policy information will also be necessary if you already have coverage.
Keep your vehicle information ready, such as make, model, and year, to help the insurer set your policy correctly.
Having these documents ready makes the process faster and easier.
Costs and Duration of SR22 Insurance Texas
SR22 insurance in Texas comes with specific costs and time requirements.
You’ll pay more than normal insurance rates, and you must keep the SR22 for a set period.
Typical SR22 Insurance Rates
SR22 insurance costs more than a regular policy because you’re seen as a higher risk.
On average, it costs about $88 per month for minimum coverage after a DUI in Texas.
This is nearly double the normal insurance price.
Some companies offer lower rates.
Mercury, for example, charges about $50 monthly for the minimum required SR22 coverage.
Nationwide can cost up to $1,511 per year, while the Texas state average is around $2,458 annually.
You may also pay a separate SR22 filing fee.
This fee usually ranges from $15 to $50 per term and is added to your insurance bill.
Payment Options and Financial Considerations
You’ll likely have to pay your SR22 insurance monthly, but some insurers may allow quarterly or annual payments.
Since SR22 policies are more expensive, it’s important to compare prices from different insurance providers.
You can often save money by choosing companies that specialize in SR22 insurance.
Missing payments or cancelling your policy can cause the SR22 filing to be revoked.
This might lead to license suspension and extra fines.
How Long SR22 Is Required
You must carry SR22 insurance in Texas for two years after the court or DMV orders it.
The clock starts on the date of your conviction or the date SR22 is first filed.
You can’t cancel or switch to normal insurance during this period without having an SR22 filed by your new insurer.
If you remove your SR22 too early, you risk losing your license again.
After two years, you can ask your insurer to stop filing the SR22 with the state.
Compliance and Consequences
You need to keep your SR-22 filing active without breaks.
Missing payments or letting the coverage end early can have serious effects on your driving privileges and insurance requirements.
Maintaining SR22 Coverage
You must keep continuous SR-22 coverage for 2 to 3 years in Texas, depending on your offense.
This means no gaps in your auto insurance while the SR-22 is required.
If your insurance lapses or you cancel your policy, your insurance company must notify the Texas Department of Public Safety.
This can cause your SR-22 status to be revoked.
You should monitor your insurance closely.
Make sure your payments are on time and your insurer files the SR-22 certificate properly.
Penalties for Lapse or Cancellation
If your SR-22 coverage lapses, your driver’s license might get suspended again. There are usually extra fees to get your driving privileges back.
You could even have to start the whole SR-22 period over from scratch. That means carrying the certificate for longer than you expected.
Miss it more than once, and Texas authorities may crack down harder—think longer suspensions or steeper penalties.
Honestly, staying on top of your coverage is the only way to dodge this mess.