Cheap SR-22 Insurance in Texas (2023)

In Texas, drivers who’ve had their license suspended, received more than one conviction for driving without insurance, or have a civil judgment against them must file an SR-22 with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

An SR-22 isn’t a separate policy; instead, it’s a certificate your insurance company files with the state to prove you have the state minimum required coverage. Here’s what you need to know about SR-22 requirements.

What is SR-22 insurance in Texas, and when do you need it?

SR-22 insurance isn’t actually car insurance. Rather, it’s a form that your insurance company files with the Texas Department of Public Safety that certifies you meet the state’s minimum liability requirements.^[1] Courts typically require drivers to obtain an SR-22 to retain their driving privileges.

An FR-44 is similar to an SR-22, but only Florida and Virginia use these forms. FR-44s have a higher liability requirement than SR-22s.

Convictions that require an SR-22 in Texas include:

• Driving while intoxicated (DWI)

• Drug offenses

• Driving with an invalid license

• Multiple convictions of driving without insurance

The state of Texas requires drivers to have the following liability coverage amounts:^[1]

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

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

• $25,000 for damage or destruction of property per accident

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How can you get SR-22 insurance in Texas?

Your insurance agent will file your SR-22 with the Texas Department of Public Safety. If you already have insurance, your agent can submit the form. However, some insurance companies may choose to drop your coverage, and others don’t offer policies to drivers with serious driving violations on their records.

If your current insurer doesn’t offer SR-22 services, you’ll need to talk to several companies to compare rates and coverage options.

Once your insurance agent files your SR-22 with the Department of Public Safety, processing can take up to 21 days. You’ll also need to pay a $100 reinstatement fee to have your driving privileges reinstated.^[2] 

How long is SR-22 insurance required in Texas?

Texas drivers with an SR-22 must maintain the SR-22 for at least two consecutive years from the date of their most recent conviction. If you let the policy lapse, you could face additional fines or restart your enforcement period.^[2]

Drivers required to have an SR-22 can’t use an insurance or policy card in place of an SR-22.

How much is SR-22 insurance in Texas?

The cost of SR-22 insurance in Texas varies. In addition to the $100 fee for reinstating your license, you may need to pay a filing fee when your insurance company submits the SR-22. The cost for filing typically ranges between $10 and $25 and may vary between companies and state to state.

Cheapest companies for SR-22 insurance in Texas

Finding cheap car insurance can be difficult, especially when you must file an SR-22. If the state of Texas has mandated that you carry an SR-22, you should expect to pay more for your policy than drivers with a clean record. Insurance companies base their rates on several factors, including driving history.^[3] Drivers with convictions on their record are considered high risk, so companies increase these premiums to offset the additional risk of insuring you.

Rates can vary greatly by insurance company. For example, Texas drivers with an SR-22 requirement insured with Safeco pay 47% less for a policy than drivers insured with The General, based on Insurify data.

Cheapest insurance companies in Texas with SR-22 by city

Did you know that insurance rates can change based on where you live? Rates can fluctuate based on population and roads. Areas that see higher accident rates may charge higher rates. Your rates could also be higher if you frequently travel in large urban areas.

Here are the average monthly rates in some of the most populous cities in Texas. For example, Insurify data shows that Houston drivers with a Mercury policy pay 36% more than Dallas drivers with a Mercury policy.

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How SR-22 insurance affects driving record and future rates in Texas

If you’ve had your Texas driver license suspended for a violation like driving without insurance or driving under the influence, you’ll need to file an SR-22 to get your license reinstated. You’ll also need to maintain that SR-22 for two years in order to keep your license.

The violations that led to your suspension will likely stay on your driving record for a few years, but in some cases — like a DWI — they’re permanent parts of your record. Insurers typically charge higher rates to drivers with serious infractions on their records.

But you can do a few things to help lower your insurance rates while you have an SR-22 policy:^[4]

Shop around for the best rates

The easiest way to save money on your auto insurance is to compare rates from multiple companies. You may have fewer options with an SR-22, but you may be able to save some money each month if you compare quotes from multiple companies.

Maintain safe driving habits and avoid additional convictions

Since Texas charges a surcharge for unsafe driving, the easiest way to avoid additional fees is to drive safely and avoid additional moving violations. Drivers lose one point from their record for each year they’re accident-free.

Look for other discounts

Check for discounts through your employer, school, or member organization. You may also save money by bundling your home and auto insurance policies with one insurer.

Improve your credit score

Auto insurance companies may use your credit score when considering insurance rates. However, Texas has strict regulations in place to ensure that consumers are treated fairly. Improving your credit score could help you save money on your auto insurance.

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Texas SR-22 insurance FAQs