Minimum Coverage Requirements in Texas
Texas requires minimum liability coverage of 30/60/25: $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Drivers with DUI convictions, license suspensions, uninsured accidents, or multiple violations typically receive an SR-22 filing requirement from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The SR-22 is not insurance—it's a certificate your insurer files with DPS proving you carry continuous coverage. Most high-risk drivers need coverage above state minimums to satisfy lender requirements or protect against liability after a violation.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Texas?
High-risk premiums in Texas average $200–$400/mo for minimum SR-22 coverage, compared to $75–$125/mo for drivers with clean records. Your rate depends on violation type (DUI costs 80–120% more than a single lapse), age, vehicle, credit-based insurance score, and ZIP code. Most drivers see rates drop 15–25% after 12 months violation-free, and may qualify for standard market rates after 24–36 months.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI/DWI increases rates 80–120%; uninsured lapse increases rates 40–70%; at-fault accident increases rates 30–60%
- Years since violation: rates typically drop 15–25% after 12 months violation-free, 30–50% after 24 months
- Prior insurance lapse: 30+ day lapse before SR-22 requirement adds 20–40% to premiums
- ZIP code: urban areas like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio see 10–20% higher rates than rural Texas due to accident frequency and uninsured driver rates
- Credit-based insurance score: Texas allows credit scoring; poor credit can add 25–60% to high-risk premiums
- Age and gender: drivers under 25 with SR-22 requirements pay 30–50% more than drivers over 30 for identical coverage
See how much your violation actually affects your rates
Not every carrier surcharges the same way. Compare quotes from carriers that rate violations differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Certificate filed by your insurer with Texas DPS proving continuous liability coverage. Required for 2–3 years after DUI, suspension, or uninsured violation. Not a separate policy—it's added to your existing liability coverage.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
High-risk policies from carriers specializing in DUI, suspensions, and lapses. Issued immediately with SR-22 filing, often within 24 hours. Non-standard carriers accept profiles standard carriers decline.
Liability Insurance
Covers damage you cause to others in an accident. Texas minimums are 30/60/25, but many high-risk drivers increase to 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 to protect against lawsuits after a prior violation.
Full Coverage
Liability, comprehensive, and collision bundled. Covers damage to your vehicle and others' vehicles. Required by lenders and lessors even if you have an SR-22 requirement.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays for your injuries and vehicle damage if an uninsured driver hits you. Optional in Texas but recommended after a violation—another accident could extend your SR-22 period or result in a second suspension.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision damage: theft, hail, flood, vandalism. Texas experiences frequent hail events and high vehicle theft rates in urban areas. Lenders require comprehensive if you have a car loan.
