Updated April 2026
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
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Sources
- Texas Department of Public Safety - SR-22/Financial Responsibility
- Texas Department of Insurance - Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements
- Texas Transportation Code Chapter 601 - Motor Vehicle Safety-Responsibility Act