Understanding SR-22 insurance in Texas
An SR-22 is required to reinstate your license after it’s been suspended. In some cases, you might need an SR-22 even though you don’t own a car, or if you need to register a car while still under suspension. There are several forms of SR-22 filings available in Texas:
- Operator
- Owner
- Owner-operator
If you need to reinstate your license but don’t own a car, you will need to purchase non-owner car insurance to get the SR-22 filed.
How long do you need an SR-22 in Texas?
The average length of an SR-22 requirement is two years. If you need the SR-22 for a longer period of time, you’ll be informed by the DMV or the court.
If you fail to maintain an insurance policy throughout the duration of your SR-22 period, the insurance company will inform the Texas DMV of the lapse in coverage. A lapse will result in an extension of the SR-22 insurance duration.
Further serious moving violations during the SR-22 period may also result in an extension of the SR-22 requirement.
Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Texas
An SR-22 is required in Texas for several reasons. They include:
- DUI/DWI
- Driving without insurance
- Being involved in an at-fault accident while uninsured
- Too many points on your license
- Reckless driving
You will be informed by the DMV or the court handling your conviction of any SR-22 insurance requirements.
How much is SR-22 insurance in Texas?
The cost of insurance with an SR-22 will vary depending on the violation that resulted in the need for an SR-22. The insurance company will charge you a filing fee that is usually between $25 and $50. On top of that, your insurance rates will go up. Here are a few examples:
- The average cost of DUI/DWI first offense and SR-22 insurance in Texas is $2,947 per year
- The average cost of DUI/DWI second offense and SR-22 insurance in Texas is $4,070 per year
- The average cost of insurance with an SR-22 in Texas after a reckless driving conviction is $3,122 per year
- The average cost of driving without insurance and SR-22 in Texas is $2,262 per year
The main factors affecting SR-22 insurance cost in Texas are the violation itself and what else is on your driving record. The cost of insurance for multiple traffic violations and SR-22 insurance, or at-fault accidents on your record will skyrocket.
How much you pay for insurance with an SR-22 will also depend on:
- The type of car you drive
- Where you live
- How you use your car
- Your coverage limits
"Many companies are unwilling to provide you insurance coverage if you have an SR-22 and need to satisfy the various obligations associated with carrying an SR-22. As such, you’ll likely have fewer options available to you and you may need to pay more for your insurance," says Rick Kautzer, director of product management at Dairyland Insurance, a non-standard insurer.
Average cost of SR-22 insurance in Texas by violation
Below are average car insurance rates for three different violations that require an SR-22.
| Violation | Average annual premium |
|---|---|
| DUI/DWI first offense | $2,947 |
| DUI/DWI second offense | $4,070 |
| Reckless driving | $3,122 |
| Driving without insurance | $2,262 |
Average SR-22 insurance cost in Texas for different violations
See the tables below to compare rates from top companies for an SR-22 with various violations.
SR-22 insurance cost by company for DUI/DWI, first offense
Below are average car insurance rates by company for a first offense DUI/DWI that requires an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $2,281 | $190 |
| Progressive | $2,373 | $198 |
| USAA* | $2,586 | $216 |
| Nationwide | $2,630 | $219 |
| Auto Club Entreprises | $2,665 | $222 |
| Geico | $2,673 | $223 |
| Mercury | $2,707 | $226 |
| Farmers | $2,953 | $246 |
| Allstate | $5,654 | $471 |
*USAA offers car insurance only to military members, veterans and their families.
SR-22 insurance cost by company for DUI/DWI, second offense
Below are average car insurance rates by company for a second offense DUI/DWI that requires an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $2,760 | $230 |
| Geico | $3,368 | $281 |
| USAA* | $3,498 | $292 |
| Farmers | $3,554 | $296 |
| Nationwide | $3,619 | $302 |
| Progressive | $3,638 | $303 |
| Auto Club Entreprises | $3,819 | $318 |
| Mercury | $3,841 | $320 |
| Allstate | $8,528 | $711 |
*USAA offers car insurance only to military members, veterans and their families.
SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving
Below are average car insurance rates by company for reckless driving with an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | $1,661 | $138 |
| State Farm | $2,281 | $190 |
| USAA* | $2,586 | $216 |
| Auto Club Entreprises | $2,665 | $222 |
| Geico | $2,673 | $223 |
| Progressive | $2,988 | $249 |
| Mercury | $3,525 | $294 |
| Farmers | $4,061 | $338 |
| Allstate | $5,654 | $471 |
*USAA offers car insurance only to military members, veterans and their families.
SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance
Below are average car insurance rates by company for driving without insurance with an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,482 | $124 |
| Auto Club Entreprises | $1,614 | $135 |
| Nationwide | $1,661 | $138 |
| Geico | $1,826 | $152 |
| USAA* | $1,943 | $162 |
| Farmers | $2,620 | $218 |
| Progressive | $2,778 | $232 |
| Mercury | $2,856 | $238 |
| Allstate | $3,574 | $298 |
*USAA offers car insurance only to military members, veterans and their families.
Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Texas
Because the need for an SR-22 follows a major violation, car insurance after an SR-22 is expensive. The good news is that many of the methods for getting cheaper car insurance still apply after an SR-22. They include:
- Raising your deductible
- Working to improve your driving record (and avoid any further tickets or accidents)
- Discounts, including for bundling your auto and home insurance
- Usage-based programs that monitor your driving habits in return for a discount
- Shopping around
Shopping around is the quickest and easiest way to get cheaper Texas car insurance, even with an SR-22.
Auto insurance FAQs
What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in Texas?
If your insurance lapses, the insurance company will report it to the DMV. Your license will be suspended or even revoked permanently.
Can I switch insurance providers while I have an SR-22 filing?
Yes. Switching insurance providers with an SR-22 filing is permitted. Just make sure there is no lapse in coverage and that the new insurance company files the SR-22 form.
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