Jessica is a freelance writer, professional researcher, and mother of two rambunctious little boys. She specializes in personal finance, women and money, and financial literacy. Jessica is fascinated by the psychology of money and what drives people to make important financial decisions. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Cognitive Research Psychology.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga and crocheting.
Updated November 21, 2024
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Table of contents
A financial responsibility insurance certificate, or an SR-22, is a form your insurance company files with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to prove you have the state’s minimum amount of liability insurance. High-risk drivers who’ve had their driving privileges suspended or revoked due to a car crash, conviction, or judgment typically have to file an SR-22.[1]
Here’s what you need to know about SR-22 insurance in Texas.
You can get an SR-22 form from most insurers in Texas to verify you hold liability insurance.
In Texas, you have to maintain SR-22 coverage for two years.
A lapse in SR-22 coverage can result in additional enforcement actions and reinstatement fees.[2]
Cheapest companies for SR-22 insurance in Texas
If you require an SR-22 form, your insurance rates will likely increase. But you can still find affordable coverage. The following table lists some cheap car insurance companies to consider.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
State Farm | $41 | $77 |
GEICO | $45 | $84 |
Allstate | $59 | $109 |
Mile Auto | $64 | $129 |
USAA | $74 | $137 |
Nationwide | $94 | $173 |
Mercury | $97 | $166 |
Progressive | $113 | $195 |
Safeco | $114 | $203 |
Dairyland | $122 | $312 |
Chubb | $126 | $233 |
National General | $138 | $285 |
Clearcover | $139 | $207 |
21st Century | $145 | $270 |
Direct Auto | $146 | $280 |
The General | $146 | $319 |
Bristol West | $152 | $323 |
Commonwealth Casualty | $153 | $422 |
Elephant | $163 | $267 |
GAINSCO | $186 | $396 |
Liberty Mutual | $223 | $366 |
Foremost | $250 | $530 |
State Auto | $279 | $517 |
What is SR-22 insurance in Texas?
The Texas Department of Insurance may require you to file an SR-22 if you’ve had your license suspended due to a car crash, driving without insurance, or because of a civil judgment filed against you.
The purpose of an SR-22 is to verify that you maintain the minimum amount of liability insurance. In the state of Texas, the minimum liability amounts include:
$30,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person in one crash
$60,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or two or more people in one crash
$25,000 for damage/destruction of property of others in one crash
An SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance. Instead, it’s a form the state files to prove that you’ve purchased the minimum amount of car insurance Texas requires. You can get an SR-22 certificate from an insurance company. If you or your insurer cancel your SR-22 coverage, or you allow it to lapse, the insurance company will automatically notify the Texas Department of Insurance.
Even if you don’t own a vehicle but still drive, you might need a non-owner SR-22 policy.
Once you file your SR-22 with the state, your driver eligibility status will change from ineligible to eligible.
Difference between SR-22 and FR-44
An SR-22 and FR-44 are certificates of financial responsibility that prove you have car insurance and are required for license reinstatement. Unlike an SR-22, only Florida and Virginia use an FR-44 for serious violations, like driving with a suspended license or driving under the influence.
Another difference is an SR-22 only requires you to meet your state’s minimum liability coverage. An FR-44 requires additional coverage beyond your state’s minimum.
For instance, in Virginia, if you need an FR-44, you must carry double the state-required liability insurance.
When you file an FR-44 in Florida, you have to carry $100,000 in bodily injury/death for one person, $300,000 in bodily injury/death coverage for two or more people, and $50,000 in property damage coverage per accident.
When you need SR-22 insurance
Most drivers don’t need an SR-22 certificate. States typically reserve this form for high-risk drivers. Some reasons why you might need to get an SR-22 certificate include:[3]
Drug offenses
Driving with an invalid license
Multiple convictions for driving without a liability insurance policy
How to get SR-22 insurance in Texas
If you need to get an SR-22 certificate in Texas, follow these steps:
Confirm if your insurance company offers SR-22s. Not all insurance companies offer this form.
If your insurance company offers SR-22s, it’ll file your form with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
You can look for a new insurer if your insurer doesn’t offer SR-22 coverage. You’ll want to compare several companies to find the best deal.
It can take up to 21 business days for the department to process your SR-22. When you go to reinstate your driver’s license, you’ll have to pay a $100 reinstatement fee to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
How long Texas requires SR-22 insurance
In Texas, you have to maintain SR-22 coverage for two years, beginning on the date of your conviction. If you were in a crash and have a judgment against you, you need to hold it for two years from the date the judgment was rendered.
If you fail to maintain your SR-22 certification for two years, you face a resuspension of your driver’s license and driving privileges, and you’ll need a new SR-22, which requires a $100 reinstatement fee.
How SR-22 insurance affects driving record and future rates in Texas
Unfortunately, high-risk driving behavior will increase your premiums. If you get a conviction for driving while intoxicated or driving with an invalid license, you’ll require an SR-22. You’ll have to maintain a valid SR-22 for two years from the date of your most recent conviction. If you fail to maintain the SR-22 for two years, you can face a resuspension of your driver’s license and driving privileges, and you’ll need a new SR-22, which will require a $100 reinstatement fee.
The better your driving record, the lower your premiums. Having a serious crash or DWI on your record can result in higher insurance costs. In Texas, a DWI will remain on your driving record permanently.[4]
If you want to improve your driving record and work on lowering your insurance rates while under an SR-22, consider the following tips:[5]
Ask about discounts
Insurance companies often offer a range of discounts that can help you lower your monthly premium. See if you can save by taking a defensive driving course, insuring multiple vehicles, or bundling your home and auto insurance.
Maintain a clean driving record
Do your best to maintain a clean driving record. The better your record, the lower your premiums. Unfortunately, if you require an SR-22 for a DWI, this will stay on your record indefinitely.
Increase your deductible
When filing a claim, your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Increasing your deductible can help lower your monthly premiums. For instance, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 can reduce your premium by 15%–30%. Before making this change, consider if you can afford the deductible.
Compare insurance companies
When looking for an insurer, compare multiple companies to find the best price and the right insurance for your needs.
Texas SR-22 insurance FAQs
If you want to learn more about the SR-22 certificate in Texas, check out the information below.
How do you know if you need an SR-22 or FR-44?
You have to file an SR-22 in Texas if your driving privilege has been suspended or revoked due to a car crash, conviction, or judgment. You can file an SR-22 with the Texas DPS.
Texas doesn’t use FR-44 certifications.
Are there any fees with SR-22 insurance?
Yes. When you go to reinstate your driver’s license, you’ll have to pay a $100 reinstatement fee to the Texas DPS. Some insurers may also charge a fee to file the document on your behalf.
How much do car insurance rates increase after filing an SR-22?
In general, you can expect to pay higher car insurance premiums if you require an SR-22 because you present a higher risk to insurers. How much your rates increase after filing an SR-22 will vary between insurance companies and the severity of your offense.
How long do you have to hold an SR-22 in Texas?
In Texas, you have to maintain SR-22 coverage for two years, beginning on the date of your conviction. If you were in a crash and have a judgment against you, you need to hold it for two years from the date the judgment was rendered.
How do you get rid of an SR-22 in Texas?
After maintaining SR-22 coverage for two years, you can contact your insurance company to have it removed.
What happens to your SR-22 in Texas if you move?
If you have an SR-22 in Texas and move to a new state, it doesn’t disappear. If you move, you can contact the Texas DMV and your insurance company; they can give you further instructions on what to do. Typically, you’ll need to file an SR-22 in your new state.
Related articles
More cities in Texas
Sources
- Alamo City Education Services. "Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22)."
- Department of Public Safety. "Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22)."
- Department of Public Safety. "Section 9: SR-22 (Proof of Financial Responsibility)."
- Texas DPS. "DRIVER LICENSE ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS."
- III. "Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs."
Jessica is a freelance writer, professional researcher, and mother of two rambunctious little boys. She specializes in personal finance, women and money, and financial literacy. Jessica is fascinated by the psychology of money and what drives people to make important financial decisions. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Cognitive Research Psychology.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga and crocheting.