Texas SR-22
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Texas SR-22 insurance
Texas requires high-risk drivers to carry SR-22 insurance, also known as a Texas SR-22. This proves you have sufficient auto insurance coverage as required by the state of Texas.
An SR-22 is not an actual insurance policy. Rather, it’s a form that your insurance company files with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) on your behalf, stating that you have the minimum liability coverage required by law. There are several situations that you might find yourself in that will require you to get Texas SR-22 auto insurance.
When Do You Need Texas SR-22 Insurance?
- Your driver’s license was suspended or revoked
- You were convicted of certain traffic violations like DUI
- You’ve had multiple at-fault accidents in a short period of time
- You’ve been cited for driving without insurance
- You’ve accumulated too many points on your driving record
- Refusing a chemical sobriety test after being pulled over Causing a collision while uninsured
- Getting convicted of certain serious traffic violations like reckless driving, fleeing a police officer, racing, or hitting and running
- Causing a collision while uninsured
- Failing to pay child support (occupational license only)
- Defaulting on an installment agreement for traffic offense fines (occupational license only)
- Having your license suspended in another state
Having Texas SR-22 Insurance on file allows you to legally drive again by reinstating your driving privileges. However, this is not optional. If the DPS requires you to carry an SR-22, you must maintain it for the specified mandated time frame or you’ll face additional driver’s license suspensions.
Texas SR-22 Insurance Facts
The Texas Department of Public Safety will tell you if you need to get an SR-22. It’s not up to you or your insurance agent to decide. After certain driving incidents, the DPS will send you an official notice stating you must file an SR-22 form with them, maintained for a set period of time. The usual time is 3 years.
The DPS will also demand you file an SR-22 if you cause an accident without insurance. Even if it wasn’t your fault, they require proof of coverage from all drivers involved. You won’t need an SR-22 for minor infractions like speeding tickets or basic moving violations. Unless you lose your license or driving privileges, an SR-22 won’t be required.
Also, in Texas, an SR-22 is not required to reinstate your license after a financial responsibility suspension. This type of suspension occurs when you fail to pay for damages or injuries to others caused by a car accident you were responsible for.
To lift a financial responsibility suspension, you will need to:
- Pay off the damages in full, or
- Set up a monthly payment plan approved by the court
Having valid car insurance does NOT automatically lift this type of suspension either. You must settle the financial damages.
How Long Must You Maintain Texas SR-22 Insurance?
When Texas orders you to carry an SR-22, they’ll indicate the mandated length of time. This is called the “maintenance period”. The duration depends on why you need the SR-22 in the first place. Common time frames include:
- In most cases 3 years for serious offenses like a DUI
- 1-2 years If your license was suspended due to lack of insurance or accumulation of points
You must keep the SR-22 valid for the entire maintenance period. There’s no getting out of it early for good driving. If your SR-22 lapses at any time, the DPS will automatically suspend your driving privileges again. You’ll have to start the SR-22 process all over. The only way the SR-22 requirement terminates is if the mandated time frame passes and you submit an SR-26 form to cancel the filing.
Texas SR-22 Insurance Laws & Requirements
The Lone Star State has very specific auto insurance laws tied to the SR-22 that you must follow. Here are the key requirements:
- Maintain Minimum Liability Coverage
- $30,000 bodily injury per person
- $60,000 bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 property damage per accident
This ensures you can cover costs if you cause another accident. Without enough coverage, your insurance company will terminate your policy, the DMV will suspend your newly reinstated license, and you’ll have to start over.
- Maintain Minimum Liability Coverage
- $30,000 bodily injury per person
- $60,000 bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 property damage per accident
This ensures you can cover costs if you cause another accident. Without enough coverage, your insurance company will terminate your policy, the DMV will suspend your newly reinstated license, and you’ll have to start over.
- Maintain Minimum Liability Coverage
- $30,000 bodily injury per person
- $60,000 bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 property damage per accident
This ensures you can cover costs if you cause another accident. Without enough coverage, your insurance company will terminate your policy, the DMV will suspend your newly reinstated license, and you’ll have to start over.
- Have No Lapses In Coverage
Your SR-22 insurance must remain active with no gaps in coverage. If your policy expires, gets cancelled, or in the event you stop paying your premium, your insurance company must immediately notify the DPS.
Even a single-day lapse in coverage can result in another driver’s license suspension. It’s critical to pay your premiums on time and make sure you renew before the policy expires.
- Notify Your Insurance Company First if Your License is Suspended Again
If your license gets suspended again during the SR-22 maintenance period, immediately inform your insurance company.
They need to know so they can file the proper forms with the DPS. Otherwise, they may report you as lapsing coverage when you really just can’t legally drive.
This protects you from getting high-risk insurance blacklisted when it’s not actually your fault. Work closely with your insurer if you face another license suspension.
How Much Does Texas SR-22 Car Insurance Cost?
The Texas SR-22 itself doesn’t have a fee. Your auto insurance company files it electronically with the DPS at no direct cost to you. However, you should be aware that Texas SR-22 insurance can be very expensive:Texas SR-22 filing fees
Most insurers charge a one-time filing fee that can range from $15 to $40 to process your Texas SR-22.Higher premiums
Texas drivers requiring an SR-22 pay 207% higher premiums on average. Rates for high-risk insurance typically run $150 to $400+ per month.Annual surcharges
Some insurers add annual surcharges for SR-22 policies that are $100-$150 or more.Down payment requirements
You may have to pay 3 or 6 months of premium upfront before coverage takes effect. While the SR-22 form itself is free, you’ll pay much higher car insurance rates compared to regular policies. Expect your total premiums and fees to cost $500-1,000+ more per year.
The exact SR-22 cost depends on your unique risk profile. The worse your driving record, the more you’ll pay. Insurance companies charge more if you:
- Have multiple at-fault accidents or moving violations
- Cause accidents with injuries or major property damage
- Get convicted of serious offenses like a DUI
- Have a long history of coverage gaps and cancellations
- Are under 25 years old
- Have poor credit
Shop around with multiple high-risk insurers to find the best rates. Just make sure they’re licensed in Texas and specialize in SR-22 policies.
How Long Does It Take to Get Texas SR-22 Insurance?
It typically takes 5-10 business days to get an active SR-22 on file once you buy a policy. Here are the general steps:
- Purchase a Texas SR-22 car insurance policy
- Your insurance company processes the policy and files the form electronically with the DPS
- DPS receives and approves the SR-22 filing
- DPS reinstates your suspended driver’s license
- You receive documentation in the mail confirming the SR-22 is active
This process only takes 1-2 weeks. However, avoid any delays in coverage by paying your down payment promptly.
If you experience a gap between policies, the DPS will reject the new SR-22 until coverage is effective. Never drive while waiting for an SR-22 to get approved or you could face charges for driving without insurance.
Also, beware that some insurers take 4-6 weeks to process SR-22 policies. Ask how long it will take so you can get legal and avoid license suspension.
When comparing Texas SR-22 insurance quotes, look for:
- Low down payments under $500
- Monthly premiums under $200
- Policy cancelation fee waivers
- Accident forgiveness
- Discount bundles like multi-car, safe driver, etc.
- Strong financial strength ratings
- Good customer service reviews
Getting the cheapest SR-22 insurance involves more than just price. You want an insurer that offers flexibility, doesn’t drop you after a claim, and provides a positive customer experience.
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Eight Ways to Save on Texas SR-22 Insurance Costs
Texas SR-22 insurance is notoriously expensive. But you’re not stuck overpaying. Here are 8 proven ways to get more affordable high-risk auto insurance:
- Increase Your Liability Coverage Limits
This sounds counterintuitive – pay for more coverage to lower your rates. But it works because minimum liability limits (25/50/25) indicate high risk.
Raise your limits to prove financial responsibility. 100/300/100 makes you look much safer.
- Take a Defensive Driving Course
Completing a Texas DPS-approved defensive driving course can shave 10% or more off your premiums. They are offered online or in person.
- Bundle Home & Auto Insurance
Maintaining multiple policies with the same insurer leads to bundling discounts of up to 15%. Plus you get the convenience of a single bill.
- Exclude High-Risk Drivers From Your Policy
Premiums increase dramatically if you add teen drivers, relatives with bad driving records, or anyone requiring an SR-22 to your policy. Leave them off as excluded drivers.
- Choose a Higher Deductible
Ask for quotes at different deductible levels. Raising your deductible from $500 to $1000 could save 15% or more each month.
- Maintain Continuous Coverage
Insurers reward loyal long-term customers. Go with an established company and avoid gaps in coverage to benefit from tenure discounts.
- Limit Miles Driven
Your rates are partly based on annual estimated mileage. Cutting the number of miles you drive helps lower premium costs.
- Improve Your Credit Score
Most insurers use credit-based insurance scores to set rates. Improving your credit could help you earn big discounts over time.
Texas Auto Insurance Laws & Requirements You Should Know About
Beyond the SR-22 rules, it helps to understand Texas standard auto insurance laws. Here are the key requirements.
- Texas is an “at-fault” accident state. Whoever causes the crash must pay for damages.
- Minimum liability limits are 30/60/25 (higher suggested).
- Texas auto insurance is not mandatory for all motorists, but highly recommended.
- You must carry and show proof of insurance when operating a vehicle.
- Insurance follows the car, not the driver, in Texas.
- Insurers can consider factors like credit, gender, age, and marital status when underwriting.
- Texas offers certain protections like grace periods and payment plans for lapses in coverage.
Texas does not require PIP, MedPay, comprehensive/collision, or uninsured motorist coverage. However, lenders often stipulate drivers must carry full coverage.
Review Texas’ specific auto insurance rules before getting a policy. This ensures you have proper coverage to avoid license suspensions and stay legal.
The Bottom Line on Texas SR-22 Insurance
Being required to get a Texas SR-22 can be frustrating and expensive. However, think of it as a stepping stone to restore your driving privileges so you can eventually qualify for standard auto insurance again.
Work with a patient agent to find the best high-risk insurer for your needs. Maintain the Texas SR-22 without lapses for the full mandated timeframe. Over the long run, safe driving is the only thing that will get you affordable rates again.
With some diligent shopping, Texas SR-22 insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. To get started comparing Texas SR-22 insurance, enter your zip code and fill out an online application. Save more on the Texas auto insurance coverage you need.
Author: David Haan
David Haan is a professional writer who has a passion for writing about financial topics: including investing, insurance, and entrepreneurship. David has a way of simplifying complex financial topics to make it easy for anyone to understand. During his free time, he likes to play volleyball, surf, and listen to jazz music.