Minimum Coverage Requirements in Texas
Texas operates as a tort state, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance pays for damages. The Texas Department of Public Safety requires continuous SR-22 filing for 2 years following a DUI conviction, beginning from your license reinstatement date, not your conviction date. Your SR-22 must remain active without any lapse for the full 24 months or the clock resets to day one.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Texas?
SR-22 insurance costs in Texas reflect both the high-risk classification post-DUI and the requirement to use non-standard market carriers. Most mainstream carriers will file SR-22 for existing customers but non-renew at the six-month or annual term. New policies typically route through specialist insurers with higher base rates and limited discount eligibility.
What Affects Your Rate
- First-offense DUI with BAC under 0.15 costs approximately 85 percent more than a clean-record Texas driver, while aggravated DUI (BAC 0.15 or higher, minor in vehicle) runs 120–150 percent above baseline rates.
- Urban drivers pay higher premiums due to claim frequency — Houston SR-22 policies average $165/mo compared to $135/mo in rural East Texas counties.
- Interlock device installation adds $70–$150/mo in lease costs but may reduce your SR-22 insurance premium by 10–15 percent at carriers like Dairyland or Direct Auto.
- Age compounds DUI surcharges significantly — drivers under 25 or over 70 with a DUI face premiums 30–40 percent higher than the 30–60 age bracket in the same risk tier.
- Credit score impacts premium calculation at most non-standard carriers in Texas, with poor credit adding 20–35 percent to your quoted rate even after DUI surcharges are applied.
- Continuous coverage matters — a lapse or cancellation before your SR-22 period ends triggers license suspension, a reinstatement fee, and potentially restarting your 2-year filing clock from zero.
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Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Certificate filed by your insurer proving you carry Texas's required liability minimums. The SR-22 itself is not insurance — it's proof of continuous coverage transmitted electronically to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Non-Owner SR-22
Liability-only policy for drivers who don't own a vehicle but need SR-22 filing to reinstate their license. Covers you when driving borrowed or rental vehicles.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Coverage through non-standard market carriers that specialize in DUI, suspended license, and violation histories. Carriers include Bristol West, Direct Auto, Dairyland, GAINSCO, The General, and Safe Auto.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills and repairs when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient limits. Protects you from out-of-pocket costs the at-fault driver cannot cover.
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Required on every registered vehicle in Texas and the foundation of your SR-22 filing.
