Texas SR-22 Insurance: Cost & Requirements

If you’re required to file an SR-22 in Texas because of a DUI/DWI, uninsured accident, suspended license, or too many violation points, the state requires proof that you carry at least the minimum liability insurance. The SR-22 form itself costs around $25, but the insurance premium attached to it is where most cost differences occur—especially if you don’t compare high-risk carriers.

If you are still reviewing general auto insurance and coverage strategies, you may want to explore broader statewide patterns here: Texas Auto Insurance Guide. It explains how ZIP code, driving history, mileage, and coverage selection influence pricing across the state.

Compare SR-22 Quotes by ZIP Code

Rates for SR-22 insurance vary significantly by ZIP code because insurers weigh different regions’ accident histories, theft trends, and loss severity differently. Enter your ZIP below to see current high-risk carrier pricing in your specific location and compare liability-only vs. full coverage setups side-by-side.

Texas High-Risk Auto Quote Form

What the SR-22 Actually Does

An SR-22 is not insurance by itself. It is a state filing proving you maintain at least the minimum required liability coverage. Your insurance company submits this form to the Texas DPS and continues monitoring your policy. If the policy lapses, the insurer must notify the state, which can trigger license suspension.

This means the true risk is not the filing fee—it’s the requirement to stay continuously insured. A single missed payment can restart your entire required SR-22 period, making consistency more important than the initial quote you secure.

How Long You Must Carry an SR-22 in Texas

The standard requirement is 24 continuous months. More serious violations, including DUI/DWI or multiple suspensions, may require 36 months. The countdown resets if your coverage lapses, so maintaining uninterrupted coverage is essential.

Many drivers mistakenly think switching insurers is the risk—but the real risk is having coverage end even for one day. Always confirm your new policy is active before canceling the old one.

Minimum Liability Requirements You Must Meet

Texas requires the 30/60/25 minimum:

• $30,000 bodily injury per person
• $60,000 bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 property damage

Higher limits are optional but often advisable if your vehicle is financed or your daily commute includes high-density corridors.

Typical SR-22 Cost Breakdown (Example)

Note: The monthly premium is the largest cost driver — shopping multiple high-risk carriers matters more than the filing fee.

Carriers that specialize in high-risk policies often price SR-22 differently than standard insurers. Comparing at least 3–5 quotes is the only reliable way to avoid overpaying during the required filing period.

Cheapest SR-22 Carriers in Texas (Field Averages)

1. Direct Auto (Houston) — from ~$72/mo
2. The General (Dallas–Fort Worth) — from ~$76/mo
3. Progressive (Austin) — from ~$79/mo

These ranges are based on real-world samples for drivers aged 23–54 with recent violations. ZIP code, commute length, and prior insurance gaps can shift final quotes significantly.

If you recently moved ZIPs, work remotely now, or significantly changed driving habits — re-quoting may materially lower your rate.

How to Avoid Resetting Your SR-22 Period

A lapse cancels the SR-22 filing and restarts the required time. To avoid this:

• Use automatic payments
• Renew early — not on the last day
• When switching carriers, activate the new policy before canceling the old one

This sequencing prevents coverage gaps that reset your entire timeline and add months or years to the requirement.

Bottom Line

The SR-22 requirement can feel overwhelming, but consistent coverage, correct sequencing when switching insurers, and comparing multiple high-risk carriers can materially reduce overall cost. If no new violations occur, premiums gradually trend downward over time.

Drivers who maintain consistent coverage and avoid new violations typically begin seeing rate improvements within 6 to 12 months, even if the SR-22 requirement is still active. Insurers frequently re-evaluate risk profiles during renewal cycles, and a clean stretch of driving time can reduce the high-risk surcharge included in your premium.

If you previously carried minimum liability limits only, consider re-quoting full coverage again later in the SR-22 period. As your high-risk rating softens, full coverage can sometimes become more affordable than it was immediately after the violation—especially if your vehicle is newer or financed.