Updated April 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Texas
Texas mandates minimum liability coverage of 30/60/25: $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Drivers convicted of DUI, driving without insurance, repeat traffic violations, or at-fault accidents while uninsured typically face SR-22 filing requirements imposed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The SR-22 certificate proves continuous coverage for a court-ordered period, and any lapse triggers license suspension and restarts the filing clock. High-risk drivers often need coverage above state minimums to satisfy reinstatement requirements and protect assets during the recovery period.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Texas?
High-risk auto insurance in Texas typically costs $2,400–$4,800 annually ($200–$400/mo) for drivers with SR-22 requirements, compared to $1,200–$1,800 for clean-record drivers. Costs vary significantly based on violation type: DUI convictions produce the steepest increases, while lapses in coverage and at-fault accidents also elevate premiums. Non-standard carriers dominate this market, and shopping aggressively when your SR-22 requirement ends can reduce rates by 30–50% in the first year post-filing.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI convictions increase premiums 80–200%, while at-fault accidents and lapses raise rates 40–100%
- SR-22 filing duration remaining: rates begin declining 6–12 months before completion if no additional violations occur
- Texas location: urban areas like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio show higher high-risk premiums due to accident density and uninsured driver rates
- Carrier specialization: non-standard carriers like Progressive, The General, and Acceptance Insurance offer SR-22 filing; standard carriers often decline or non-renew
- Payment history: paying in full or autopay enrollment can reduce premiums 5–10% even with SR-22 requirements
- Coverage continuity: maintaining insurance without lapses for 12+ months before SR-22 requirement ends improves post-SR22 rate quotes significantly
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Sources
- Texas Department of Public Safety - Financial Responsibility Requirements
- Texas Department of Insurance - Minimum Liability Coverage
- Texas Transportation Code Chapter 601 - Motor Vehicle Safety-Responsibility Act