It is important to know how to get SR22 insurance if required by the Texas Department of Public Safety following a conviction, suspension or judgment. SR22 is known as a “high risk” insurance that is offered by most insurance agencies. A form is completed and filled by the insurance agency, however, it will be your responsibility to ensure that this is done in a timely manner.

While the SR-22 rates are generally higher than liability insurance, it is important to know that it does not include additional coverage options and most only include the minimum liability coverage that is required within Texas. However, if required to obtain this form of insurance, it is important to do so immediately as well as maintain the insurance for a full two years in order to avoid the suspension of your driver’s license and vehicle registration.


What is Texas SR22 insurance?

SR22, commonly referred to as proof of financial responsibility and high-risk insurance, is a type of insurance that must be filed with an insurance agency after a driver’s license suspension or certain convictions. Essentially, it is a certificate of financial responsibility that verifies that you are maintaining motor vehicle liability insurance that is in accordance to state laws.

SR-22 rates are often far higher than general insurance and must continue to meet Texas minimum insurance requirements. However, it is important that you request this form of insurance immediately following an eligible conviction or judgment in order to avoid the suspension of your drivers license and vehicle registration.

SR22 insurance must be maintained for a two-year period within the state of Texas. The two-year timeframe begins on the date of the conviction or judgment that would require the insurance. It may also be required if a security deposit is being placed with the Texas Department of Public Safety as compliance for a crash or crash default suspension.

The insurance must be maintained, even if you no longer have a motor vehicle. Your insurance agency will automatically report any lapses in your policy or cancellations immediately to the department. Should this happen, your driving privileges will likely be revoked and your vehicle’s registration suspended.

Who needs SR22 insurance in Texas?

It is important to understand who needs SR22 insurance in Texas in order to better prepare you of the driver’s license reinstatement process. By familiarizing yourself with this type of insurance, you will also learn about the different type of traffic-related convictions that will require you to obtain high-risk insurance.

An SR22 form must be filed by your insurance agency if your driving privileges have been revoked or suspended due to a vehicle crash, conviction or judgment. These convictions include, but are not limited to driving under the influence, reckless driving, driving without valid insurance and vehicular manslaughter.

Additionally, SR22 is also required if you are required to place a security deposit with the department as compliance for a crash default or crash suspension. If required to obtain this form of insurance, no other insurance will be accepted.

Reinstating Driving Privileges With SR22 In Texas

Despite SR-22 rates, you will be required to obtain high-risk insurance as part of the driver’s license reinstatement process within the state of Texas. In order to reinstate your Texas driver’s license, you must pay all of the required reinstatement fees and submit an SR-22 to the Department of Public Safety.

Only after everything has been submitted and processed will you be eligible to obtain a new driver’s license. This will be the case even if you no longer own a motor vehicle.

How to Get SR22 Insurance in Texas

Texas SR22 Insurance quotes can be acquired by most insurance agencies that are licensed within the state of Texas. While this does give you the ability to shop around, it is important to know that this form of high-risk insurance is generally more expensive than general insurance. As part of your insurance, you must also meet minimum liability coverage as per Texas state law. Texas minimum insurance laws require:

  • $30,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person in one accident
  • $60,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or more people in one accident
  • $25,000 for damage to or destruction of property of others in one accident

An SR22 form must be filed by your selected insurance provider, even if you no longer own a vehicle. If you do not own a vehicle, you can request a Texas non-owner SR-22 policy. This type of policy may or may not have lower rates, depending on the insurer.

Penalties for Not Filing an SR22 Form in Texas

If required to obtain SR22 insurance, you must do so immediately, or your driver’s license will not be reinstated. If you are required to submit compliance documents, such as this form of insurance, your driver eligibility status will only change from “ineligible” to “eligible” once all documentation has been submitted, processed and all of your required fees have been paid.

If your SR22 policy is canceled, terminated or lapses, it is important to know that your insurance policy will automatically notify the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Therefore, if you change your insurance provider within the two-year period that you are required to maintain this level of insurance, it is very important that your new insurance agency submits your financial responsibility form to the Department of Public Safety immediately and that there is not a lapse in your coverage.

Otherwise, your driver’s license and vehicle registration may be suspended, and you would then be required to pay any reinstatement fees.

Last updated on Wednesday, October 14 2020.