Minimum Coverage Requirements in Texas
Texas requires minimum liability coverage of 30/60/25 — $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage. Drivers convicted of DUI, suspended for excessive violations, or involved in uninsured accidents typically face a 3-year SR-22 filing requirement administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Once your SR-22 period ends, your violation remains visible to insurers for 3–5 years depending on carrier underwriting policies, meaning you remain in a high-risk tier even after the state filing requirement lapses. Post-SR22 drivers who shop multiple carriers within 6 months of completing their requirement save an average of $400–$800 annually compared to those who remain with their SR-22-era insurer.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Texas?
Post-SR22 drivers in Texas pay elevated premiums for 3–5 years after their filing requirement ends, as most carriers review violations within a 3- to 5-year lookback window. Your rate drops steadily as time passes: expect the steepest decline between 6 months and 2 years post-SR22, then gradual improvement until the violation fully ages off at year 5. Shopping multiple carriers immediately after SR-22 ends — rather than waiting — captures the best available rates for your current risk profile and can save $400–$800/year compared to remaining with your SR-22-era insurer.
What Affects Your Rate
- Time since SR-22 completion — rates drop 10–20% at 1 year, 20–35% at 2 years, and approach standard pricing at 3–5 years
- Violation type — DUI carries 3–5 year surcharges of 80–120%, while uninsured citations drop to 30–50% surcharges within 2 years
- Claims during SR-22 period — any at-fault accident or comprehensive claim filed while on SR-22 extends high-risk pricing by 2–3 additional years
- Carrier lookback period — some non-standard carriers evaluate only the most recent 3 years of history, while standard carriers review 5 years, creating rate spreads of $50–$120/mo for identical coverage
- Credit-based insurance score — Texas allows credit scoring, and post-SR22 drivers with good credit can qualify for preferred rates 12–18 months sooner than those with poor credit
- Vehicle type and usage — newer financed vehicles requiring full coverage cost $60–$140/mo more than older paid-off vehicles with liability-only coverage for post-SR22 drivers
Your SR-22 period is ending — you can access standard rates again
Most drivers see significant savings when they transition off SR-22. Compare current rates now.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. Texas minimums are 30/60/25, but post-SR22 drivers often carry 50/100/50 or higher to access better carrier tiers and reduce out-of-pocket exposure.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, comprehensive, and collision. Essential if you have a loan or lease, and recommended for post-SR22 drivers who want maximum protection while rebuilding their driving record.
Comprehensive Coverage
Pays for non-collision damage like theft, hail, vandalism, and flooding. Often more affordable than collision and particularly relevant in Texas given severe weather frequency.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you if an uninsured driver causes an accident. Optional in Texas but highly recommended given the state's high uninsured driver rate.
SR-22 Insurance
A state-mandated filing proving you carry minimum liability coverage. Required for 3 years in Texas after DUI, suspension, or uninsured violations. Not a separate policy — filed by your existing insurer.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies designed for high-risk drivers, including those with recent SR-22 filings, DUIs, suspensions, or lapses. Typically higher premiums but broader acceptance of violations.
