SR-22 Requirements in Texas

If you get convicted of a DUI in the Lone Star State — or a similar driving-related infraction — you’ll need to understand SR-22 requirements in Texas. Most states require drivers with recent DUI convictions to file SR-22 insurance. However, restrictions can vary from state to state, so it’s important to know your local laws. Exploring the basics of SR-22 insurance in Texas will help you breeze through your probationary period after a DUI without any extra penalties or delays. 

SR-22 requirements can be confusing for anyone, especially if you aren’t familiar with state laws. If you need court-mandated SR-22 coverage in Texas, you’ll need to know what SR-22 coverage is and how it works. 

Clarifying What SR-22 Actually Entails 

SR-22 insurance isn’t a specific plan; it just refers to a policy that meets the minimum requirements for auto insurance in Texas. An SR-22, also known as a certificate of financial responsibility, is actually the name of a document that you file with the state to prove that you have an active insurance plan. Managing your certificate of financial responsibility simply involves securing and maintaining a basic liability insurance plan for a certain length of time. 

Who May Need to File for SR-22 in Texas? 

The Texas government requires certain high-risk drivers to file an SR-22 certification as a way to uphold their financial obligations while driving. Every driver in Texas legally needs insurance, but if you have certain high-risk convictions on your record, you’re subjected to a bit of extra oversight to prove that you can be responsible on the road. 

SR-22 policies can also be known as DUI insurance. However, driving under the influence isn’t the only reason a court may require you to file a certificate of financial responsibility. 

Common Offenses Leading to SR-22 Requirements 

Being convicted of a DWI or DUI is by far the most common reason Texans receive SR-22 restrictions. You’ll also have to submit a certificate of financial responsibility if you’re convicted of several other charges related to motor vehicles or substances, such as: 

• Drug-related offenses 

• Driving without a license 

• Driving without car insurance 

• Purchasing alcohol for a minor 

• Drinking alcohol while underage 

• Assaulting someone while intoxicated 

Delving Into Non-Vehicle Owner SR-22 Filing 

If you don’t own a personal vehicle, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for your new insurance requirements. You may need to get a non-owner policy if you plan on driving at all, even if you’re only borrowing a friend’s car from time to time. Luckily, non-owner SR-22 plans are typically more affordable because you’re on the road less, so you can fulfill your legal obligations without shouldering an expensive policy. 

After your conviction, you’ll need to secure auto coverage as soon as possible to regain your driving privileges. Luckily, the process of getting a compliant policy and filing the form is simple. 

Initiating the Process with Texas DPS 

When you sign up for a minimum liability policy, you’ll need to inform your insurance company of your SR-22 requirements. Then, they’ll submit the form to the Texas Department of Public Safety on your behalf. You may need to pay an initial filing fee as well. You can request the form from your insurer and then file it directly, but it’s much more simple to let your carrier do the heavy lifting. 

Selecting the Appropriate SR-22 Policy 

In order to meet the requirements of your court order, your policy will have to include a certain level of liability coverage. In Texas, minimum policies must contain: 

• $30,000 for bodily injury/death liability for one person in the accident 

• $60,000 for bodily injury/death per accident 

• $25,000 for property damage liability per accident 

You can also sign up for extra coverage if you want additional protection on top of your minimum liability limits. As long as your policy includes the above coverage, you’ll be good to go. 

Keep in mind that not all insurers offer coverage to high-risk drivers, so you may need to change providers. You should shop around to find a provider that specializes in high-risk drivers, as they can help you find an affordable plan that fulfills your legal requirements. Getting insurance after a DUI can be expensive, so working with a specialty carrier is a good way to keep costs low while getting the coverage you need. 

According to DUI laws in Texas, SR-22 requirements in Texas last for two years. To avoid any extensions or delays, you’ll need to take extra care to keep up with your coverage. 

Renewal and Maintenance of SR-22 Certification 

When you renew your six-month insurance policy, your insurance company will refile your SR-22 with the DPS. If you let your coverage lapse, however, they’ll notify the DPS that you’re no longer in compliance with your SR-22. Paying upfront for your policy or setting up auto-pay is critical for avoiding an accidental lapse that could get you into legal trouble. 

Consequences of Non-Compliance With SR-22 Rules 

If you don’t keep up with your coverage in Texas, your driver’s license will be suspended again. You’ll need to restore your policy with your insurer to kickstart the license reinstatement process. You’ll also have to pay a $100 reinstatement fee, along with additional filing fees from your insurer, if you want to restore your insurance and restore your driving privileges. This can also lead to delays in completing your SR-22 period and extend the timeline of restoring your full driving privileges. 

When the judge tells you that you need an SR-22, the court should instruct you how to change your insurance and comply. Here are the general steps a Texan takes to obtain this document to get non-standard car insurance.

1. Call an insurance provider: If you have insurance already, contact your provider and tell them you need an SR-22 attached to your insurance plan. There is a chance that your current provider can’t offer an SR-22 or may give you a high quote. In either case, it’s important to shop around and find the best quotes with an insurance agent. This method can offer you several quotes from competitive and stable insurance providers at once.
2. Pay any fees: Your insurer may have a mandatory fee of up to $50 to file the SR-22 insurance form on your behalf. There is also a reinstatement fee to obtain a restricted license that you must pay before submitting the SR-22 form to the Texas DPS.
3. Confirm your SR-22 submission: It’s your insurer’s responsibility to file proof of insurance to the Texas DPS. There are several methods, such as fax, in-person delivery, traditional mail, or email. It’s also possible to file the form yourself after getting the certificate from your insurer, but most agents can easily send an SR-22 electronically. For more information, email driver.improvement@dps.texas.gov.
4. Wait: It can take up to 21 business days to process the SR-22. To determine if your driver’s license is eligible, go to the license eligibility page and enter your information. Have rides set up to keep your routine active until you can drive independently again.
5. Get the all-clear: After you get confirmation that your restricted license is reinstated, all fees are paid, and your SR-22 insurance is active, then you should be in the clear to drive. To be 100% sure, check your driver eligibility status on the Texas DPS website. It will be easy to tell because your status will change from “ineligible” to “eligible” on your profile.

Note: Your judge may also require you to show proof of completing a repeat-offender DWI program. It’s also your responsibility to keep track of any changes to your license status so you can always be in compliance. By driving safely and sticking to the rules for your suspension period, you will prove you can be a safe driver who is ready for a regular license in the future.

If the driver fails to get SR-22 insurance in time, they can face another suspended license and registration. This means you have to buy a new auto insurance policy and pay the reinstatement fees again. Avoid this gap in coverage so you don’t have to pay double. As soon as you get the orders to obtain an SR-22, call your insurance company to start the process. The sooner you decide on a plan, the sooner your agent can file the SR-22 plan to the necessary parties.

Informing your insurer about when you need to file and when you don’t is your responsibility. For instance, if you only need an SR-22 for two years, you should inform them of the ending date. If you don’t tell your insurance when to stop filing, they will continue to file the SR-22 to the DPS even when it isn’t necessary.

High-risk Texas SR-22 insurance will cost more than standard insurance plans. The price will be affected by your age, driving history, location, and types of driving charges received. All these factors determine your level of risk on the road. Every insurance provider has its algorithms and methods for determining a price, so it’s smart to shop around for the best deals.

Overall, drivers see a 70 to 90% increase from their standard insurance price. However, this figure can be lower or higher depending on the person’s unique risk factors. All that you can be sure of is there will be an increase from your former rate—generally, SR-22 plans in Texas range between $824 to $3,100 per year.

If you need an SR-22 filing for license reinstatement but the vehicle you plan to drive isn’t in your name, then you need to obtain non-owners SR-22 insurance in Texas. This plan allows you to drive a car that belongs to someone else while still having it covered under a high-risk policy.

If you plan to drive this car infrequently, you may also get a better rate compared to owner SR-22 plans. Overall, non-owner plans have lower rates. Ask your SR-22 Adviser agent about non-owner insurance, and they will be glad to assist you.

Having to file SR-22 forms in Texas may seem complicated, but it’s as simple as signing up for an insurance policy and keeping your plan active for the entire two-year probationary period. Keeping up with your SR-22 requirements is your first step toward driving without any extra restrictions. 

Being classified as a high-risk driver due to a DUI or other conviction can be stressful, which is why you need an insurer that understands what you’re going through. SR-22 Adviser specializes in helping drivers get through their SR-22 period, making it the best place to find an affordable plan. Find your plan today by getting an online quote from our partner.