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, caught driving without insurance, involved in at-fault accidents while uninsured, or who accumulate excessive violations typically receive an SR-22 requirement from the Texas Department of Public Safety. The SR-22 is not insurance itself but a certificate filed by your carrier proving you maintain continuous coverage at or above state minimums for the required period.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Texas?
High-risk auto insurance in Texas costs significantly more than standard coverage due to violation-based risk classification. Drivers with DUIs, suspensions, or at-fault accidents typically pay $200-$400/mo for minimum liability with SR-22 filing, compared to $80-$120/mo for clean-record drivers. Non-standard carriers set rates based on violation type, time since offense, driving history length, age, vehicle, and ZIP code—urban areas like Houston and Dallas often see higher premiums due to accident frequency and uninsured driver rates.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type and severity: DUI convictions increase premiums 80-200%, while at-fault accidents raise rates 40-100%
- Time since offense: rates decline gradually after 3-5 years of clean driving
- SR-22 filing requirement: adds administrative cost and signals high-risk classification to insurers
- ZIP code: urban areas like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio see higher rates due to accident density
- Age and experience: drivers under 25 with violations pay significantly more than older drivers with similar records
- Vehicle type: newer or high-performance vehicles cost more to insure after violations due to higher repair and theft risk
Compare rates from carriers that work with drivers who have points
Standard carriers surcharge heavily after violations. These specialists price your specific record differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
SR-22 is a certificate proving you maintain continuous liability coverage, filed by your carrier with the Texas DPS. Required after DUIs, suspensions, and uninsured operation for 2-3 years.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Non-standard carriers insure drivers with violations, lapses, or suspensions that standard insurers decline. Policies cost more but offer flexible payment plans and SR-22 filing.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Coverage for drivers classified as high-risk due to DUIs, accidents, violations, or lapses. Premiums reflect elevated claims probability but provide legal compliance and financial protection.
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in at-fault accidents. Texas requires 30/60/25 minimums, but higher limits reduce your personal financial exposure.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, comprehensive, and collision to protect both your legal obligation and your vehicle. Required by lenders for financed or leased vehicles.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you if an uninsured or underinsured driver causes an accident. Covers medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient coverage.
