Minimum Coverage Requirements in Texas
Texas requires minimum liability coverage of 30/60/25: $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Drivers with DUI convictions, license suspensions for repeated violations, at-fault accidents while uninsured, or failure to maintain coverage typically receive an SR-22 requirement from the Texas Department of Public Safety. The SR-22 is not insurance itself—it is a certificate your insurer files electronically to verify continuous coverage. Most high-risk drivers need coverage above state minimums to satisfy lender requirements and avoid catastrophic out-of-pocket costs after another incident.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Texas?
High-risk auto insurance premiums in Texas vary dramatically based on violation type, driving history, age, location, and vehicle. A single DUI typically increases rates 80–150%, while multiple violations or a suspended license can triple premiums. Urban drivers in Houston, Dallas, and Austin face higher base rates due to accident frequency and theft rates, compounding the high-risk surcharge.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI increases rates 80–150%, suspended license 100–200%, at-fault accident while uninsured 60–120%
- Years since violation: premiums decrease 10–20% annually after 3 years with clean record
- County and zip code: Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, and Bexar counties average 20–40% higher premiums than rural areas
- Age and gender: drivers under 25 with violations pay 30–50% more than drivers over 30
- Vehicle type: full coverage on newer vehicles adds $80–$200/mo compared to liability-only older vehicles
- Credit score: Texas allows credit-based insurance scoring, and poor credit combined with SR-22 status can add 40–80% to premiums
See how much your violation actually affects your rates
Not every carrier surcharges the same way. Compare quotes from carriers that rate violations differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Certificate filed by your insurer to the Texas DPS confirming continuous liability coverage for 3 years. The filing costs $15–$35, but premiums increase substantially due to high-risk classification.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies from carriers specializing in high-risk drivers: multiple DUIs, suspended licenses, SR-22 requirements, and uninsured accidents. Costs 50–200% more than standard insurance but necessary for reinstatement.
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. Texas minimums are 30/60/25, but these limits leave high-risk drivers exposed to lawsuits and wage garnishment after serious accidents.
Full Coverage
Liability, comprehensive, and collision bundled. Required by lenders for financed vehicles and protects high-risk drivers from total loss after at-fault accidents or theft.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays medical bills and lost wages if you're hit by an uninsured driver. Not required in Texas, but approximately 14% of Texas drivers lack insurance—one of the higher uninsured rates nationally.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an at-fault accident, regardless of fault. Required by lenders and critical for high-risk drivers who cannot afford to replace a totaled vehicle out of pocket.
