Updated April 2026
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 for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Drivers with DUI convictions, license suspensions for multiple violations, uninsured accidents, or repeat offenses typically face SR-22 filing requirements administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The state uses a point system where accumulating 6 or more points in 3 years triggers surcharges and potential suspension, though most point violations do not require SR-22 unless they result in a suspension.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Texas?
High-risk insurance costs in Texas vary widely based on violation type, location, and carrier. Drivers with a single speeding ticket may see increases of 20–40%, while DUI convictions or SR-22 requirements typically result in premiums of $200–$400/mo or higher. Urban areas like Houston and Dallas often see elevated rates due to higher accident frequency, uninsured driver rates, and vehicle theft.
What Affects Your Rate
- Type of violation: DUI convictions and SR-22 requirements increase premiums significantly more than single speeding tickets or minor at-fault accidents
- Location within Texas: Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio see higher rates due to traffic density, uninsured driver rates, and claim frequency
- Point accumulation: 6 or more points in 3 years results in surcharges and potential suspension, increasing insurance costs even before SR-22 is required
- Coverage lapses: Any gap in coverage signals higher risk to insurers and limits your carrier options, often forcing you into non-standard markets
- Age and vehicle type: Younger drivers with violations and financed newer vehicles face compounding rate increases
- Credit score: Texas allows insurers to use credit-based insurance scores, which amplifies premiums for high-risk drivers with poor credit
Compare Auto Insurance Rates in Texas
Find Your City in Texas
Sources
- Texas Department of Public Safety - Driver License Division
- Texas Department of Insurance - Consumer Resources
- Texas Transportation Code Chapter 601 - Motor Vehicle Safety-Responsibility Act