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 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
Liability Insurance
Covers injury and property damage you cause to others. Texas requires 30/60/25 minimums, but a single serious accident can exceed these limits quickly, leaving you personally liable for the difference.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, collision, and comprehensive to protect your vehicle and others. Required by lenders but optional if you own your car outright.
SR-22 Insurance
A certificate proving continuous coverage filed with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Not a separate policy, but an endorsement added to your existing liability insurance.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies issued by carriers specializing in high-risk drivers who cannot get coverage from standard insurers due to DUI, lapses, or multiple violations.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you if you are hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay for your injuries and vehicle damage.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle if you cause an accident or hit an object, regardless of fault.
