Updated April 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Texas
After a DUI or serious violation in Texas, your current carrier will typically send a non-renewal notice rather than canceling your policy outright — you'll have coverage until the end of your term, but you cannot renew. Texas requires continuous liability coverage, and for most DUI or suspended license cases, you must file an SR-22 certificate with the Texas Department of Public Safety to prove you carry the state minimum. Most standard carriers do not offer SR-22 filings or coverage to high-risk drivers, so you'll need to find a non-standard insurer that specializes in violation-aftermath drivers.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Texas?
Texas violation drivers typically pay 50–200% more than standard-risk drivers for the same coverage, with DUI convictions at the higher end and single serious violations at the lower end. Rates vary significantly by carrier, violation type, age, location, and how much time has passed since the offense. Most drivers see premiums begin to decrease after 3 years if no additional violations occur.
What Affects Your Rate
- Type of violation — DUI convictions carry the highest surcharge, followed by at-fault uninsured accidents and suspended license driving
- Time since offense — rates decrease significantly after 3 years with no additional violations
- Age and gender — young male drivers with violations pay the highest premiums in Texas
- Location — urban areas like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio have higher non-standard rates due to accident frequency and uninsured driver rates
- Carrier availability — non-standard carriers with SR-22 filing services have different risk appetites and pricing; comparing multiple quotes can save 30–50%
- Continuous coverage — drivers who maintain coverage without lapse during the filing period see better rates when shopping at renewal
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Sources
- Texas Department of Public Safety — Driver Responsibility Program and SR-22 Requirements
- Texas Department of Insurance — Consumer Guide to Auto Insurance
- Texas Transportation Code Chapter 601 — Motor Vehicle Safety-Responsibility Act