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. SR-22 filing is typically required after DUI convictions, at-fault accidents without insurance, repeated violations, or license suspensions. Texas uses a Driver Responsibility Program that assigns points for moving violations—accumulating 6 or more points in 3 years triggers license suspension and often SR-22 requirements. Most high-risk drivers need coverage well above state minimums because a single serious accident can exceed $30,000 in bodily injury costs.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Texas?
High-risk auto insurance in Texas costs significantly more than standard coverage due to violation surcharges, Driver Responsibility Program fees, and limited carrier competition. DUI convictions typically increase premiums by 80–150%, while at-fault accidents without insurance or repeated violations can raise rates by 50–100%. Your exact cost depends on violation type, age, location, and how long ago the incident occurred.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI increases rates 80–150%, at-fault accidents 40–80%, reckless driving 30–60%
- Time since violation: rates typically decrease 10–20% per year after 3 years with no new incidents
- Driver Responsibility Program surcharges: Texas assesses annual surcharges of $100–$2,000 for 3 years on top of insurance premiums for certain violations
- Location: urban areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin see higher high-risk premiums due to accident frequency and uninsured driver rates
- SR-22 filing status: the filing itself costs $15–$35, but it flags you as high-risk and limits your carrier options
- Age and experience: drivers under 25 with violations face the steepest rates, often exceeding $500/mo for full coverage
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Sources
- Texas Department of Public Safety - Driver Responsibility Program
- Texas Department of Insurance - Minimum Coverage Requirements
- Insurance Research Council - Uninsured Motorists Study