Updated March 2026
State Requirements
Texas mandates minimum liability coverage of $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage (30/60/25). These minimums apply to all drivers, but high-risk drivers with SR-22 requirements must maintain continuous coverage without lapses or face license suspension and requirement restarts. The Texas Department of Public Safety triggers SR-22 filing after DUI convictions, multiple at-fault accidents, driving without insurance citations, or accumulating excessive points within a 12-month period.
Cost Overview
High-risk auto insurance in Texas costs significantly more than standard rates due to violation surcharges, non-standard carrier assignment, and restricted coverage options. Drivers with a DUI pay an average of $3,600–$5,200 annually, while those with multiple at-fault accidents or SR-22 requirements for points see premiums of $2,400–$4,200 per year. Rates vary widely by city, with urban areas like Houston and Dallas commanding higher premiums due to congestion, theft rates, and uninsured motorist frequency.
What Affects Your Rate
- Type of violation: DUI convictions increase premiums 80–150%, while at-fault accidents add 40–70% and multiple speeding tickets add 25–50%
- Years since violation: Rates drop 15–25% at the 3-year mark when violations age off surcharge periods and SR-22 requirements end
- City and ZIP code: Houston and Dallas high-risk drivers pay 20–35% more than those in Lubbock or Amarillo due to accident frequency and theft rates
- Vehicle type: Insuring a high-theft model like a Ford F-250 or Chevrolet Silverado adds 10–20% to comprehensive premiums in border counties
- Coverage level selected: Raising liability from 30/60/25 to 100/300/100 adds $15–$40 monthly, a modest increase relative to total high-risk premium
- Non-standard carrier assignment: Being placed with a non-standard insurer rather than a preferred carrier can add 10–30% to base rates but may be the only available option after multiple violations
Compare Auto Insurance Rates in Texas
Coverage Options
Find Your City in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- Texas Department of Public Safety – Financial Responsibility and SR-22 Requirements
- Texas Department of Insurance – Minimum Liability Coverage Standards
- Insurance Research Council – Uninsured Motorist Estimates by State