Texas Car Insurance After a DUI or Violation

After a DUI, license suspension, or serious violation in Texas, your current insurer will typically non-renew your policy at the end of your term—not cancel it immediately. Texas requires SR-22 filing for most violations, which proves you carry minimum coverage, and your premium will increase 50–200% depending on the offense.

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Non-Standard Auto · SR-22 · Senior · Teen Drivers

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Updated April 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Texas

Within 30 days of a DUI conviction or license suspension in Texas, your current insurance company will typically send a non-renewal notice—meaning your policy stays in effect until the end of your term, but won't be renewed. The Texas Department of Public Safety requires an SR-22 filing for most serious violations, which proves you maintain minimum liability coverage for a specified period. You'll need to find a carrier that offers SR-22 filing and accepts high-risk drivers, as many standard insurers exit at non-renewal rather than write a new policy.

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30/60/25
SR-22 Certificate Filing
An SR-22 is not insurance itself—it's a certificate your insurer files electronically with the Texas DPS proving you carry at least the state minimum liability coverage (30/60/25). Not all carriers offer SR-22 filing, so you'll need a non-standard or high-risk insurer. The filing typically costs $15–$50 and must remain active without lapse for the period ordered by the state—usually 2–3 years.
Varies
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Non-standard auto insurance is coverage sold by carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers—those with DUIs, suspensions, multiple violations, or gaps in coverage. These insurers underwrite differently and charge higher premiums, but they're often the only option immediately after a serious violation. Rates typically decrease as you maintain continuous coverage and move past the violation date.
30/60/25 minimum
Liability Insurance
Texas requires minimum liability of $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. After a violation, many drivers choose only state minimums to reduce premiums, but this leaves significant financial exposure—especially for seniors with assets to protect. Higher limits (50/100/50 or 100/300/100) cost more but provide better protection if you cause another accident during your high-risk period.
Optional in Texas
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you're hit by a driver with no insurance—which matters more when you're paying elevated premiums and can't afford another rate spike from an at-fault accident. Texas doesn't require this coverage, but insurers must offer it. For drivers 65 and older, who may face longer recovery times and higher medical costs, UM coverage provides critical protection during the high-risk period.
Not legally required
Full Coverage
If you still have a loan or lease, your lender will require collision and comprehensive coverage (often called full coverage). If your vehicle is paid off, you can drop these coverages to lower your premium—but weigh the savings against your vehicle's value and your ability to replace it out-of-pocket if it's totaled.
State-Mandated Minimum Coverage · Texas

Texas Minimum Coverage

CoverageMinimum
Bodily Injury (per person)$30,000,000
Bodily Injury (per accident)$60,000,000
Property Damage$25,000,000

License Reinstatement Fee$100

Meeting the state minimum keeps you legal. See whether it's enough — get your Texas quote.

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How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Texas?

Car insurance after a violation in Texas increases dramatically because you're now classified as a high-risk driver. DUI convictions typically raise premiums 80–200%, while suspended license violations increase rates 50–150%. Rates are highest in the first year after the violation and begin decreasing gradually as you maintain continuous coverage and move past the violation date—usually dropping more noticeably after 3–5 years.

What Affects Your Rate

  • Violation type—DUI convictions carry the highest surcharges, often 100–200% increases
  • Time since violation—rates drop gradually as you move 3, 5, and 7 years past the offense date
  • SR-22 duration remaining—some carriers reduce rates slightly once the filing requirement ends
  • City and ZIP code—urban areas like Houston and Dallas have higher base rates before violation surcharges
  • Age and driving history—drivers 65+ with otherwise clean records may see smaller increases than younger drivers with multiple violations
  • Carrier specialization—non-standard insurers often offer better rates for DUI drivers than standard carriers trying to exit the risk
Minimum Liability (30/60/25)
$150–$300/mo
State minimum coverage with SR-22 filing. Lowest premium option but provides minimal protection—if you cause an accident, you're personally liable for damages above these limits.
Standard Liability (50/100/50)
$200–$400/mo
Higher liability limits that better protect your assets during the high-risk period. Recommended for drivers 65+ with retirement savings, home equity, or other assets that could be at risk in a lawsuit.
Full Coverage
$300–$600/mo
Liability plus collision and comprehensive. Required if you have a loan or lease; optional otherwise. Premiums depend heavily on vehicle value, deductible, and your specific violation.

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