My brother-in-law recently found himself needing an SR-22 in Texas, and like most people in his situation, he was worried about sky-high insurance rates. He had heard that SR-22 car insurance could be twice as expensive as regular policies, but he wasn’t ready to pay outrageous prices just to stay on the road.
Determined to find a cheap SR-22 car insurance policy in Texas, he researched, compared quotes, and found ways to reduce his premium significantly. In the end, he saved over $1,200 per year while meeting the Texas SR-22 insurance requirements.
If you need affordable SR-22 insurance in Texas, this guide will help you:
Understand what an SR-22 is and why it’s required in Texas Find the cheapest SR-22 insurance companies Use proven strategies to lower your premium
What Is an SR-22 & Why Do You Need It in Texas?
An SR-22 is a certificate proving that you have the state-required minimum car insurance. It’s often required for high-risk drivers in Texas.
Who Needs an SR-22 in Texas?
- Drivers with a DUI/DWI conviction
- Drivers caught driving without insurance
- Drivers with multiple at-fault accidents
- Individuals with a license suspension or revocation
How Long Do You Need an SR-22 in Texas?
- Most drivers must carry an SR-22 for three years.
- If you let your insurance lapse, your three-year period restarts.
Example: My brother-in-law had to carry an SR-22 for three years after being caught driving without insurance in Texas.
How Much Does SR-22 Car Insurance Cost in Texas?
Texas already has higher-than-average car insurance rates, and adding an SR-22 makes it even more expensive.
| Coverage Type | Regular Insurance (Monthly) | SR-22 Insurance (Monthly) | Rate Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liability-Only Coverage | $90 – $150 | $150 – $300 | 60-100% |
| Full Coverage | $150 – $250 | $250 – $500 | 80-150% |
Example: My brother-in-law was paying $120/month for full coverage, but after needing an SR-22, his rate jumped to $270/month—until he found a more affordable option.
Cheapest SR-22 Car Insurance Companies in Texas
We compared top insurers in Texas that offer affordable SR-22 policies for high-risk drivers.
| Insurance Company | Best For | Estimated Monthly Cost (SR-22) |
|---|---|---|
| The General | Best for high-risk drivers | $140 – $280 |
| Dairyland | Best for SR-22 DUI cases | $150 – $310 |
| GEICO | Best for military & good drivers | $145 – $270 |
| Progressive | Best for flexible payment plans | $150 – $290 |
| State Farm | Best for bundling home & auto | $155 – $320 |
Quick Breakdown:
- The General & Dairyland: Best for drivers with DUIs or suspended licenses.
- GEICO & Progressive: Best for lower-cost SR-22 insurance for minor violations.
- State Farm: Best for drivers looking to bundle home & auto policies.
Example: My brother-in-law switched from Allstate to The General and saved $80 per month on his SR-22 policy.
How to Get a Cheap SR-22 Car Insurance Quote in Texas
Step 1: Compare SR-22 Quotes from Multiple Providers
Not all insurance companies charge the same rates for SR-22 coverage, so comparing multiple quotes is essential.
| Best Websites to Compare SR-22 Car Insurance in Texas |
|---|
| The Zebra – Compares 100+ insurance companies |
| Insurify – Best for high-risk driver quotes |
| Policygenius – Helps find bundling discounts |
Example: My brother-in-law used The Zebra and found that GEICO offered an SR-22 policy that was $60/month cheaper than his previous insurer.
Step 2: Adjust Your Coverage to Lower Costs
You need an SR-22, but that doesn’t mean you need the most expensive coverage.
Consider Liability-Only Coverage – If your car is worth less than $5,000, liability-only insurance can cut your costs in half. Increase Your Deductible – Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can save 10-20% per month.
| Deductible Amount | Estimated Monthly Savings |
|---|---|
| $500 → $1,000 | Save 10-15% per month |
| $1,000 → $2,500 | Save 15-25% per month |
Example: My brother-in-law increased his deductible to $1,000, which saved him $40 per month on his SR-22 policy.
Step 3: Look for Hidden Discounts
Even with an SR-22, you can still qualify for discounts to lower your premium.
Safe Driver Discount – Some insurers offer discounts after a violation-free period. Low-Mileage Discount – If you drive under 7,500 miles per year, save 5-15%. Bundling Discount – Save 10-25% by combining home & auto insurance. Defensive Driving Course Discount – Completing a course can save 5-15%.
Example: My brother-in-law took an online defensive driving course and saved $240 per year on his SR-22 policy.
Step 4: Consider Pay-Per-Mile Insurance If You Drive Less
If you don’t drive often, a pay-per-mile policy can be cheaper than standard SR-22 insurance.
| Pay-Per-Mile Provider | Best For | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Metromile | Low-mileage drivers | $300-$600 per year |
| Allstate Milewise | Occasional drivers | $200-$500 per year |
| Nationwide SmartMiles | Work-from-home individuals | $250-$550 per year |
Example: Since my brother-in-law only drives 6,000 miles per year, he switched to Metromile and saved $500 annually on his SR-22 policy.
Final Thoughts: How My Brother-in-Law Found Cheap SR-22 Insurance in Texas
After researching different providers, applying discounts, and adjusting his coverage, my brother-in-law was able to: Switch to a lower-cost insurance provider. Find an insurer that specializes in SR-22 filings. Take a defensive driving course to reduce his premium.
Final Cost Breakdown: Before Shopping Around: $270/month After Finding a Lower SR-22 Quote: $180/month Total Savings: $1,080 per year
Bottom Line: If you need cheap SR-22 car insurance in Texas, the best way to stay legally insured without overpaying is to: Compare multiple quotes from Texas SR-22 insurance providers. Adjust your coverage by increasing your deductible or choosing liability-only. Ask about discounts for defensive driving, bundling, and low mileage. Consider pay-per-mile insurance if you don’t drive often.
By following these steps, my brother-in-law cut his SR-22 car insurance bill by nearly 40%, proving that even high-risk drivers in Texas can still find affordable coverage!
* This article was originally published here