How Long Do You Have To Carry Texas SR22 Insurance

Reader’s Question:

How long do you have to carry an SR22 in the state of Texas? What if I don’t own a car, are you still required to get it?

Gerry

Houston TX

In Texas like in most states, an SR-22 is a certificate of insurance that provide proof of insurance for the future to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). This Texas SR22 insurance is not automatically considered as a “high risk” insurance. This is a certificate that requires the insurer to certify insurance coverage to the Texas DPS, and the insurer must inform the Texas Department of Public Safety whenever the insurance policy is canceled, terminated or lapses. If you let your SR22 lapse or canceled and the DPS has been notified, your drivers license will be suspended.

Generally, the Texas SR-22 insurance is required to be kept for 2 years from the date of the accident, conviction or court ruling was rendered. You may be able to read this at Texas Transportation Code 601.056.

If you do not own a vehicle in Texas, you can still get this type of insurance. There is a type called non owner SR22 for individuals who do not own a vehicle. You can get this from any insurance agent who is authorized to write Texas SR22 insurance for the State of Texas.

The Texas minimum liability amounts are as follows:

1. $25,000 for bodily injury per person per accident
2. $50,000 for bodily injury of two or more person per accident
3. $25,000 for property damage per accident

If you will be needing to get a Texas Sr22 insurance, it would be easier to get a quote first online. Insurance companies have different rating system that is why is is wise to shop for quotes and get the most affordable SR22 insurance from a reputable company in the state of Texas.

Arrested For DUI? Texas SR22 Form Requirements

Reader question:

I was arrested for DUI and now they tell me that I have to file a Texas SR22 form. Thing is, I don’t own a car. Do I still have to get the SR22?

Jack

You definitely do.

Texas SR22 auto insurance is like all other types of insurance in that anytime someone who is required to have it is driving, they need to be insured it. When you don’t have to have SR22 car insurance, normally you can get by driving without your own insurance policy if you don’t own a car if you stick to driving the cars of friends who already have their own insurance policy for the vehicle. This works because a car insurance policy already covers most people who would drive that vehicle, be they friends of the owner or family members.

The difference between a regular insurance policy and an SR22 insurance policy in this case is that, unlike regular auto insurance, which is connected to the vehicle, the SR22 insurance is connected to you. You, as the person who was arrested for driving under the influence, have to have an SR22 car insurance policy, even if by some magical coincidence the car you are driving is owned by someone who also has a Texas SR22 auto insurance policy.

In order to get SR22 auto insurance while you do not have a car, you have to get an SR22 form filed for a non owner’s liability insurance policy. The non owner’s insurance policy is unfortunately lacking in optional coverage, which is disheartening for the driver that has to use one, but it is necessary if you do not have a vehicle registered under your own name. This SR22 non owner’s insurance policy covers only the damage you cause, the liability required by state. This includes things such as property damage and injury caused to the other driver and their property. Unfortunately, you can not add additional coverages such as collision and comprehensive, so the car that you’re driving isn’t protected unless the owner has it insured.

Cheers,

Fashun Guadarrama.