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.

I Was Arrested For Drunk Driving Now Need To File For SR22 Insurance?

Reader question:

A couple of days, I got arrested for drunk driving and now I have to file an SR 22 form. What is it? Thing is, I’m going to be getting a new car. Will I have trouble getting it financed because of my SR 22 insurance requirement?

Becca

You shouldn’t.

The SR 22 auto insurance form doesn’t do much at all to hurt you except that it makes your car insurance rates go up, except for in special circumstances when your car insurance company allows you forgiveness for your very first drunk driving offense. It is, essentially, a form that the company must file so that the state has proof that you are covered by an auto insurance policy. In most states, you are required to have an auto insurance policy anyway, but the SR 22 helps these states keep track of you in this special case so that if you cancel your auto insurance, the department of public safety is notified so that your license may be suspended.

A new car can easily be financed while you are using SR 22 auto insurance, because the only thing that the financer looks at is whether or not you have the right kind of coverage. All they want to know is that, if you get into a car accident and have to make a car insurance claim, they will still get their paycheck for the amount of the loan. I do think I should call into question how wise it would be to finance a new car while you have SR 22 auto insurance, just considering what the rates would be. Already, SR 22 auto insurance rates are much higher than usual, as are those for new car insurance. Putting the two together might be a hard hit on your budget.

Cheers,

Fashun Guadarrama.