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.