The state of Texas leads the way in the number of DUI fatalities each year, and about 15% of all Texans drive uninsured. So it's no wonder so many folks have questions about Texas SR22 insurance requirements or are looking to get Texas cheapest car insurance quotes for SR22.

Before I go any further, I'll give you the Texas Department of Public Safety's (DPS) definition of an SR22:

"The SR-22 (insurance certificate) is a form prescribed by the department and issued by insurance companies when evidence of financial responsibility must be certified."

To put this in plain English, an insurance company authorized in Texas issues a form certifying that you're covered for the state minimum required liability insurance. They must send the form to the Texas DPS.

Of course, there's much more to it than that, such as the reasons why one would need an SR22 in the first place and how long it has to stay in effect. The answers to these and other commonly asked question are covered here.

1. What are the reasons for having to get an SR22 in Texas?

There are many reasons why you may need Texas SR22 insurance, but the common denominator is having to reinstate your license after it has been suspended. The causes for suspension may be drug or alcohol related, could involve traffic violations or a lack of insurance, or may be related to a crash in which you were uninsured.

Here are the conditions under which you may need Texas SR22 insurance:

• Conviction for Drug offenses triggers an automatic license suspension even if you weren't driving when the offense occurred. You'll need an SR22 plus certification that you've taken a drug education course within the 180 day suspension period.
  
• Alcohol convictions for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) can result in up to a two year suspension.
  
• If you're caught driving with a suspended, revoked or cancelled license, the court can add to the suspension time and require an SR22.
  
• Driving uninsured and getting caught for a second time. In Texas, a first conviction cost you between $175 and $350 in fines. Subsequent convictions could result in fines of $350 to $1,000, suspension of your driver’s license and registration and impoundment of your vehicle. You'll need the SR22 to get reinstated.
  
• Getting into a car crash while not insured, if the crash happened on a highway or public intersection and caused a fatal injury or property damage of $1000 or more. In this case you'll need an SR22 and SR22a
  

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2. How Long are you required to maintain SR22 insurance in Texas?

In most states you have to keep your SR22 coverage for 3 years, but Texas is different, requiring only a 2 year period. This would be 2 years from the date of crash, conviction, or rendered judgment. The coverage cannot lapse or be cancelled and the insurance company is required to notify the DPS if it does.


3. What happens if I cancel the last three months of my SR 22 insurance policy in the state of Texas? If I don't get pulled over or in an accident, am I in the clear after the 3 month period?

Not likely. Texas has an Insurance Verification Program called "TexasSure". Assembled cooperatively by the Texas departments of Insurance, Transportation and Public Safety, it is an automated database that quickly identifies car owners who don't have mandatory insurance coverage.

If the DOP gets a red flag from TexasSure that your coverage is unconfirmed or there is no record on file, your SR22 insurance will no longer be considered valid.

Plus, if your insurance company notifies the DOP (which is part of their responsibility for providing an SR22) of a lapse or cancellation, you're also in hot water.

In either case, your driving privilege and vehicle registration are suspended and you have to start your 2-year period all over again with a new Texas SR22 insurance policy.


4. I have an SR-22 for the state of Texas and I was wondering what the procedure would be to remove it? My two years are up!

Your insurance carrier will need to file a form SR-26 (cancellation of SR-22 insurance certificate) and you may have to remind them to do this. Some companies will ask for documentation from the DOP that it's OK to remove the SR22.

Note that an SR26 can trigger a license suspension by the DOP if they think your SR22 should still be in effect. So it's a good idea to contact the Texas DOP to be certain the SR22 requirement is over.


5. If live in Texas but I do not drive or own a vehicle do I still need to purchase SR-22 insurance, and if so, why?

Whether you own or drive a car doesn't matter if the state is mandating that you obtain SR22 insurance in order to get your license reinstated. The SR22 shows that you have sufficient coverage if you do decide to drive.

If you don't have a car you can get a non-owner's SR22 insurance policy. Non-owner policies allow the driver named on the policy to drive any vehicle that a vehicle owner gives them permission to drive.


6. What's an SR22a policy?

Texas is one of only 3 states that has an SR22a policy, which is a certificate required of repeat violators of financial responsibility laws. It certifies that you have prepaid your insurance for a full 6 months.


7. I currently have a full coverage insurance policy that I'm very happy with. My insurance company doesn't offer SR22 insurance. Can I keep my policy and buy the SR22 from another company?

In short, no. If you already have insurance and they won't issue an SR22, you must cancel that policy and purchase a policy with an insurance company that does.


8. Which Insurance companies offer Texas SR22 insurance and who's cheapest?

Not all companies offer this type of coverage. If your company doesn't, and they learn about your license suspension, they may cancel your policy without notice. So it's important to find out if you're covered. If not, or if the rates seem unreasonable, it's time to shop around.

When time is of the essence, the internet is definitely the fastest, most convenient way to get Texas cheapest car insurance quotes for SR22 from as many companies as possible provided you follow a few simple rules.

First, make sure the company you're considering has a good rating. You can check this online with a company like J.D. Power. Second, make sure they're financially sound. (Standard and Poors is a good reference for this).

Then, even if you choose not to purchase online, you can use any quotes you get to bargain for a better rate for Texas SR22 with a local agent (print them out and bring them with you, of course).

Once you know you've got a reputable company who's financially sound, you can get back on the road and start rebuilding that driving record!