A DWI conviction in Texas comes with consequences beyond fines and jail time. One requirement that often catches people off guard is mandatory SR-22 insurance, which proves continuous liability coverage to the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS). This requirement can significantly impact your finances and driving privileges for years.
Working with an experienced Dallas DWI Defense Lawyer can help you understand SR-22 requirements, avoid costly mistakes, and protect your ability to drive legally.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we’ve handled over 6,000 criminal cases and understand how DWI consequences extend far beyond the courtroom.
If you’re facing DWI charges or need help navigating SR-22 requirements, call (972) 528-0116 for experienced legal guidance.
What Is SR-22 Insurance After a DWI in Texas?
SR-22 is not an insurance policy—it’s a certificate your insurance company files with the Texas Department of Public Safety to prove you carry minimum liability coverage. Texas requires SR-22 filing after DWI convictions because these offenses classify you as a high-risk driver.
Unlike regular insurance, SR-22 certificates create direct communication between your insurer and TxDPS. If your coverage lapses, your insurance company must immediately notify the state, triggering automatic license suspension.
Texas SR-22 Insurance Requirements After a DWI
Who Must File an SR-22?
Texas law mandates SR-22 filing for:
DWI-Related Requirements:
- DWI convictions (first-time and repeat offenses)
- DWI with accident causing bodily injury
Other High-Risk Violations:
- Driving without insurance
- Multiple traffic violations within short periods
- License suspension for accumulating points
- Certain reckless driving convictions
The Texas Department of Public Safety determines SR-22 requirements based on your specific violation and driving history.
Minimum Liability Coverage in Texas
SR-22 certificates must prove you maintain Texas minimum liability insurance:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury per person | $30,000 |
| Bodily injury per accident | $60,000 |
| Property damage per accident | $25,000 |
These amounts represent the bare minimum required by law. Many insurance professionals recommend higher coverage limits, especially given Texas’s reputation for expensive accident claims.
Types of SR-22 Certificates in Texas
Operator’s SR-22
- Covers you while driving any vehicle
- Required when you don’t own a vehicle
- Most common type for DWI offenses
Owner’s SR-22
- Covers a specific vehicle you own
- Anyone can drive your covered vehicle
- Required when you own the vehicle involved in violation
Owner-Operator’s SR-22
- Combines both coverage types
- Most comprehensive protection
- Typically required for serious violations
Non-Owner SR-22 Policies
If you don’t own a vehicle but need SR-22 filing, non-owner policies provide liability coverage when driving borrowed or rental vehicles. These policies typically cost less than traditional coverage while fulfilling TxDPS requirements.
How Long Must You Keep SR-22 After a DWI in Texas?
Most Texas DWI convictions require 2 years of continuous SR-22 coverage. The exact period depends on your specific case, but the standard requirement is two years from the date of conviction or when judgment was rendered.
Continuous coverage is mandatory without any lapses during the required period. Even 24-hour gaps trigger penalties including immediate license suspension, $100-$250 reinstatement fees, and potentially extended SR-22 requirements.
The Texas Department of Public Safety receives automatic notifications when coverage ends.
Cost of SR-22 Insurance After a DWI in Texas
Filing Fees and Premium Increases
SR-22 filing fees typically range from $15-$50 as a one-time charge. However, DWI convictions significantly impact insurance costs beyond the filing fee, with Texas drivers typically seeing premium increases of 100-300% after convictions.
| Driver Profile | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Clean record | $85-$120 |
| Post-DWI with SR-22 | $180-$380 |
| Multiple violations | $300-$500+ |
Factors That Affect Cost
Driver-Specific Factors:
- Age (younger drivers pay more)
- Previous violations
- Credit score (where legally considered)
- ZIP code and local claim rates
Policy Factors:
- Coverage limits above minimum
- Deductible amounts
- Additional coverages (comprehensive, collision)
- Insurance company’s DWI penalty structure
Tips to Manage SR-22 Costs
Shop Multiple Insurers: Different companies have varying DWI penalties, with some specializing in high-risk coverage offering competitive rates.
Defensive Driving Courses: Texas-approved courses may qualify for discounts.
Bundle Policies: Combining auto and renters/homeowners insurance often reduces costs.
Higher Deductibles and Clean Record: These strategies can help reduce premiums over time.
What Happens If You Don’t Maintain SR-22 Coverage?
Failing to maintain continuous SR-22 coverage creates immediate consequences:
- Automatic license suspension with electronic notification to TxDPS
- $100-$250 reinstatement fees plus administrative costs
- Extended requirements – lapses often restart or extend your SR-22 period
- Legal consequences – driving with suspended license becomes Driving While License Invalid (DWLI), a Class C misdemeanor for first-time offenders (fines up to $500), or Class B misdemeanor for DWI-related suspensions (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fines)
How a Texas DWI Affects Car Insurance Overall
DWI convictions impact insurance beyond SR-22 requirements, with insurance companies classifying DWI offenders as high-risk drivers for typically 3-5 years.
Policy Changes: Many insurers cancel policies immediately after DWI convictions or refuse renewal, forcing you into the high-risk market with limited options and higher costs.
Market Limitations: Most preferred insurance companies won’t write new policies for recent DWI offenders, limiting options to non-standard/high-risk insurers, state assigned risk pools, or specialty DWI insurance companies that charge significantly higher premiums.
Legal Help With SR-22 Requirements & DWI Consequences
Navigating SR-22 requirements while dealing with DWI consequences requires experienced legal guidance. The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy have successfully defended over 1,000 dismissed cases in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including many that avoided or minimized SR-22 requirements.
How Legal Representation Helps
Case Dismissal or Reduction: Successfully defending your DWI case eliminates or reduces SR-22 requirements. Our firm has achieved dismissals in cases with breath test results as high as 0.224 (Case MB0453171) and multiple refusal cases.
Administrative License Protection: Texas DWI process includes separate civil proceedings that can be challenged independently from criminal charges.
SR-22 Compliance Guidance: We help clients understand filing requirements, choose appropriate coverage types, and maintain compliance throughout the required period.
Violation Defense: If accused of SR-22 violations or related charges, experienced representation protects your driving privileges and prevents extended requirements.
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy have successfully defended numerous DWI cases that helped clients avoid or minimize SR-22 requirements. Our firm’s track record includes dismissed cases, reduced charges, and not guilty verdicts that can eliminate the need for SR-22 filing entirely.
Each successful defense potentially saves clients thousands in insurance costs and years of SR-22 requirements.
Protect Your Driving Privileges and Financial Future
SR-22 requirements create long-term financial burdens extending far beyond initial DWI penalties. Proper legal representation offers the best opportunity to avoid or minimize these expensive consequences.
The experienced Dallas DWI lawyers at the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy understand both criminal defense and administrative aspects of Texas DWI cases, addressing immediate charges while protecting future driving privileges.
Contact our team at (972) 528-0116 for a consultation about your DWI case and SR-22 requirements. With over 35 years of combined experience, we’re committed to protecting your rights and minimizing long-term consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get SR-22 insurance if I don’t own a car?
Yes, non-owner SR-22 policies provide required proof of financial responsibility for people who don’t own vehicles but need coverage when driving borrowed or rental cars.
What happens if I move to another state during my SR-22 period?
SR-22 requirements typically transfer between states, but specific rules vary. You must notify TxDPS of your address change and may need new filing in your new state.
Can I remove SR-22 filing early for good behavior?
No, Texas law requires completing the full SR-22 period regardless of clean driving during the requirement period. Early removal isn’t available.
Does SR-22 cover passengers in my vehicle?
SR-22 certificates prove liability coverage that protects others injured in accidents you cause, including passengers in your vehicle and other vehicles.