Drivers can sometimes need SR-22 insurance to be able to drive legally. Even though it’s for high-risk drivers, it’s possible to find cheap SR-22 insurance in Austin, Texas. Here’s some more information about SR-22 insurance in Austin, Texas, and how it works.
What Is SR=22 Insurance?
People sometimes call the SR2-2 form a certificate of financial responsibility. SR-22 insurance has the same minimum coverage requirements as other car insurance in Texas. The only difference is the insurance company must file an SR-22 form certifying to the state that their clients have the minimum amount of car insurance coverage required in Texas.
However, SR-22 insurance usually costs more because it involves people who have higher risks. How long people need an SR-22 depends on the violation, but the most common period of time is three years. People with an SR-22 form on file are ineligible for safe driver discounts in the state.
In Texas, people must have $30,000 in coverage for each injured person, with a limit of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 in coverage for property damage. If a police officer pulls you over and you don’t have proof of the minimum required insurance coverage, you could get a ticket. Drivers should be ready to present proof of insurance to law enforcement when requested, after an accident, and when renewing their vehicle registration.
Who Needs an SR-22?
In Texas, drivers who have had a high-risk traffic violation need an SR-22 form that confirms they meet the state’s minimum car insurance requirements. Violations can include reckless driving, driving under the influence, drug possession, a revoked or suspended license, or a civil judgment reached against you. The insurance company must notify the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) when an SR-22 policy is terminated, lapsed, or canceled. If an SR-22 is still required by the state, your license and registration could be suspended until you get a new policy and pay a $100 reinstatement fee for the SR-22 form.
What Types of SR-22 Insurance Are Available?
Non-owner SR-22 insurance, also called an operator’s certificate, is the cheapest, most convenient option for Texas drivers who don’t own their own cars. Anyone who regularly rents or borrows a car needs to file an SR-22 form. Non-owner SR-22 insurance is more affordable than insurance for car owners. An SR-22 owner’s certificate is for drivers who own their vehicles, and an SR-22 operator-owner certificate covers all vehicles that a person drives, whether they own them or not.
People convicted of driving without the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage in Texas could need to get an SR-22A instead of an SR-22. Both forms act as proof of minimum insurance coverage, but people must pay for an SR-22A policy at least six months in advance. Monthly payments aren’t allowed.
Cheap SR-22 Insurance in Austin, Texas
Cheap SR-22 insurance is available through several companies in Austin.
State Farm
State Farm calls its SR-22 insurance high-risk auto insurance. You can get discounts for taking a defensive driving course, trading in your vehicle for one with better safety features, and avoiding a ticket or accident for three years. State Farm’s network of local agents lets you discuss your needs with someone in person.
Progressive
Progressive often has lower rates than State Farm for people with a flawed driving record. Both companies offer discounts for good students. Progressive also offers discounts for:
- Continuous insurance coverage
- Enrolling in coverage online
- Paying for the entire policy in advance
- Owning a home
- Signing up for automatic payments
- Choosing paperless statements
Accident forgiveness for incidents that cost less than $500 starts as soon as you begin your policy. Forgiveness for large accidents starts when you stay with the company for five years and avoid accidents or traffic violations for at least three years.
Allstate
Allstate started in 1931, and it’s one of the biggest insurance companies in the United States. Along with standard SR-22 insurance, you can get additional coverage for custom equipment and reimbursement if you need a rental car while you wait for repairs to your vehicle. The company’s rideshare insurance covers you if you use your vehicle to earn extra money with Uber or Lyft. There’s also a pay-per-mile insurance rate that can help people who don’t drive often save money.
USAA
USAA is for veterans and active members of the United States military and their families. It offers cheaper rates than most other companies, even for SR-22 insurance, but only people associated with the military can join. People who use USAA can also get:
- Rental car discounts
- Moving discounts
- A discount for students who get good grades or parents of students
- A discount for vehicles in storage
- A discount for multiple vehicles
- A discount for low annual mileage
- A multi-policy discount for those with more than one type of insurance policy
GEICO
GEICO is one of the most affordable car insurance providers in Texas for SR-22 insurance. It started in 1936 as the Government Employees Insurance Company, and at first, it only served government employees. Today, anyone can get car insurance with GEICO, and it offers discounts for:
- Federal employees
- Military personnel
- Air bags
- Customer loyalty
- Anti-theft systems
- Daytime running lights
- Seat belt use
The company received 881 out of 1,000 points in J.D. Power’s 2021 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.
Factors That Influence Insurance Rates
While your driving history is important, many other variables can influence your insurance rates. Here are some of the factors insurance companies could consider:
- Age
- Credit history
- Insurance claims history
- ZIP code
- Marital status
- The cost of your vehicle
- Its safety features
To find cheap SR-22 insurance in Austin, Texas, that meets your needs, consider liability-only insurance if your vehicle wouldn’t cost much to replace. That way, you can keep your monthly rates low, even when you need an SR-22. Get quotes from the best-rated car insurance companies to compare rates and get a great deal.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
