SR22 insurance is a type of car insurance required for certain high-risk drivers in certain states, including Texas. SR22 also referred to as “financial responsibility certification,” must be filed with the state in order to obtain or retain a driver’s license. In Texas, any vehicle registered in your name requires an SR22 filing if the driver has been convicted of driving without insurance or other serious violations such as DWI or reckless driving.
In general, all motor vehicles are required to have some form of car insurance coverage. This includes cars, trucks, vans, trailers, and motorcycles. While it’s possible to get away with no insurance at all on these types of vehicles and still legally operate them on public roads, that doesn’t mean you should take this risk; failure to obtain the proper coverage could incur heavy penalties and fees.
When it comes to SR22 requirements specifically, however, not all vehicles require the same level of coverage. There are three different types of vehicles that may require SR22 insurance in Texas:
Personally owned passenger vehicles (such as cars and SUVs)
Non-owned private passenger vehicles (such as rental cars)
Commercial motor vehicles (such as trucks)
For personally-owned passenger vehicles registered in Texas, drivers convicted of uninsured driving or other serious violations must obtain an SR-22 filing from their insurer that shows they meet the minimum state financial responsibility requirements. The filing will remain active for three years, after which time a new policy must be purchased if the driver wishes to keep their license active. Some insurers may provide discounts for drivers who maintain an SR-22 policy for more than one year without making any claims during that period; this helps offset some of the costs associated with having an SR-22 policy.
For non-owned private passenger vehicles, such as rental cars used in Texas and commercial motor vehicles, such as trucks and buses used for commercial purposes or by those transporting hazardous materials, an operator must submit evidence of financial responsibility directly to the Department of Public Safety rather than obtaining an SR-22 filing from an insurer. The operator must then carry proof of their financial responsibility at all times while operating these types of vehicles on public roads; failure to do so can result in fines and other penalties, including suspension or revocation of license privileges.
It’s important to note that although some states may require proof of financial responsibility—such as through an SR-22 filing—none actually require specific types or amounts of car insurance coverage itself beyond what is considered minimum liability limits according to each individual state’s laws; however, most motorists choose higher levels than these minimums since they provide much greater protection against potential losses associated with accidents involving third parties such as bodily injury expenses and property damage costs. In any event, understanding what types of vehicles require SR22 insurance—as well as what level is necessary—will help ensure you stay compliant with state law while protecting yourself from financial risks associated with operating a motor vehicle on public roads.