Hello, from Dallas, TX. In my state, is there a specific option to fulfill an SR22 for auto insurance coverage?

Gene

Dallas, TX

Thanks for asking, Gene. That’s a good question. As you know, an SR22 certificate in Dallas Texas is a document that is required as proof of insurance by way of a certificate filed under the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for persons charged for a certain violation.

Generally, there are 2 options within the state of Texas to fulfill the SR22 requirement and get your license reinstated or avoid getting your driver’s license suspended. In either of the following cases, Texas State minimum liability insurance limits must be maintained and followed. First, you can insure your vehicle (either a scooter, motorcycle, car or truck) in a traditional manner, and accomplish the SR22 as an attachment to the policy. This can be accomplished with liability-only or full coverage, depending on the age and type of your automobile. The second option is to obtain a non-owner policy with the liability limits applied to you, and with coverage for vehicles that you drive but do not possess. This non-owner SR22 (or named operator SR22) can also be used if you own a vehicle and already have an existing coverage in place. This way you will not have to involve your existing insurance company, and you can still take care of your license problem. This case will also apply if you are not a resident of Texas, but have moving violations within the state from past incidents.

I was convicted with a DWI in Dallas, Texas. I have had full coverage on my car for five years and it was in effect the day of the conviction. Am I required to carry an sr22 in conjunction with my current car insurance policy, which I have never never lapse?

John

Dallas, TX

If you are charged of the DWI and had your license suspended by the state of Texas for this offense then the answer is yes an normally you would now be required to get and carry an SR-22 as part of your driver’s license reinstatement process.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) states that a conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically results in a license suspension or revocation, which time period varies by court but may not exceed two years. A conviction of a DWI for someone under the age of 21 will result in an automatic suspension for a year per Texas Transportation Code 521.344.

A: An SR22 is a form that must be filed by your car insurance company if you choose to restore your license after a suspension. The SR-22 is, essentially, meant to keep the Texas Department of Public Safety updated on the status of your insurance.

After you have your license suspended, you have a probationary period where you must constantly submit proof of insurance–here is where the SR-22 comes in–and if you fail to have insurance coverage, then your license will be suspended again.