SR-22 insurance is much more expensive than regular car insurance. On average, SR-22 Insurance costs $3,877 a year, almost double the cost of standard car insurance. California has the highest SR-22 insurance, at $7,806 a year, and New Hampshire has the cheapest, at $2,285 yearly.
Despite the high cost of SR-22 insurance, the premium increase is not due to the SR-22 form filing itself but the reason for the SR-22 requirement. The filing of the form is a small administrative fee of around $20. But if you need an SR-22, you pay $2,004 more yearly for auto insurance.
The increased amount depends on the violation that triggered the SR-22 requirement. Suppose you need an SR-22 certificate because of a DUI. In that case, you pay more for car insurance primarily because of the DUI, not the SR-22 itself.
Why is SR-22 Insurance so Expensive?
SR-22 insurance is expensive, NOT because of the SR-22 filing itself, but because of the high-risk driver who requires it. An SR-22 is not a type of insurance but rather a certificate that confirms to the state that a driver carries the minimum required coverage. It’s usually required after a serious traffic violation such as a DUI, reckless driving, multiple at-fault accidents, or no insurance. Since these infractions mean a higher risk, insurance companies charge more to cover those drivers.
Insurance companies look at your driving history, and those who need an SR-22 are considered more likely to file claims. Some insurance companies won’t insure high-risk drivers, but others specialize in policies for those who need an SR-22 certificate. Since insurers expect more claims from high-risk drivers, they offset their risk by increasing rates for SR-22 insurance. However, the actual SR-22 filing costs only a small administrative fee of around $20.
The amount of the rate increase depends on why you need the SR-22. Suppose the SR-22 relates to a driving offense such as a DUI or multiple violations. In that case, the auto insurance rates will reflect that. If a judge requires an SR-22 for a non-driving offense such as unpaid child support, it does not impact your car insurance rates.
How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost?
The cost of the SR-22 itself is very low, with a one-time filing fee typically between $15 and $50, depending on the state and the incident. Most drivers pay around $25 for the filing, which covers the administrative cost of the insurance company submitting the form to the state. In most cases, this is a one-time fee, and you won’t have to pay it again unless your policy lapses. If that happens, you’ll need your insurer to file a new SR-22 form and pay the fee again when you get a new policy.
While the filing fee is low, the actual cost comes from the increased car insurance rates caused by the violation that triggered the SR-22 requirement. On average, SR-22 drivers see their rates go up by 14%. Still, they can range from 2% to 187% depending on location, driving record, and nature of the offense.
For example, in California, an SR-22 can nearly double your insurance rates, while in Oklahoma, the rate increase is around 50%.
For drivers with a DUI, the cost for SR-22 insurance is high, around $323 a month or $3,877 a year. But there is no set increase, as auto insurance rates are calculated based on various factors, including your history, vehicle type, and where you live. Incidents that show high-risk behavior, such as DUIs, multiple at-fault accidents, or reckless driving, will generally result in higher rate increases.
Some insurers may also require policyholders with an SR-22 to pay the full premium upfront for the entire term rather than monthly. This is because high-risk drivers are a greater financial risk to insurers, and requiring full payment helps mitigate the risk of policy cancellations or lapses.
Ultimately, the only way to know how much SR-22 insurance will cost is to get a personalized quote based on your situation.
How Does SR-22 Affect Car Insurance Rates in Different States?
SR-22 car insurance rates for drivers needing an SR-22 vary by state, with some states only adding a slight increase and others a large one.
For example, North Carolina drivers needing an SR-22 see an average annual rate increase of 323%. In comparison, Massachusetts sees an average increase of 112%.
We’ve looked at SR-22 insurance costs in all 50 states and DC and found a wide range of annual premiums. New Hampshire has the lowest average cost, at $2,285, and California has one of the highest average costs, at $7,806. Suppose you live in a high-cost state like Michigan, California, or North Carolina. In that case, finding cheap SR-22 insurance is even more critical.
The average annual SR-22 cost in all 50 states is listed below.
Some states require an SR-22 even if you don’t own a car or before you can reinstate a suspended license. In those cases, a non-owner car insurance policy might be cheaper to meet state minimum requirements.
The SR-22 filing fee is only $25, but the increase in car insurance premiums makes shopping around for the best rates essential. We can help you find SR-22 insurance rates in your state. Contact us today to get the Cheapest SR-22 insurance coverage right for you.
Who Needs an SR-22 and Why?
“SR” stands for “Safety Responsibility.” An SR-22 is needed for risky drivers convicted of serious traffic violations. It must show the state they are maintaining the necessary insurance coverage while working to regain good standing. Not a type of auto insurance, an SR-22 is often required to reinstate driving privileges after a suspension or revocation.
Each state has different SR-22 requirements; some, like Delaware, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania, don’t require them. However, the circumstances that trigger an SR-22 can vary in the states that do.
The most common reasons a court or state might require an SR-22 are listed below.
- DUI/DWI Conviction – One of the worst offenses, a DUI often results in license suspension, fines, and mandatory SR-22 filing before reinstatement.
- Reckless or Negligent Driving – Convictions for reckless driving, excessive speeding, or other serious moving violations may require an SR-22.
- Multiple Traffic Offenses – Accumulating several driving violations in a short period can classify a driver as high-risk and require an SR-22 to continue driving legally.
- Driving Without Insurance – If caught driving without liability insurance, the state may require an SR-22 to ensure future compliance and proof of insurance.
- Being Involved in an Uninsured Accident – If you are involved in an accident while uninsured, an SR-22 may be required before your driving privileges can be reinstated.
- License Suspension or Revocation—Many states require an SR-22 as proof of financial responsibility to reinstate a suspended or revoked license.
- Applying for a Probationary Permit or Hardship License – Some states require an SR-22 for those seeking limited driving privileges during suspension.
- Outstanding Child Support Payments – Sometimes, a court may order an SR-22 for individuals who have failed to meet child support obligations.
The SR-22 filing period varies by state and violation, typically three to five years. If an auto insurance policy lapses during this time frame, you’ll have to restart the filing period and may face additional penalties. Also, Florida and Virginia use an FR-44 instead of an SR-22 for certain alcohol-related offenses. The FR-44 requires higher liability limits than the SR-22.
Since each state has different SR-22 requirements, check with your state’s DMV or a licensed insurance provider to find out what you need.
How to Get Cheap SR-22 Insurance Quotes
Finding Cheap SR-22 insurance with Insurance Navy makes the process easy! Getting car insurance after an SR-22 requirement can be challenging since car insurance rates are high for three to five years after a major traffic violation. However, there are ways to cut insurance costs and find the best rates during and after the SR-22 period.
Compare Multiple Insurance Quotes
One of the best ways to lower SR-22 insurance costs is to shop around and compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurance providers. Insurance companies assess risk differently, so the cost of the same violation can vary significantly from one company to another. For example, one auto insurance company may increase rates moderately for a DUI, while another may charge more. You can find the company that offers the best rate for your situation by getting multiple insurance quotes.
When getting a car insurance quote, make sure the insurance company offers SR-22 filings and ask about any discounts. Some insurance providers offer lower rates for bundling multiple policies, having a clean driving record after the SR-22 period, or by taking a defensive driving course.
Follow State Minimum Insurance Requirements
The DMV or court imposing your SR-22 requirement will tell you the minimum auto insurance coverage you must have. This lets you compare policies that meet your legal requirements while staying within your budget. If you live in a state with lower auto insurance costs, you may even be able to afford coverage above the minimum limits for extra financial protection.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record
SR-22 insurance costs decrease if you don’t get more traffic tickets or at-fault accidents. Good driving behavior can lower your risk profile and reduce your insurance premiums after the first year of your new policy.
Some insurance companies offer discounts for a clean driving record. Review your rates before your policy renewal or switch to a different insurance provider with lower insurance rates.
Review Your Options
As you near the end of your first year with an SR-22, request a rate review from your current insurer. If they don’t offer a lower rate, shop with other providers to see if you qualify for a better price. Since insurers adjust their rates based on risk assessment models, switching companies may save you money as you work towards reinstating a regular policy.
SR-22 insurance is initially expensive, but following these tips can help you find the cheapest coverage and lower costs.
What is Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance?
If you need an SR-22 but don’t own a vehicle, Non-owner SR-22 Insurance is the way to go. This type of policy covers you as a driver when driving someone else’s car so that you can meet your SR-22 filing requirements without a standard auto insurance policy.
Is Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance a Cheaper Option?
Yes, non-owner SR-22 insurance is cheaper than a regular SR-22 policy. You’d think driving someone else’s car would be more risky. Still, non-owner insurance policies are cheaper because you use the car less.
Since you don’t have daily access to a car, you’re on the road much less, which means fewer chances of filing a claim. So, non-owner SR-22 insurance is cheaper than a standard policy.
Why Should I Get Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance?
Non-owner SR-22 insurance is an excellent option for those without a vehicle, especially after a license suspension or revocation. Many people sell their cars in such situations, so a standard car insurance policy isn’t necessary. A non-owner insurance policy ensures you have proof of insurance when borrowing a car for occasional use, like when driving a friend’s or family member’s car.
But there are some restrictions to keep in mind. You’re not eligible for a non-owner SR-22 policy if:
- Someone in your household owns a vehicle you have access to.
- You must use an ignition interlock device as part of your reinstatement process.
How to Get Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Finding non-owner SR-22 insurance is the same as finding a regular SR-22 policy. Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to get the best rate, and make sure the insurance company you choose offers SR-22 filings in your state. This budget-friendly option will help you meet state requirements while lowering car insurance costs.
Get A Free SR-22 Quote Online Today!
Driving without insurance can lead to hefty penalties and financial risk if you get into an accident. Many states require an SR-22 for drivers caught uninsured or convicted of serious offenses like DUIs or reckless driving to show they meet minimum coverage requirements. Typically good for three years, having an SR-22 on file requires continuous coverage, so check your state’s laws and insurer for guidance.
SR-22 insurance has higher premiums, depending on the severity and location of the offense. Compare multiple providers before you buy to find the best coverage for your situation.
At Insurance Navy, our agents help drivers get cheaper SR-22 insurance. Whether dealing with a DUI or other serious traffic violations, getting the right SR-22 policy is key to getting a better driving record.
Call us at 888-949-6289 to speak with an insurance agent or get a free online quote today to find the best car insurance coverage at the cheapest rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SR-22 Insurance the Same as DUI Insurance?
SR-22 and DUI insurance are often used interchangeably but refer to different aspects of high-risk driver coverage. SR-22 insurance is not a policy type but a certification proving you have the required liability coverage. The state usually requires this certificate for people convicted of serious driving offenses, including DUIs. DUI insurance is a high-risk auto policy that insurers offer drivers with a DUI conviction, which usually requires an SR-22 filing. Suppose a cop checks your record and finds an SR-22. In that case, it means you meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements, and you are financially responsible in case of an accident.
Why Is the Cost of SR-22 Coverage More Expensive Than a Standard Policy?
Insurance companies consider drivers who need an SR-22 high-risk because of their previous traffic violations or infractions, such as DUIs, reckless driving, or multiple accidents. The risk associated with these drivers is higher, so the premiums are higher to offset the likelihood of future claims. Some insurers may impose policy surcharges, require bigger down payments, or limit coverage options for drivers who need an SR-22.
What Factors Affect SR-22 Costs the Most?
Driving history is the most significant factor affecting SR-22 insurance costs; DUIs, at-fault accidents, and license suspensions increase premiums. State-specific SR-22 requirements, credit history, driver age and experience, vehicle type, and insurer pricing models also affect rates. Comparing insurance providers is the best way of finding cheaper rates.
Can I Switch My Auto Insurance Company to Lower SR-22 Insurance Costs?
Shopping around with different auto insurance providers can lower costs since companies use different underwriting criteria to assess risk. High-risk drivers, including SR-22 drivers, benefit from comparing multiple quotes because insurers apply different pricing models, discount structures, and policy terms. Switching providers can result in significant savings, primarily if the new insurer specializes in high-risk policies.
Does a Single DUI Increase SR-22 Premiums by a Lot?
Yes, a DUI conviction is one of the most severe violations in an insurer’s risk assessment process, and it increases premiums significantly. Insurers classify DUI offenders as high-risk because of the higher likelihood of claims and financial liability. On average, premiums can increase by 50% to 100% or more after a DUI conviction, depending on the insurer and state regulations.
Can I Get Insurance Discounts even with an SR-22?
Yes, drivers with an SR-22 can still take advantage of discounts to lower their insurance costs. Completing a defensive driving course, installing safety features like anti-theft devices, and bundling auto insurance with other policies can reduce premiums. Having a good credit score in applicable states can also help, as can having a clean driving record over time, which may lead to lower rates.
Can I Choose a Higher Deductible to Lower SR-22 Insurance Rates?
Yes, choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly car insurance rates. You are assuming more financial responsibility in case of an accident. However, raising your deductible means bigger out-of-pocket expenses in case of a claim. Drivers should balance short-term savings with their ability to pay a higher deductible if an accident happens.
