What Is SR-22 Insurance?
SR-22 insurance proves you have at least the minimum amount of liability car insurance your state makes you carry after a license suspension.
If your license is suspended due to a DUI, another traffic violation or many violations in a short period of time, you may need to file an SR-22 form with your local DMV. This form acts as proof of financial responsibility.
How does SR-22 insurance work?
SR-22 car insurance refers to the liability insurance limits you’re required to carry if you have an SR-22 form attached to your driving record. These limits are the minimum-required amounts of coverage set by your state.
What is an SR-22 form?
An SR-22 form, also known as an SR-22 bond or certificate of financial responsibility, is a document your car insurance company files on your behalf with your state’s department of motor vehicles.
Reasons you may need an SR-22 include:
- Conviction of a DUI or DWI
- Conviction of reckless driving
- Multiple moving violations in a short period of time
- Driving without auto insurance
You need to maintain the SR-22 for a certain period of time set by your state. This period of time is usually three to five years, but it may be longer in some states.
If you let your insurance policy lapse during the period you carry the SR-22, your insurance company will notify your local DMV. The DMV can levy penalties for an SR-22 lapse that include another license suspension and payment of a reinstatement fee for another SR-22. Also, the period you have to carry the SR-22 may start all over again.
When the time period you need to carry the SR-22 ends, contact your DMV to verify it. Then contact your car insurance company and let them know you no longer need the SR-22. They’ll verify that you no longer need it, fill out an SR-26 cancellation form and submit it to the required parties.
What’s the difference between an SR-22 and an FR-44?
An FR-44 differs from an SR-22 in that an FR-44 form requires you to carry higher liability limits than your state requires. FR-44 forms are only used in Florida and Virginia.
How much is SR-22 insurance?
A full-coverage car insurance policy after an SR-22 costs $3,626 a year, on average. This is 84% higher than the national average rate of $1,972 a year for drivers with a clean record.
Full-coverage car insurance after an SR-22 by state
| State | Average annual rate | Average rate after an SR-22 | Rate difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,979 | $3,135 | 58% |
| Alaska | $1,635 | $2,740 | 68% |
| Arizona | $2,683 | $4,307 | 61% |
| Arkansas | $1,879 | $3,170 | 69% |
| California | $1,867 | $5,138 | 175% |
| Colorado | $2,542 | $4,021 | 58% |
| Connecticut | $2,346 | $5,534 | 136% |
| Delaware | $2,482 | $4,552 | 83% |
| Florida | $2,990 | $4,955 | 66% |
| Georgia | $1,832 | $3,872 | 111% |
| Hawaii | $1,643 | $5,305 | 223% |
| Idaho | $1,227 | $2,545 | 107% |
| Illinois | $2,109 | $3,364 | 60% |
| Indiana | $1,511 | $2,475 | 64% |
| Iowa | $1,663 | $3,110 | 87% |
| Kansas | $1,991 | $3,857 | 94% |
| Kentucky | $2,295 | $4,605 | 101% |
| Louisiana | $2,719 | $5,348 | 97% |
| Maine | $1,100 | $2,314 | 110% |
| Maryland | $2,051 | $3,627 | 77% |
| Massachusetts | $2,068 | $3,386 | 64% |
| Michigan | $4,638 | $8,729 | 88% |
| Minnesota | $1,884 | $3,826 | 103% |
| Mississippi | $1,796 | $3,623 | 102% |
| Missouri | $1,908 | $2,983 | 56% |
| Montana | $2,174 | $3,588 | 65% |
| Nebraska | $1,909 | $3,472 | 82% |
| Nevada | $2,958 | $5,086 | 72% |
| New Hampshire | $1,146 | $2,113 | 84% |
| New Jersey | $2,236 | $4,383 | 96% |
| New Mexico | $1,953 | $3,220 | 65% |
| New York | $2,030 | $3,900 | 92% |
| North Carolina | $1,305 | $5,207 | 299% |
| North Dakota | $1,858 | $3,553 | 91% |
| Ohio | $1,329 | $2,187 | 65% |
| Oklahoma | $2,119 | $3,178 | 50% |
| Oregon | $2,115 | $3,194 | 51% |
| Pennsylvania | $1,861 | $2,683 | 44% |
| Rhode Island | $2,636 | $5,589 | 112% |
| South Carolina | $1,808 | $3,050 | 69% |
| South Dakota | $2,016 | $3,416 | 69% |
| Tennessee | $1,554 | $2,508 | 61% |
| Texas | $1,833 | $2,700 | 47% |
| Utah | $2,261 | $3,640 | 61% |
| Vermont | $1,232 | $2,408 | 95% |
| Virginia | $1,598 | $2,547 | 59% |
| Washington | $1,534 | $2,853 | 86% |
| Washington, D.C. | $2,082 | $3,537 | 70% |
| West Virginia | $1,701 | $2,997 | 76% |
| Wisconsin | $1,540 | $2,441 | 59% |
| Wyoming | $1,437 | $2,521 | 75% |
How do I get SR-22 insurance?
The easiest way to get SR-22 insurance is by contacting your current car insurance company. It can file the SR-22 form with your state DMV for you, as well.
It’s important to know that auto insurers consider those with an SR-22 to be high-risk drivers. As a result, you will probably see an increase in your car insurance rates. You can expect to pay a higher-than-average premium during the time you carry the SR-22 form.
It’s in your best interest to be upfront with insurers about your SR-22 status. They will discover it when they pull up your DMV record for a quote calculation. Trying to hide it will only result in a policy termination or difficulties when filing a claim.
In a worst-case scenario, your current car insurance provider may decide to cancel your policy when you request an SR-22. If this happens, take the opportunity to compare quotes from multiple insurers to get the best SR-22 insurance for your situation at the cheapest price.
What is non-owner SR-22 insurance?
If you need to get an SR-22 and don’t own a vehicle, you can get non-owner SR-22 insurance. The state requirements for coverage are the same whether you own a car or not, so you’ll need to carry the same coverage limits as if you had a vehicle.
How do I get cheap SR-22 insurance?
To get the cheapest SR-22 insurance you can, here are some tips to follow:
Compare quotes
Look at rates for the same coverage limits from different insurers side by side. Auto insurance companies weigh risk factors differently when calculating your rate, including driving record history. The more insurers you look at for SR-22 insurance, the better the chance of finding a rate that works for you.
Discounts
Car insurance companies offer different discounts to stay ahead in a competitive market. Asking about what discounts you qualify for can cut down your insurance costs.
Complete a certified DUI program
If your SR-22 is a result of driving under the influence, completing a DUI program can go a long way toward insurers considering you a lower risk. Some car insurance providers even offer discounts for completing a program.
Drive safely
On top of maintaining your personal safety, being mindful of your driving habits can help reduce your risk on the road — and reduce your rates.
Methodology
LendingTree obtains rates from insurance company filings reported to Quadrant Information Services. Rates shown in this article are based on an analysis of thousands of insurance quotes for sample drivers in every ZIP code. Your rates may vary.
Unless stated otherwise, our sample driver is a 30-year-old man with good credit and one DUI driving a 2015 Honda Civic EX.
Minimum-liability policies provide liability coverage with the state’s required minimum limits.
Full-coverage policies include the following limits and deductibles:
- Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000
- Collision: $500 deductible
- Comprehensive: $500 deductible