Top SR-22 Auto Insurance Coverage: What You Need to Know
Some drivers may require SR-22 insurance, though it’s technically not car insurance. A court may order you to file an SR-22 form after a serious offense.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Licensed Insurance Agent
Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...
Eric Stauffer
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed life and health insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chr...
Chris Abrams
Updated February 2024
- You might be required to get an SR-22 to drive in some states if you’ve had a string of at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, or a DWI/DUI
- Insurance companies will file SR-22 for you for a small fee, but not all insurers cover drivers who need an SR-22 due to the inherent risk involved
- SR-22 can raise your insurance rates by as much as 200%, depending on your age, driving history, and the company covering your policy
After a financially burdensome DWI or at-fault accident, seemingly endless citations, court fees, and penalties, the costs simply do not stop there. Many states and insurance companies will now view your risk category as nearly uninsurable without ongoing proof of elevated financial responsibility.
The SR-22 was created and made mandatory by over 80% of all U.S. states and the Department of Motor Vehicles to help those who have erred in the past get back on the road and their lives back on track.
We’ll show you what an SR-22 insurance document is, who needs one, how to file an SR-22, how long you need it, and which insurance company is the cheapest. We can even help you find affordable auto insurance for high-risk drivers, so you’re in the right place.
What is SR-22 insurance?
Often erroneously referred to as “insurance,” an SR-22 is just a document your insurance company files with your state to show you have liability coverage on your auto insurance policy — it does not provide any insurance coverage. (For more information, read our “Understanding SR-22 Insurance: What is it and who is it for?“).
A document known as an SR-22 shows your financial responsibility if you lose your license and need to reinstate your driving privileges. Often called “insurance for convenience,” it merely proves that you satisfy your state’s minimum coverage requirements.
What is an FR-44?
An FR-44, as opposed to a more general SR-22, is unique to DUI or DWI convictions and is only required in Virginia and Florida. Your insurance provider must submit an FR-44 on your behalf to show the state that you have increased liability insurance if you lose your license due to this violation. (For more information, read our “Understanding FR-44 Auto Insurance Coverage“).
Additionally, an FR-44 mandates that your liability coverage limits exceed the legal minimum. Your liability limits with an FR-44 must be at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $40,000 in property damage.
Read more: Best Auto Insurance Companies After a DUI
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What does an SR-22 cover?
SR-22 insurance doesn’t provide any actual coverage. Instead, it proves that you carry at least the minimum amount of car insurance your state requires.
Every state mandates that drivers carry liability insurance, except for New Hampshire and Virginia, which require a $600/year DMV fee plus a statement of financial responsibility.
Minimum liability insurance includes two types of coverage:
- Bodily injury liability insurance. If you’re at fault in an accident, this coverage pays for injuries you cause to someone else.
- Property damage liability coverage. If you cause an accident, it covers the cost of repairing someone else’s car or other property.
Each state has a different minimum coverage requirement for both bodily injury liability and property damage liability. The terms of your SR-22 may require that you carry more.
Learn more about liability car insurance and cheap liability auto insurance.
Who is required to get an SR-22 to drive?
SR-22 documentation is required in most U.S. states for high-risk drivers with restricted or suspended licenses.
People often have to get an SR-22 for one or more of the following reasons:
- Repeat moving violation offenses. Multiple tickets like speeding, speeding in a school zone, or reckless driving in a short period of time increase your risk as a driver.
- DUI or DWI. Driving under the influence or while intoxicated is a serious offense that increases your individual insurance risk profile for as long as a DUI stays on your record.
- Several at-fault accidents. Considering a single at-fault accident could raise your current auto insurance premiums substantially, several will cost you your driver’s license.
- Revoked or suspended license. To prove a person is financially responsible and compliant with state law, an SR-22 will be the first step to regaining the DMV’s trust.
- Driving without a license or insurance. If you drive without a license and get stopped by the police without a license or insurance you can face serious penalties.
- Failure to pay child support. Another agency of the state may take action to suspend a driver’s, business, professional, or recreational license if the parent owing child support does not start making payments or fails to contact the collecting agency.
- Causing a car accident without insurance. By demonstrating a willingness to drive with no legal protection for yourself and others, a driver is now required to show extra proof of protection for others.
An SR-22 is usually required by a court order or your state to remain on your record for a specific period of time to be able to drive. Only Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania do not require SR-22 insurance.
How to Get SR-22 Insurance
Contact your insurance company to request an SR-22. You can add this to your existing policy, but there is also an option during the auto insurance policy creation if you are looking for new insurance.
Most of the time, your auto insurance company will automatically file the document in your state, either electronically or by mail, where legally required. You will have to pay a filing fee every year you renew your insurance, usually between $15-$30.
However, not all insurance companies will create an auto insurance policy for a driver who is required to obtain an SR-22, so don’t be frustrated if a few companies reject you in your search.
SR-22 Requirements by State
An SR-22 is required for a designated period of time by the following states:
Best Auto Insurance Companies for SR-22: State Minimums and Filing Periods
| State | Minimum Filing Period (Years) | Minimum Car Insurance Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 3-5 | BI & PD liability |
| Alaska | 3-20 | BI & PD liability |
| Arizona | 3 | BI & PD liability |
| Arkansas | 3-5 | BI & PD liability, PIP |
| California | 3 | BI & PD liability |
| Colorado | 3 | BI & PD liability |
| Connecticut | 1 | BI & PD liability, UM, UIM |
| District of Columbia | 3 | BI & PD liability, UM |
| Florida | 3 | PD liability, PIP |
| Georgia | 3 | BI & PD liability |
| Hawaii | 3 | BI & PD liability, PIP |
| Idaho | 3 | BI & PD liability |
| Illinois | 3 | BI & PD liability, UM, UIM |
| Indiana | 3-5 | BI & PD liability |
| Iowa | 2 | BI & PD liability |
| Kansas | 1-3 | BI & PD liability, PIP |
| Louisiana | 3 | BI & PD liability |
| Maine | 3 | BI & PD liability, UM, UIM, MedPay |
| Massachusetts | Varies | BI & PD liability, PIP |
| Michigan | 3 | BI & PD liability, PIP |
| Mississippi | 3 | BI & PD liability |
| Missouri | 2-3 | BI & PD liability, UM |
| Montana | 3 | BI & PD liability |
| Nebraska | 3 | BI & PD liability, UM, UIM |
| Nevada | 3 | BI & PD liability |
| New Hampshire | 3 | Show financial responsibility |
| North Dakota | 1 | BI & PD liability, PIP, UM, UIM |
| Ohio | 3-5 | BI & PD liability |
| Oregon | 3 | BI & PD liability, PIP, UM, UIM |
| South Carolina | 3 | BI & PD liability, UM |
| South Dakota | 3 | BI & PD liability, UM, UIM |
| Tennessee | 3-5 | BI & PD liability |
| Texas | 2 | BI & PD liability, PIP |
| Utah | 3 | BI & PD liability, PIP |
| Vermont | 3 | BI & PD liability, UM, UIM |
| Virginia | 3 | BI & PD liability, UM, UIM |
| Washington | 3 | BI & PD liability |
| Wisconsin | 3 | BI & PD liability, UM, MedPay |
| Wyoming | 3 | BI & PD liability |
On average, states require an SR-22 to remain filed on your behalf for a period of three years.
If you are a high-risk driver and plan to move to another state, you must first meet the requirements of the state where your license was suspended. This usually entails having an SR-22 on file before you try to obtain a driver’s license in your new residence.
The DMV cannot issue a new license if you have had your license suspended in another state without first getting the SR-22 and having it reported to the DMV.
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
You should purchase a non-owner SR-22 certificate if you need to reinstate your driver’s license but don’t own a car. A non-owner SR-22 is an addition to a non-owner insurance policy.
Though most larger auto insurance providers provide non-owner policies, you cannot find non-owner car insurance quotes online. Speak with an agent at your current company, or use our comparison tool below to get in touch with local insurers in your city. (For more information, read our “Non-Owner SR-22 Auto Insurance: What It Is and How to Get It“).
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How much is SR-22 insurance?
Overall, having to file an SR-22 with your state almost guarantees your car insurance costs will go up. While the actual cost to file the document will be cheap, having an SR-22 on your record is usually not.
Why is my auto insurance so high? This table shows much car insurance rates go up after an accident, a DUI or a moving violation that typically requires SR-22:
Average Monthly Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates of the Top 10 Auto Insurance Companies
| Companies | Monthly Rates with a Clean Driving Record | Monthly Rates w/ One Speeding Violation | Monthly Rates w/ One Accident | Monthly Rates w/ One DUI Conviction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $318 | $374 | $416 | $522 |
| American Family | $224 | $252 | $310 | $361 |
| Farmers | $288 | $340 | $377 | $393 |
| Geico | $179 | $220 | $266 | $406 |
| Liberty Mutual | $398 | $475 | $517 | $634 |
| Nationwide | $229 | $259 | $283 | $379 |
| Progressive | $283 | $334 | $398 | $331 |
| State Farm | $235 | $266 | $283 | $303 |
| Travelers | $287 | $355 | $357 | $478 |
| USAA | $161 | $183 | $210 | $292 |
| Average | $260 | $306 | $342 | $410 |
SR-22 insurance often costs double what you normally would for auto insurance. For example, a 45-year-old male with a DUI will pay around $210/month, twice as much as the same driver with a clean record.
The fines and costs should also be taken into account. Along with any court costs, reinstatement fees of $55 or more, penalty fees of up to $250 in some states, and the price of the SR-22 auto insurance, additional charges may be associated with writing the SR-22 certificate.
The cost of getting the SR-22 in place will vary by state, as it does with most aspects of auto insurance, but the DMV can give you an exact estimate.
The Best SR-22 Insurance Companies
Needing an SR-22 is guaranteed to raise your insurance rates. The good news is that auto insurance costs differ significantly between insurance companies depending on your age, driving record, and the coverage you carry.
The cheapest SR-22 auto insurance companies are:
Average SR-22 Auto Insurance Rates from Top Auto Insurance Companies
| Company | Annual Rates (Full Coverage) | Annual SR-22 Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Farmers | $1,366.60 | $1,585.25 |
| Geico | $1,295.40 | $1,424.94 |
| Mercury Insurance | $1,451 | $1,465.51 |
| Progressive | $1,734.17 | $1,786.20 |
| Safeco | $1,188 | $1,378.08 |
| State Farm | $1,285.90 | $1,491.64 |
| Travelers | $1,251 | $1,338.57 |
| USAA | $1,282.83 | $1,449.60 |
State Farm consistently offers the lowest rates to high-risk drivers who need SR-22 insurance. However, it pays to shop around when opening an auto insurance policy.
On top of this, taking a defensive driving course may be the key to lowering your auto insurance rates.
Case Studies: Top SR-22 Auto Insurance Coverage
Case Study 1: Liberty Mutual Insurance
John Smith from California had his driver’s license suspended due to a DUI incident. To reinstate his driving privileges, he obtained an SR-22 policy from Liberty Mutual Insurance, which provided comprehensive coverage and helped him meet the legal requirements, enabling him to regain confidence on the road.
Case Study 2: State Farm Insurance
Sarah Thompson, a Texas driver, caused an accident resulting in substantial damage and injuries. To maintain her driving privileges, she filed an SR-22 form and State Farm Insurance offered her a policy that exceeded minimum requirements, providing additional liability coverage for future incidents and ensuring her adequate protection.
Case Study 3: Progressive Insurance
Michael Johnson, a Florida driver with a history of traffic violations and previous DUI charges, obtained an SR-22 policy from Progressive Insurance. Despite his challenging driving record, Progressive offered him a tailored policy that addressed his specific needs, including comprehensive and collision coverage, providing him peace of mind and financial protection against accidents or damage.
Case Study 4: Geico Insurance
Robert Johnson, a New York driver, had his license revoked after an accident while uninsured. To regain driving privileges, he obtained SR-22 coverage. Geico Insurance offered him a comprehensive SR-22 policy that fulfilled legal requirements and included uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, safeguarding Robert from financial liabilities in case of future accidents with uninsured drivers.
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The Bottom Line on SR-22 Auto Insurance Coverage
SR-22 insurance is not insurance coverage but an official form stating that a driver meets the state’s minimum insurance requirements. If you live in Florida or Virginia, you might need an FR-44.
The DMV will likely require SR-22 auto insurance if you recently had your license suspended or are facing a DUI or reckless driving charges. You will need to file an SR-22 form to reinstate your driving privileges.
Ask your insurance company to file the SR-22 on your behalf or shop around for SR-22 insurance coverage with local companies.
Use our comparison tool below to get free SR-22 car insurance quotes from local companies. Just choose “yes” when asked if you need SR-22.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SR-22 insurance?
SR-22 insurance is not actual insurance coverage, but rather a document filed by your insurance company with the state to prove that you have the minimum liability coverage required by law.
What is an FR-44?
An FR-44 is similar to an SR-22 but is unique to DUI or DWI convictions and is only required in Virginia and Florida. It requires higher liability coverage limits than the minimum requirements.
What does an SR-22 cover?
An SR-22 does not provide any coverage itself. It only proves that you have the minimum liability insurance required by your state.
Who is required to get an SR-22 to drive?
SR-22 documentation is required for high-risk drivers with restricted or suspended licenses in most U.S. states, except for Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.
How do I get SR-22 insurance?
Contact your insurance company to request an SR-22. They can add it to your existing policy or help you find a new policy that meets the SR-22 requirements.
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