What Is SR-22 Insurance, and Who Needs It?
An SR-22 is a form some drivers must file with their state DMV as proof of minimum-coverage requirements after a serious violation.
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
4.7 / 516K reviews
)
Written bySarah Sharkey
)
Sarah SharkeyInsurance Writer
7+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Contributor to top media, including USA Today
Featured in
){kind=logo}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
Edited byKatie Powers
)
Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Featured in
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
Reviewed byMark Friedlander
)
Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
)
Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
)
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Updated
Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
An SR-22 form — also called a certificate of financial responsibility — proves that your auto insurance policy meets the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements.
High-risk drivers with serious motor vehicle violations often need to obtain an SR-22 form to restore their license. Since this document serves as proof of financial responsibility, your state can confirm your insurer will pay property damage and injury claims if you cause an accident.
If you need to file an SR-22, you’ll likely pay higher insurance premiums, though you can compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurers to find more affordable coverage.
Here’s what you need to know about SR-22 forms.
Quick Facts
Your insurance company will have to file the SR-22 form with your state DMV on your behalf.
Drivers may need to file an SR-22 certificate for driving under the influence (DUI) or without insurance.
You typically need to file an SR-22 for a minimum of three years, though each state has different timelines for how long drivers need to carry an SR-22. It can also vary depending on your violation.
What is SR-22 insurance?
Not technically a type of insurance, SR-22 forms or certificates serve as proof of financial responsibility. If you commit a serious driving offense, like a DUI or reckless driving, you may need to file an SR-22 form following your license suspension before getting back on the road.
You’ll need to work with your insurance company to complete the filing with your state DMV office.
Compare Car Insurance Quotes
Check quotes from 120+ top insurance companies
Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 16,230 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Who needs an SR-22?
Most drivers don’t need to obtain an SR-22 to get on the road.
If you need an SR-22 form, the issuing court or your state motor vehicle department will likely notify you. But in general, you should expect to need an SR-22 after committing any of these driving violations:
DUI or DWI conviction: Driving under the influence endangers you and other drivers. As part of a sentence after a conviction, the state may require you to submit an SR-22 form.
Driving without insurance: In most states, it’s illegal to drive without a minimum-coverage car insurance policy. If law enforcement catches you driving without the appropriate insurance, you could face serious consequences.
Suspended or revoked driver’s license: Some states may require you to file an SR-22 form to get back behind the wheel after a suspended or revoked license. And you should prepare to pay additional fines after a license suspension.
Reckless driving: If you endanger yourself or others through reckless driving, this violation could lead to an SR-22 requirement.
Repeated traffic offenses: Even relatively minor violations, like speeding tickets, could lead to an SR-22 requirement if you get too many within a short period of time.
Expert Insight: Who requires an SR-22 form?
“SR-22s are for people with serious traffic violations, like driving under the influence. States require SR-22s so they know that high-risk drivers have the insurance to pay for any damages or injuries they cause.”
){kind=small}
Austin MoyersLicensed P&C Insurance Agent and Sales Manager
How to get an SR-22
The first step for getting an SR-22 form is to check whether your insurance company offers SR-22s. Not all auto insurance companies file SR-22s. If your current auto insurance company offers SR-22 coverage, contact your insurance agent or your insurer‘s customer service department to handle the filing for you.
The insurance company will file the form with your state’s department of motor vehicles or the appropriate court. If you have questions about the process in your state, speak to a customer service agent to guide you through the details of your situation.
If your current insurance company doesn’t offer coverage for SR-22s, you’ll need to find a new insurer. When getting a new policy, it’s critical to shop around. Otherwise, you could end up paying more than you need to for coverage.
)
How much SR-22 insurance costs after a DUI
The national average cost of SR-22 insurance after a DUI is $268 per month for full coverage and $141 for minimum coverage, according to Insurify data. Your actual rate will depend on your driving history, age, gender, vehicle make and model, where you live, and other factors.
The cost of filing an SR-22 varies depending on your location and insurance company. For some drivers, the cost to file will be around $25. But the filing costs can be higher for others.
Insurance companies can set their own rates for filing fees. When filing an SR-22, get a clear estimate from your insurance agent or your insurer up front.
Is car insurance more expensive with an SR-22?
In general, drivers with an SR-22 pay more for car insurance than drivers without an SR-22. Drivers without an SR-22 pay an average of $239 per month for car insurance, based on Insurify data.
An SR-22 alone isn’t what causes higher car insurance rates; it’s the violation that led to the SR-22 requirement. For example, if you’re required to get an SR-22 after a DUI, the serious violation usually leads to higher rates for insurance.[1]
Here’s an example of how average costs differ for drivers with an SR-22 versus people with clean driving records.
Driver Profile | Average Monthly Cost: Liability Only | Average Monthly Cost: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Clean record | $98 | $186 |
| With DUI and SR-22 | $141 | $268 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
)
Cheapest insurance companies that file SR-22s
Not all insurers offer SR-22 filing. You’ll need to check whether your current insurer offers SR-22 forms or if you need to look elsewhere for that coverage. And if a serious infraction, like a DUI, led to you needing SR-22 coverage, your insurer may drop you midterm because of the violation.
A few major national insurance companies that provide coverage for SR-22s include State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, and Allstate. Many regional insurers also offer to file state-ordered SR-22 forms if you purchase the minimum amount of liability insurance. As long as it meets your state laws, you can purchase an auto insurance policy through any reputable company.
See how the average cost of liability car insurance from different insurers compares for drivers with a clean record and people with an SR-22 below.
The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, July 9 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Insurance Company | Clean Record | With SR-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $45 | $57 |
| State Farm | $52 | $66 |
| Allstate | $72 | $91 |
| GEICO | $79 | $100 |
| American Family | $80 | $101 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Average cost of SR-22 insurance by state
The average cost of car insurance varies by state due to a number of location-based factors, like state-minimum requirements, accident rates, and more. Compare average liability insurance rates for drivers with an SR-22 by state below.
State | Average Quote: No SR-22 | Average Quote: With SR-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $184 | $200 |
| Arizona | $223 | $275 |
| Arkansas | $191 | $222 |
| California | $216 | $273 |
| Colorado | $227 | $236 |
| Connecticut | $285 | $327 |
| Delaware | $302 | $504 |
| Georgia | $288 | $364 |
| Idaho | $136 | $147 |
| Indiana | $137 | $170 |
| Iowa | $143 | $182 |
| Kansas | $177 | $189 |
| Kentucky | $254 | $339 |
| Louisiana | $386 | $397 |
| Maine | $142 | $154 |
| Maryland | $308 | $349 |
| Massachusetts | $174 | $215 |
| Minnesota | $178 | $299 |
| Mississippi | $201 | $205 |
| Missouri | $221 | $307 |
| Nebraska | $178 | $234 |
| Nevada | $356 | $406 |
| New Jersey | $289 | $360 |
| New York | $457 | $639 |
| North Carolina | $92 | $94 |
| Ohio | $152 | $215 |
| Oregon | $192 | $230 |
| Pennsylvania | $179 | $263 |
| South Carolina | $250 | $339 |
| South Dakota | $197 | $207 |
| Tennessee | $159 | $165 |
| Texas | $237 | $301 |
| Utah | $175 | $208 |
| Virginia | $185 | $226 |
| Washington | $201 | $251 |
| West Virginia | $188 | $216 |
| Wisconsin | $172 | $212 |
| Wyoming | $148 | $196 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
What’s the difference between an FR-44 and an SR-22?
In Florida and Virginia, drivers may need to file an FR-44 form instead of an SR-22. Although the filing process is very similar, an FR-44 includes liability insurance coverage requirements higher than the state minimums.
In Virginia, drivers must file an FR-44 form to confirm their insurance policy offers double the minimum-coverage requirements for the state.[2]
How long do you need an SR-22 after a DUI?
Most states require you to maintain an SR-22 for three years after a DUI or other serious traffic violation, but time requirements can vary.
Generally, you’ll need to get one right away after a DUI conviction, even with a suspended license. States often require an SR-22 form before they’ll begin the process of reinstating your license or registration.
You’ll need to maintain the SR-22 and the required amount of coverage for as long as the state requires. If you experience a lapse in coverage, you might need to re-file an SR-22. But keep in mind that coverage gaps could increase the time you have to carry it.
SR-22 insurance FAQs
The following information can help answer your remaining questions about filing and maintaining an SR-22 form.
Which company has the cheapest SR-22 insurance after a DUI?
Country Financial offers the cheapest minimum-coverage SR-22 insurance after a DUI, according to Insurify data. Auto-Owners and USAA also have low SR-22 rates for drivers with DUIs. The cheapest insurance company with SR-22 coverage will depend on the state and ZIP code you live in, the details of your violation, and your full driving record, claims history, and other common rating factors.
Can you avoid buying SR-22 insurance?
Most drivers don’t need to file an SR-22 form. The best way to avoid having to file an SR-22 is to not commit a violation that can result in license suspension, such as driving without insurance or under the influence. If you don’t plan to ever drive again, you can simply stop driving and start relying on rides from others, rideshare services, or public transportation.
What if you don’t own a car but need an SR-22?
If you don’t own a car but need an SR-22, you can purchase a non-owner SR-22 policy from an insurance company. This coverage provides liability coverage for drivers who don’t own a vehicle.
What information is on an SR-22 form?
The main purpose of an SR-22 form is to provide proof that you have the minimum liability insurance your state requires. The form may include the driver’s date of birth, Social Security number, license number, state, license suspension date, expiration or relief data, and the reason for SR-22 filing and conviction information.[3]
Can you switch insurance companies when you have an SR-22?
Yes. But you need to make sure you avoid a lapse in coverage. If your coverage lapses when you’re carrying an SR-22, you’ll likely have to start the process over again. Make sure you talk with your new insurance company about filing the SR-22 form for you, and never cancel your old policy until your new one is active.
How much does SR-22 insurance cost after a DUI?
On average, drivers with DUIs and SR-22 requirements face monthly rates of $268 for full coverage and $141 for liability-only coverage, according to Insurify data. Your actual rate will depend on many other factors, too, such as your age, gender, and where you live, so your rate may be higher or lower than the national averages.
Does an SR-22 mean you have a DUI?
No. Not everyone who needs an SR-22 needs it because of a DUI conviction. States can require SR-22s for other reasons, such as driving uninsured, driving without insurance, or having other major violations.
Sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Financial Responsibility Certifications."
- USAA. "Everything you need to know about the SR-22."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Related articles
)
High-Risk Car Insurance: Cheapest Companies, Rates, and Tips
High-risk drivers have options despite violations or accidents. Explore non-standard insurance, SR-22 requirements, and affordable coverage.
)
Free Car Insurance Quotes Online From Top-Rated Companies
Getting multiple quotes from Insurify for top insurance companies could help you save up to $1,100 per year.
)
Cheapest Car Insurance With a Bad Driving Record
GEICO, State Farm, and Travelers offer some of the lowest rates for drivers with accidents or tickets on their records.
)
How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record?
Depending on the state, a DUI can stay on your record for five to 10 years. In some states, it’s permanent.
)
Car Insurance Discounts: Full List and How to Qualify
Most drivers qualify for multiple discounts, like bundling, safe driver, or good student discounts. Here are the biggest discounts, savings, and how to get them.
)
Car Insurance With a DUI: Rates, SR-22, and Best Companies
Having a DUI increases car insurance premiums by 67% on average, and drivers may need to file an SR-22 with their state for three years. Here’s how to find affordable auto insurance with a DUI.
)
What to Do if Your Car Insurance Dropped You
Insurers can drop you for claims, non-payment, or risk changes. But you can still find coverage from other companies.
)
DUI vs. DWI: What’s the Difference?
The definition and consequences of DWI and DUI vary by state.
)
Sarah SharkeyInsurance Writer
7+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Contributor to top media, including USA Today
Featured in
Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Featured in
Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology