How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost?

SR-22 Filing Fee vs. SR-22 Insurance Cost

There are two separate costs:

1. SR-22 filing fee (one-time or annual):

• Cost: $15–$50 (varies by insurer and state)
• What it covers: The administrative cost of filing the SR-22 certificate with the state
• Frequency: One-time at filing, or annually if the insurer refiles each year

2. Insurance premium increase (ongoing):

• Cost: +20–200% increase over your previous rate
• What it covers: Higher premiums due to the violation that caused the SR-22 requirement
• Duration: Lasts 3–10 years (SR-22 period + time for violation to age off)

Example breakdown:

• Before DUI: $1,500/year for standard insurance
• SR-22 filing fee: $25 (one-time)
• After DUI with SR-22: $3,600/year (+140% increase)
• Additional annual cost: $2,100/year
• Total 3-year cost: $6,300 more than before

The SR-22 filing fee is minimal. The real cost is the insurance rate increase from the violation.

Average SR-22 Insurance Cost by Violation Type

How much premiums increase after SR-22-triggering violations:

DUI / DWI:

• Premium increase: +80–200%
• Average cost: $3,000–$5,000/year
• Duration: 5–10 years (violation stays on record)
• Example: $1,500/year → $3,500/year (+$2,000/year)

Reckless driving:

• Premium increase: +50–100%
• Average cost: $2,200–$3,500/year
• Duration: 3–5 years
• Example: $1,500/year → $2,400/year (+$900/year)

Driving on suspended license:

• Premium increase: +60–120%
• Average cost: $2,500–$3,800/year
• Duration: 3–5 years
• Example: $1,500/year → $2,800/year (+$1,300/year)

Multiple at-fault accidents (3+ in 3 years):

• Premium increase: +40–80%
• Average cost: $2,000–$3,000/year
• Duration: 3–5 years
• Example: $1,500/year → $2,400/year (+$900/year)

Driving without insurance (uninsured motorist):

• Premium increase: +30–70%
• Average cost: $1,800–$2,800/year
• Duration: 3 years
• Example: $1,500/year → $2,100/year (+$600/year)

Why DUI has the highest increase: Insurance companies view DUI as the highest-risk behavior. Statistically, drivers with DUIs are significantly more likely to file claims, so insurers charge dramatically higher premiums to offset that risk.

SR-22 Cost by State

Average annual SR-22 insurance premiums by state (after DUI):

| State | SR-22 Filing Fee | Avg Annual Premium | |-------|------------------|--------------------| | California | $25 | $3,200–$4,500 | | Florida | $25 | $3,500–$5,000 | | Texas | $15 | $2,800–$4,200 | | New York | $50 | $4,000–$6,000 | | Illinois | $25 | $3,000–$4,800 | | Ohio | $20 | $2,500–$3,800 | | Arizona | $20 | $2,800–$4,000 | | Nevada | $25 | $3,200–$4,700 | | Georgia | $25 | $2,700–$4,000 | | North Carolina | $50 | $2,400–$3,500 |

Most expensive states for SR-22:

• New York, Michigan, Louisiana, Florida, California
• High insurance rates overall + strict DUI penalties

Least expensive states for SR-22:

• North Carolina, Ohio, Idaho, Iowa, Maine
• Lower base insurance rates = lower SR-22 premiums

Note: These are estimates. Your actual cost depends on age, driving history, vehicle, coverage levels, and credit score (in states that allow credit-based rating).

Factors That Affect SR-22 Insurance Cost

Your SR-22 premium is influenced by:

1. Type of violation:

• DUI = highest increase
• Reckless driving = moderate increase
• Lapsed coverage = lower increase

2. Number of violations:

• First offense: +50–150%
• Second offense: +100–250%
• Multiple offenses: May be uninsurable with standard carriers

3. Your driving history:

• Clean record before SR-22 = lower rates
• Previous accidents/tickets = higher rates

4. Age:

• Under 25 with SR-22 = extremely high rates (often $5,000–$8,000/year)
• 25–50 with SR-22 = moderate to high rates
• Over 50 with SR-22 = lower rates (but still elevated)

5. State:

• High-cost states (NY, MI, FL, CA) = $3,500–$6,000/year
• Low-cost states (NC, OH, IA) = $2,000–$3,500/year

6. Coverage level:

• Minimum liability: Lower premiums but less protection
• Full coverage: Higher premiums but comprehensive protection
• Note: Many SR-22 drivers only carry minimum liability to reduce costs

7. Vehicle:

• Older, low-value car = Lower premium
• New, expensive car = Higher premium (especially with full coverage)

8. Credit score (in states that allow it):

• Excellent credit: 10–30% lower rates
• Poor credit: 20–50% higher rates

9. Insurance company:

• Some carriers specialize in high-risk/SR-22 drivers with competitive rates
• Standard carriers (GEICO, State Farm, Allstate) may non-renew or charge significantly higher rates
• Compare at least 5 insurers to find the best rate

How Long Will You Pay Higher SR-22 Rates?

SR-22 filing period vs. rate impact duration:

During SR-22 filing period (typically 3 years):

• Highest rates (+50–200% over standard)
• SR-22 must remain active; no cancellations allowed
• Rates gradually decrease each year with no new violations

After SR-22 requirement ends (years 3–10):

• SR-22 filing ends, but violation remains on driving record
• Rates remain elevated (+30–100% over standard)
• Gradual decrease as violation ages

Timeline example (DUI with 3-year SR-22):

• Year 0: DUI conviction, license suspended
• Years 0–3: SR-22 required, rates +150% ($3,750/year vs $1,500 baseline)
• Years 3–5: SR-22 ends, rates +80% ($2,700/year)
• Years 5–7: Rates +40% ($2,100/year)
• Years 7–10: Rates +10–20% ($1,650–$1,800/year)
• Year 10+: DUI aged off, back to standard rates ($1,500/year)

Total cost over 10 years: $16,000 more than a driver with a clean record.

Key insight: The SR-22 filing itself doesn't cause high rates—the underlying violation does. Even after the SR-22 requirement ends, you'll pay elevated premiums until the violation ages off your driving record.

How to Find the Cheapest SR-22 Insurance

Strategies to reduce SR-22 insurance costs:

1. Compare quotes from multiple insurers:

• Get quotes from at least 5–10 companies
• SR-22 rates vary dramatically between carriers
• Some companies specialize in high-risk drivers and offer better rates
• Potential savings: $500–$1,500/year

2. Shop with high-risk specialists:

• SR-22 specialists: The General, Direct Auto, Safe Auto, Acceptance Insurance
• These carriers often beat standard insurers for SR-22 drivers

3. Opt for minimum coverage (if legally safe):

• Liability-only insurance reduces premiums significantly
• Caution: Only do this if your vehicle is paid off and has low value
• Savings: 30–50% vs. full coverage

4. Increase your deductible:

• Raise from $500 to $1,000
• Savings: 10–20%

5. Ask about discounts:

• Defensive driving course: 5–10% off
• Pay-in-full discount: 5–10% off
• Paperless/auto-pay discount: 2–5% off
• Low mileage: 5–15% off

6. Improve your credit score:

• Better credit = lower rates (in most states)
• Even a 50-point increase can reduce premiums 5–15%

7. Avoid lapses in coverage:

• Any lapse resets the SR-22 clock and increases rates further
• Set up automatic payments to prevent missed payments

8. Bundle policies (if possible):

• Add renters or homeowners insurance
• Savings: 5–15% on auto

9. Drive a cheaper, safer vehicle:

• Older cars with good safety ratings cost less to insure
• Avoid sports cars and high-theft vehicles

10. Re-shop every 6–12 months:

• As the violation ages, different insurers may offer better rates
• Your rate can drop 10–20% per year with clean driving

Real-world example:

Sarah needs SR-22 after a DUI. She gets quotes from:

• State Farm: $4,800/year (her current carrier)
• Progressive: $4,200/year
• GEICO: $4,500/year
• The General: $3,200/year (high-risk specialist)
• Direct Auto: $3,400/year

She switches to The General, raises her deductible to $1,000 (-15%), and completes defensive driving (-8%). Her final rate: $2,500/year—nearly 50% less than State Farm's quote.

Yes. Non-owner SR-22 insurance covers you when driving vehicles you don't own.

What it is:

• Liability-only policy with SR-22 filing
• No coverage for a specific vehicle
• Covers you when driving borrowed, rented, or employer-owned cars

Cost:

• $300–$800/year (much cheaper than standard SR-22)
• No collision or comprehensive coverage
• Lower risk = lower premium

Who needs it:

• Don't own a vehicle but need SR-22 to reinstate license
• Use public transit, bike, or borrow cars occasionally
• Lost vehicle due to DUI/suspension

Pros:

• Much cheaper than standard SR-22
• Keeps your license valid
• Satisfies state SR-22 requirement

Cons:

• No coverage for vehicles you own
• Limited to liability coverage
• If you buy a car later, you must upgrade to standard SR-22

Learn more: Can I get SR-22 insurance without a car?

What Happens If You Can't Afford SR-22 Insurance?

If SR-22 insurance is unaffordable, you have limited options:

1. Apply for minimum liability-only coverage:

• Reduces premium 30–50% vs. full coverage
• Meets SR-22 legal requirement

2. Explore state assistance programs:

• Some states offer low-income auto insurance programs
• California: Low Cost Auto Insurance Program (CLCA)
• New Jersey: Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP)

3. Consider non-owner SR-22:

• If you don't own a vehicle, this is the cheapest option ($300–$800/year)

4. Use hardship license (if available):

• Some states allow restricted driving (work, medical) during SR-22 period
• Reduces exposure = potentially lower rates

5. Accept the consequences:

• Not paying: License remains suspended, fines, potential jail time for driving without a license
• Letting SR-22 lapse: License suspension, restart of SR-22 period, higher rates

Important: Not maintaining SR-22 insurance doesn't make the requirement go away. Your license stays suspended until you fulfill the SR-22 obligation, and penalties compound over time.

Bottom line: SR-22 insurance is expensive, but it's legally required. The best strategy is to find the cheapest carrier, minimize coverage to liability-only if possible, and maintain clean driving for the entire SR-22 period.

Frequently Asked Questions