SR-22 Average Rates by State

SR-22 insurance is expensive — on average, it costs over $2,700 per year, around twice as much as regular insurance. The most costly SR-22 rate is in Michigan at $8,324 per year, while the least expensive SR-22 insurance is in Maine at $1,331.

First, what is SR-22 insurance? An SR-22 is a document your insurance provider fills out to notify the state that you’ve got the minimum coverage required by law. It is not a type of insurance in itself — rather, think of an SR-22 as an additional form the state requires your insurer to fill out with your policy. When the state sees your SR-22, it tells them you are covered and are taking steps toward cleaning up your driving record.

For an insurer, an SR-22 mandate indicates a high-risk client. It is a signal from the state that you have committed a serious traffic offense — which could be a DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or other crime — and are in poor standing with courts.

While some insurers will not offer policies to high-risk customers, there are many who will. Some insurance firms even specialize in high-risk and SR-22 insurance policies. More risk equals higher expenses for the insurer, as riskier drivers tend to file more claims than safe drivers. All of this translates to more expensive coverage for you.

In general, these are two different names for the same thing. DUI insurance is simply an insurance policy for high-risk drivers who have been convicted of driving under the influence and are required to have an SR-22. If an officer pulls you over after a DUI and sees an SR-22 on your record, it indicates you have coverage and can take financial responsibility for an accident.

In states like Florida and Virginia, there is an additional form called the FR-44. This form is similar to the SR-22 and is mandated in certain cases of alcohol violations. You can expect similar costs to SR-22 insurance.

An SR-22 is there to provide a path forward for drivers who have been deemed high-risk due to serious traffic violations. It is a way to signify that you are taking steps to get in good standing and regain some normalcy on your driving record. While you have an SR-22 on your record, you are on a probationary period where good driving behavior is crucial.

There are several reasons the court or state might require you to have an SR-22 on your record:

• DUI or DWI: Driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated is one of the most severe convictions you can receive. This will carry jail time, fines, license revocation, and an SR-22 mandate when you are permitted to drive again.
• Reckless or negligent driving: If you are convicted of serious offenses like reckless driving, negligent driving, or involvement in an accident resulting in death, injury, or property damage, you are a candidate for an SR-22.
• Driving without insurance: You are more likely to require SR-22 insurance if an officer catches you driving a motor vehicle without insurance, which is federally illegal. This is the case even if you fully own your vehicle. Driving without insurance can land you in significant financial and legal trouble, as you may not be able to pay for damages and liability if you’re involved in an accident.
• Suspended or revoked license: If you have had your license taken away or suspended, an SR-22 gives you an opportunity to work toward regaining it.
• Probationary period: You may be on probation after committing a serious driving offense or a number of different violations. This is also known as a hardship license and could require an SR-22.

Although you will pay significantly more for SR-22 insurance, remember that it’s there to help you get back on your feet. If you can practice good driving behavior and avoid further trouble, your rate will drop over time. The important thing is to hold onto insurance throughout this period — if you let it lapse, you may have to submit a new SR-22 filing and start from scratch.

When the state or court alerts you that this type of insurance is necessary, your best tool against high SR-22 insurance cost is shopping around. The state will also let you know how long your SR-22 period should last and the minimum amount of coverage you need, which will help you as you shop for a policy.

Start online. Our website helps you find cheap SR-22 insurance to provide the new start you’re looking for. You should have a budget in mind, as you shouldn’t go above what you can safely spend. You may also find you can afford to purchase more than the minimum coverage if you live in a lower-cost state, which will give you peace of mind on the road.

Remember that the cost of your SR-22 insurance goes down over time and with good behavior. If you don’t get any additional traffic tickets or violations and demonstrate responsibility on the road, you should be able to enjoy reduced rates in the coming years.

In fact, it’s a great idea to renegotiate your premiums as you approach the end of your first year. If your insurance company doesn’t lower the price, shop around with other providers to get an idea of what you could be paying. Each month of good behavior should lower your risk as a customer, though more serious offenses will take longer to work off.

On our site, you can find the cheapest SR-22 insurance California, Oregon, or your state has to offer.

As noted above, where you live has an enormous impact on the price you’ll pay for SR-22 insurance. The following are average annual prices for SR-22 insurance for all 50 states and the District of Columbia:

• Alaska: $1,945
• Alabama: $2,470
• Arkansas: $2,732
• Arizona: $3,579
• California: $5,119
• Colorado: $2,992
• Connecticut: $3,113
• D.C.: $2,945
• Delaware: $3,525
• Florida: $3,780
• Georgia: $3,378
• Hawaii: $4,464
• Iowa: $1,915
• Idaho: $1,799
• Illinois: $2,217
• Indiana: $1,561
• Kansas: $2,310
• Kentucky: $2,714
• Louisiana: $3,612
• Massachusetts: $3,198
• Maryland: $2,025
• Maine: $1,331
• Michigan: $8,324
• Minnesota: $2,611
• Missouri: $2,237
• Mississippi: $2,531
• Montana: $2,726
• North Carolina: $5,563
• North Dakota: $2,003
• Nebraska: $2,307
• New Hampshire: $2,008
• New Jersey: $3,851
• New Mexico: $2,735
• Nevada: $2,489
• New York: $1,854
• Ohio: $1,700
• Oklahoma: $2,198
• Oregon: $2,296
• Pennsylvania: $2,330
• Rhode Island: $3,627
• South Carolina: $2,379
• South Dakota: $2,247
• Tennessee: $2,348
• Texas: $2,701
• Utah: $2,009
• Virginia: $1,693
• Vermont: $1,786
• Washington: $2,211
• Wisconsin: $1,794
• West Virginia: $2,767
• Wyoming: $2,747

Luckily the filing fee for SR-22 insurance is usually around $25, making it a relatively trivial expense. If you have been ordered to have an SR-22 in an expensive state like Michigan, California, or North Carolina, it is even more important to shop around for cheap SR-22 insurance.

We are here to help you find the best rate in your state. Contact us for help cutting down on the cost of this insurance.

Yes, non-owner SR-22 insurance is less expensive than normal SR-22 insurance. Because many people sell their cars when their licenses are suspended or revoked, this is often a great choice to explore.

Non-owner SR-22 insurance is ideal when you have a friend or family member who is willing to loan you their car for occasional outings. Note that you are not eligible for this insurance if someone living in your household owns a car. You also cannot get this type of policy if you’re required to use an ignition interlock breathalyzer.

While it might seem that driving someone else’s car would lead to a greater amount of risk for insurers, the math actually works out in your favor. Using someone else’s car means you’ll be on the road significantly less than you would be with your own car. Less time on the road means less chance to get in an accident, which leads to lower claim rates and premiums.

For this reason, a non-owner policy is the cheapest option available to you if an SR-22 is required. Shop for these policies the way you would a regular SR-22 policy.

SR-22 Adviser is here to help you find the best SR-22 insurance available. This is an important step in recovering from the traumatic experience of a DUI or serious traffic offense. Visit our website to get a quote and start the important process of shopping for the best deal available.