Average SR-22 insurance cost in 2025

We all like to think we’re great drivers. But mistakes happen, and some can come with long-term consequences. If you’re convicted of a serious offense, like a DUI or reckless driving, your state may require an SR-22 filing.

An SR-22 isn’t insurance — it’s a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurer files with the state to prove you carry the minimum required auto insurance. Only drivers involved in certain violations must file an SR-22, so if you have a clean record, you won’t need to worry about it.

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 is your insurer’s guarantee to your state that you have the legally required car insurance coverage. If you’ve never heard of an SR-22, you probably don’t need one — they are only required when drivers face certain convictions. That usually means a DUI, moving violation, or reckless driving. However, many other violations might require an SR-22, which we’ll cover shortly.

SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance. Instead, it’s a certificate of financial responsibility that proves to the state that the driver carries a minimum amount of car insurance — the SR stands for “safety responsibility.” Typically, you’ll need to obtain an SR-22 form after committing a serious violation, like driving without insurance or DUI. 

Not all carriers will insure someone who is required to file an SR-22, in which case you will need to find an insurer that does and purchase coverage from them. From there, your insurance company will file the necessary documentation with the state. If you drop your policy, the insurer will inform the state that you are no longer in compliance with your SR-22 obligations and may face additional penalties.

If you need an SR22 certificate of financial responsibility, the court or your state department of motor vehicles will notify you of the requirement, says Loretta L. Worters, vice president of media relations at the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

“A person should notify the insurer providing his or her insurance that an SR-22 is needed,” Worters says. “Once the (insurance) purchase is completed, the insurer will begin the process of filing the certificate on the behalf of the policyholder.”

You can only get an SR-22 through an insurance policy, so if you’re currently uninsured, you’ll need to secure coverage first.

Who needs an SR-22?

Not everyone needs an SR-22. If you have a clean driving record, you won’t have to worry about this form at all. But if you have ever had a major violation, there is a good chance you’ll have to let your state know you are still insured. Some of the violations that require an SR-22 include:

• DUI, DWI, or other serious moving violations
• Causing an accident while driving without insurance
• Having too many DMV points
• Having a high number of traffic tickets in a short period of time
• Having to apply for a hardship or probationary permit (while your license is suspended)
• Reinstating your license after a suspension or revocation

Some states require an SR-22 and then some:

• Florida: requires SR-22 and FR-44
• Maryland: requires SR-22 and FR-19
• Virginia: requires SR-22 and FR-44

Why SR-22 insurance costs more (and how to save)

If you’re required to file an SR-22, expect your car insurance premiums to rise, often significantly. That’s because needing an SR-22 usually means you’ve committed a serious violation, such as a DUI, reckless driving, or multiple traffic offenses. Insurance companies see this as a sign of higher risk, directly impacting how much you pay for coverage.

The actual increase in your rate can vary widely depending on several factors.

• Type of violation: A DUI will typically cause a steeper rate hike than a lapse in insurance coverage.
• Your location: Each state sets its own minimum coverage requirements and risk pricing models, which influence premiums.
• Your driving history: A long history of clean driving before the offense may soften the financial blow.
• Your age, gender, and vehicle: These personal factors still play a role in how your rates are calculated.
  

The good news? Not all insurers treat SR-22 drivers the same. That’s why it’s essential to compare quotes from multiple companies — some specialize in high-risk drivers and may offer far better rates than others. Don’t just accept the first policy you’re offered. Shopping around could save you hundreds annually, even with an SR-22 on your record.

SR-22 requirements by state

Every state has different insurance laws, but most require drivers who commit serious violations to file an SR-22 form. 

Here’s a look at SR-22 requirements across different states:

• An SR-22 is not required in Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, or Pennsylvania.
• Florida and Virginia require drivers to file either an SR-22 or FR-44 form, depending on the violation.
• Maryland drivers may be required to carry either an SR-22 or FR-19 form after committing certain violations.
• If required to carry an SR-22, your insurance policy must at least meet the minimum coverage requirements for your state.
• In most states with an SR-22 requirement, you’ll likely need to carry the form for at least three years. 

How much is SR-22 insurance?

Our data shows that a policy for a driver with one DUI conviction costs about $348 per month or $4,174 per year on average. Costs vary, but you can expect an increase in your monthly insurance premiums if you have to file an SR-22.

Also, don’t forget the processing fee, which ranges from $15 to $50. The typical cost is $25, and you pay that fee for the insurance company to process the form. On the plus side, this is a one-time fee you won’t have to pay again.

Insurance premiums are highly variable when you file an SR-22. Our analysis found an average increase of 9% after you file an SR-22. On the high end, premiums rose by 33% — the lowest increase was 1%.

That being the case, there is no set premium increase for those who need SR-22 insurance. Where you live, your driving record, and the type of vehicle you drive all affect the increase you’ll see in your rates. Of course, violations that indicate risky behavior, such as a DUI, mean your rate increase will be steeper. You can expect a substantial increase even if an SR-22 isn’t required in your state.

Rate increases vary from person to person. You will need a personalized SR-22 insurance quote to determine the exact increase you are facing.

How much is SR-22 insurance per month?

Again, SR-22 itself is just a certificate, not an insurance policy. However, having an SR-22 requirement significantly raises your car insurance rates.

For example, if you’re in an at-fault accident that requires an SR-22 filing, your car insurance premiums may average $251 per month, about $93 more than the national average. After a DUI, the average monthly premium jumps to $348 — $190 more than the typical cost of car insurance.

The SR-22 form itself usually costs a one-time fee of around $15 to $50 to file, but the real expense comes from the increased insurance premiums tied to the underlying violation.

How much does SR-22 insurance cost per company?

Needing an SR-22 often means higher car insurance rates — but that doesn’t mean affordable coverage is out of reach. We’ve listed some of the best low-cost SR-22 insurance rates to help you get started.

USAA and Progressive have some of the lowest rates for SR-22 insurance if you have one DUI, but Nationwide and Travelers also have some of the best high-risk auto insurance rates. Keep in mind that USAA is only available to military members and their families.

The table below highlights average annual rates for SR-22 coverage in different situations.

The most affordable SR-22 insurance companies in each state

Because states regulate how much insurers can charge in premium rates, the most affordable insurer in each state varies. In the table below, we’ve listed the most affordable insurance company for SR-22 insurance in each state.

Can I switch insurance companies while having an SR-22?

Yes, you can switch car insurance companies even if you have an SR-22 on file — but you must do it carefully. When you change providers, your new insurer must file a new SR-22 form with your state’s department of motor vehicles or the appropriate regulatory agency. The SR-22 does not automatically transfer between insurance companies.

Most importantly, you should never cancel your existing policy before your new one is active and the SR-22 has been successfully filed. A lapse in coverage could result in serious consequences, including license suspension or restarting the SR-22 filing period. To avoid gaps, coordinate the switch with your new insurer and confirm the SR-22 has been filed and accepted before ending your previous policy.

How SR-22 affects insurance costs by state

Car insurance costs can vary dramatically from state to state. For example, North Carolina drivers needing an SR-22 see an average rate increase of 2%. In contrast, Massachusetts drivers see an average rate increase of 29%. 

Use the table below to explore average increases for SR-22 drivers in your state. 

How much SR-22 insurance costs if you have a DUI

Having a DUI on your record will dramatically increase the cost of your insurance policy, usually by thousands of dollars per year. While the rate increase will vary from state to state, expect to pay more than 51% (Alaska) to 324% (North Carolina). 

How to remove or cancel SR-22

If you need to cancel your policy prior to the termination date, your insurance company will file an SR-26 to inform the state. Since insurance is a requirement, the state will want to be aware of these changes.

But how do you know your insurer will file the form? Not all insurance companies are willing or able to handle SR-22 filings. Also, many auto insurance companies don’t want the hassle of filing SR22s with states and filing SR-26s when policies lapse, says Alex Hageli, director of personal lines policy with the Property Casualty Insurers Association America, an industry trade group.

“And there are companies that decide that people who require SR-22s are not the type that fits their profile of someone they will underwrite,” Hageli adds.

Still, you should contact your insurer if you have to remove or cancel an SR-22. They filed the SR-22, and now, they must file an SR-26. Makes sense, doesn’t it?

Generally, drivers who need SR-22 insurance can expect to pay more for coverage. But how much your rates increase varies based on several factors, including the severity of your penalty and location. Before committing to a policy, shop around to find the cheapest rates for your situation.