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In Colorado, the cheapest SR-22 insurance comes from GEICO at $1,310 per year, followed by Nationwide at $1,425. Your rate will depend on your driving history, where you live, and which insurer you go with.

An SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance. It’s a form your insurer files with the state to confirm you’re carrying the minimum required coverage, usually after a DUI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance. Because SR-22 drivers are seen as higher risk, premiums tend to run higher than standard rates.

An SR-22 needs to stay on file for around three years, though the exact duration depends on your state and the nature of the violation. Your rates will likely increase immediately after the incident, but keeping a clean record from that point forward will help bring them back down over time. In the meantime, shopping around can help make sure you’re not paying more than necessary.

How to keep your costs down during your SR-22 period

  • Compare at least three quotes before you commit. SR-22 surcharges vary widely between insurers, so the first quote you get is rarely the cheapest.
  • Ask each company how long the surcharge lasts. Some drop the high-risk rate sooner than others, which can matter more than the starting price.
  • Keep your record clean from here. Avoiding new violations is the single biggest thing that lowers your rate over time.
  • Don’t let the policy lapse. A gap in coverage can reset your filing period and signal even higher risk to insurers.
  • Confirm your insurer actually filed the form. You’re responsible for staying compliant, so verify the SR-22 is on file with the state before you assume you’re covered

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 is a certificate your insurance company files with the state to verify that you’re carrying the legally required minimum coverage. It’s usually required after major violations like a DUI, DWI, reckless driving, or driving uninsured.

Think of an SR-22 as a certificate rather than a policy – it’s a form your insurance company files with the state to prove you’re carrying the required coverage. Drivers who need one are considered higher risk, which typically means higher premiums and, in some cases, fewer insurers willing to take them on.

How does SR-22 insurance work in Colorado?

  • SR-22 insurance in Colorado costs an average of $2,177 per year
  • GEICO offers the cheapest SR-22 coverage in Colorado at $1,310 annually
  • An SR-22 is a state-required filing that proves you carry minimum car insurance coverage

When do you need an SR-22 in Colorado?

You may need an SR-22 in Colorado after a serious driving violation or if your license has been suspended or revoked. It’s your insurer’s way of confirming to the DMV that you’re meeting the state’s minimum coverage requirements.

Common reasons you might need one include:

  • DUI, DWI or other serious moving violations
  • Reckless driving
  • Accidents resulting in suspension or revocation
  • Accumulation of too many driving violation points
  • Driving without insurance

If you’re convicted of one of these offenses, you’ll need to buy a qualifying insurance policy and ask your insurer to file the SR-22 form with the DMV on your behalf.

What happens if you don’t maintain SR-22 coverage?

Most drivers are required to maintain an SR-22 filing for around three years, though the exact timeline varies by state and the nature of the violation. Throughout that period, your coverage must stay active – any lapse will prompt your insurer to notify the DMV, which can trigger penalties like license suspension, reinstatement fees, or an extended filing requirement.

In many states, even a single gap resets the three-year clock entirely, meaning a lapse halfway through could cost you another full cycle. On top of that, a coverage gap marks you as an even greater risk, leading to higher premiums when you re-insure and potentially making it harder to find a carrier willing to cover you at all.

How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Colorado?

Drivers in Colorado pay an average of $2,177 per year for SR-22 insurance. That’s $1,162 more than New Hampshire, the cheapest state for SR-22 coverage, and $1,864 less than Michigan, the most expensive.

Your rate will vary based on the violation behind the SR-22, your driving history and your ZIP code.

Our agents make it hassle-free to get the right quote.

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Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in Colorado

GEICO has the lowest SR-22 rates in Colorado at $1,310 per year. SR-22 coverage generally costs more than a standard policy, but rates can differ quite a bit from one insurer to the next.

The companies below offer some of the most affordable SR-22 rates in Colorado.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
GEICO$1,310 $109
Nationwide$1,425 $119
Kemper Insurance$1,916 $160
State Farm$1,919 $160
Progressive$2,135 $178
Auto-Owners$2,491 $208
Allstate$2,502 $209
Farmers$3,178 $265
American Family$3,595 $300
USAA*$1,300 $108
*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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Which cities have the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Colorado?

Your city or ZIP code can have a considerable amount of impact on your SR-22 rate. Here’s how costs break down across major cities in Colorado.

CityAverage annual premium
Boulder$929
Evans$977
Severance$990
Vail$992
Castle Rock$1,111
Denver$1,117
Lone Tree$1,211
Englewood$1,214
Aurora$1,305
Sterling$1,343
Colorado Springs$1,373
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Will my SR-22 costs go down over time?

  • As your SR-22 requirement ends, you will see an improvement in your rates but they won;t go back to your how low they were before the violation
  • The underlying violation can stay on the record for 3 to 5 years, but a DUI is likely to stay on your record for much longer
  • Maintain a clean driving record and compare insurers at renewal period so that you can the best rate possible

What are the minimum SR-22 insurance requirements in Colorado?

The Colorado DMV requires all drivers to carry at least the following coverage:

  • $25,000 for injury or death per person
  • $50,000 for injury or death per accident
  • $15,000 for property damage per accident

These are the minimums, and many experts recommend going beyond them. Higher limits cost more, but they offer much better protection if you’re involved in a serious at-fault accident.

How much does SR-22 in Colorado cost with a DUI?

Drivers with a DUI usually pay significantly higher SR-22 insurance rates, though costs vary widely by insurer. The table below compares annual SR-22 rates for drivers with a DUI in Colorado.

This table shows two different costs:

  • SR-22 with one DUI – what you’d likely pay per year if you’re filing an SR-22 because of a DUI conviction. This includes the higher rate insurers charge after a DUI.
  • SR-22 filing only – your regular premium plus just the SR-22 filing fee, with no DUI. If your SR-22 is for something other than a DUI, look at this column to estimate what the filing alone adds to your cost.

CompanySR-22 with 1 DUISR-22 Filing only
State Farm$2,070 $1,919
Progressive$2,508 $2,135
GEICO$2,695 $1,310
Nationwide$2,731 $1,425
Allstate$2,987 $2,502
American Family$4,051 $3,595
Kemper Insurance$4,259 $1,916
Farmers$4,285 $3,178
Auto-Owners$4,393 $2,491
USAA*$2,704 $1,300
*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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How to get the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Colorado

Filing an SR-22 itself costs very little, usually a one-time fee between $25 and $50. What drives up the real expense is the high-risk label insurers assign to drivers who require one. That’s also where you have the most opportunity to save. Getting quotes from multiple insurers, keeping your record clean, and selecting an appropriate level of coverage can all work in your favor. Premiums for high-risk drivers differ more than you might expect from one insurer to the next, making comparison shopping one of the smartest moves you can make.

Sebastian Hov, CEO of 18 Insurance, an insurance agency based in Sacramento, California, recommends the following:

  • Shop around. SR-22 rates vary significantly between insurance companies. Comparing quotes from several providers is the best way to find a good deal.
  • Pay upfront. Paying your full annual premium at once can be cheaper overall than spreading payments across monthly installments.
  • Opt for non-owner insurance. If you need SR-22 coverage but don’t own a car, a non-owner policy generally runs 5% to 15% less than a standard policy.

Compare insurers that specialize in high-risk drivers

Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers and may offer much lower SR-22 rates than standard carriers. Getting quotes from multiple companies is often the fastest way to save.

Can you get an SR-22 without owning a car?

If you need an SR-22 but don’t own a vehicle, non-owner SR-22 insurance lets you meet the requirement. It covers the minimum liability needed when you’re behind the wheel of someone else’s car and can help you reinstate your license after violations like a DUI or repeated traffic offenses. Since there’s no vehicle attached to the policy, it tends to cost less than a standard auto policy.

This situation comes up more often than people expect. Many drivers need to show proof of insurance to get their license reinstated after a violation, even when they don’t own a car. Non-owner SR-22 insurance exists precisely for that scenario.

Is SR-22 insurance expensive in Colorado?

Because an SR-22 requirement follows a serious violation like a DUI, reckless driving, or a lapse in coverage, insurers classify these drivers as high-risk and price their premiums accordingly.

That being said, rates can vary significantly from one insurer to the next, so comparing quotes is one of the most effective ways to manage your cost. A few other ways to keep premiums down:

  • Reduce your mileage where possible. Relying more on public transit or carpooling could qualify you for pay-per-mile or low-mileage discounts.
  • Take advantage of every discount available. Bundling policies, opting for autopay, and completing a defensive driving course are all common ways to lower your rate.
  • Stay clean from this point forward. It’s the single most impactful thing you can do. A DUI can remain on your record for up to 10 years in many states, but a consistent period of clean driving is what will actually move your premiums in the right direction.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get SR-22 insurance without owning a car?

Yes. Non-owner SR-22 insurance is available for drivers who don’t own a vehicle but still need to meet state insurance requirements. It provides liability coverage when driving someone else’s car and is usually cheaper than a standard policy.

What happens if your SR-22 insurance lapses?

If your SR-22 coverage lapses or your policy is canceled, your insurance company will notify the state DMV. This can lead to penalties such as license suspension, reinstatement fees or an extension of your SR-22 requirement period.

Can you switch insurance companies while you have an SR-22?

Yes, you can change insurers while maintaining an SR-22. However, your new insurance company must file a new SR-22 with the state before your old policy is canceled to avoid a lapse in coverage.

expert

What our expert says

Q: How can you save on SR-22 insurance?

expert-image
Sebastian HovCEO, 18 Insurance.
“Shop around: Different insurance companies offer varying rates for SR-22 insurance. It’s crucial to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best option.”

Resources and Methodology

Sources:

Methodology

Insure.com gathered rates from Quadrant Information Services for all states, including Washington, D.C. The rates are based on a sample driving profile of a 40-year-old male and female who drives a Honda Accord LX and opts for a full-coverage policy with coverage limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible across most ZIP codes. We analyzed 5,000,736 insurance quotes from 27 companies.

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Alisha Ambre

 
  

Alisha Ambre holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours in English Literature and Media Studies. She focuses on crafting clear, engaging content that makes complex information feel practical and approachable for everyday readers. When she’s not writing, she’s likely on the volleyball court or immersed in a good video game.

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