insure logo

Why you can trust Insure.com

quality icon

Quality Verified

At Insure.com, we are committed to providing the timely, accurate and expert information consumers need to make smart insurance decisions. All our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. Our team carefully vets our rate data to ensure we only provide reliable and up-to-date insurance pricing. For a deeper dive into our process, see our complete methodology. We follow the highest editorial standards. Our content is based solely on objective research and data gathering. We maintain strict editorial independence to ensure unbiased coverage of the insurance industry.

In Louisiana, the cheapest SR-22 insurance is offered by GEICO at $3,414 per year, followed by Safeway Insurance at $4,648. Rates vary based on your driving history, location and insurance company.

An SR-22 is not a type of insurance. It’s a form your insurer files with the state to prove you meet the minimum required coverage, often after violations like a DUI, reckless driving or driving without insurance. Because drivers who need an SR-22 are considered higher risk, insurance premiums are usually more expensive.

Most drivers need to keep an SR-22 on file for about three years, though the exact period depends on your state and the violation. The good news is that the higher rates aren’t permanent. As the violation ages and you keep a clean record, your premiums typically come back down, and comparing quotes regularly along the way helps make sure you’re never paying more than you need to.

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 document your insurance company files with the state to show you have the minimum coverage required to legally drive. It’s typically required after violations like a DUI, DWI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance.

An SR-22 isn’t an insurance policy – it’s a form your insurer submits to the state confirming you meet the minimum coverage requirements. Because needing one flags you as a higher-risk driver, you can expect your premiums to rise, and some insurers may decline to cover you altogether.

How does SR-22 insurance work in Louisiana?

  • SR-22 insurance in Louisiana costs an average of $4,667 per year
  • GEICO offers the cheapest SR-22 coverage in Louisiana at $3,414 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 Louisiana?

In Louisiana, an SR-22 is usually required after a serious driving violation or a license suspension. It’s your insurer’s confirmation to the DMV that you’re carrying the coverage the state requires.

Violations that commonly require an SR-22 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 any of these apply to you, you’ll need to get a qualifying insurance policy and have your insurer submit the SR-22 form to the DMV.

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 an SR-22 insurance cost in Louisiana?

The average cost of SR-22 car insurance in Louisiana is $4,667. This is $2,911 higher than in Vermont, which has the cheapest SR-22 insurance.

However, it’s also $1,419 less expensive than in Michigan, the most expensive state for SR-22 insurance.

What you actually pay comes down to why you need the SR-22, your driving record and where in the state you live. A DUI typically carries a steeper surcharge than a lapse in coverage, and a city with higher accident and theft rates will cost more than a quieter rural area. Because those factors differ so much from driver to driver, the only reliable way to find your lowest rate is to compare quotes from several insurers.

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

Call (844) 814-8854
ethan-avatar
Ethan Available Now
jack-avatar
Jack Available Now
robbie-avatar
Robbie Available Now
ellie-avatar
Ellie Available Now

Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in Louisiana

At $3,414 per year, GEICO is the most affordable SR-22 insurer in Louisiana. SR-22 coverage costs more than a standard policy, but there’s still a wide range of prices between companies.

These are some of the most affordable SR-22 options in Louisiana.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
GEICO$3,414$285
Safeway Insurance$4,648$387
Progressive$6,035$503
Farmers$6,766$564
USAA*$2,567$214
*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Powered by:

Which cities have the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Louisiana?

SR-22 rates in Louisiana depend heavily on where you live. Urban areas tend to come with higher premiums due to increased traffic, higher theft rates, and more frequent claims. Smaller towns and suburbs usually sit on the cheaper end of the scale.

Below are the major cities in Louisiana with the cheapest average SR-22 rates.

CityAverage annual premium
Alexandria$5,118
Baton Rouge$5,502
Bossier City$3,914
Houma$4,462
Kenner$5,562
Lafayette$4,958
Lake Charles$5,075
Monroe$4,843
New Orleans$5,550
Shreveport$4,336
Powered by:

Will my SR-22 costs go down over time?

  • Your rates may drop after the SR-22 requirement ends, but they likely won’t return to pre-violation levels right away
  • The underlying violation can stay on your driving record for 3 to 5 years, or longer for serious offenses like a DUI
  • Once your SR-22 period ends, contact your insurer and provide DMV confirmation if required
  • Keeping a clean driving record and comparing quotes at renewal can help lower your rates over time

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

The Louisiana DMV mandates all drivers in Louisiana to have the following minimum car insurance coverage:

  • $15,000 for injury or death per person
  • $30,000 for injury or death per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage per accident

State minimum coverage keeps you legal on the road, but it may not be enough to fully protect you in a costly at-fault accident. Higher coverage means a higher premium, but it also means you’re not paying out of pocket for damages that exceed your limits.

How much does SR-22 in Louisiana 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 Louisiana.

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
Auto Club Enterprises (AAA)$6,551NA
Farmers$16,189$6,766
GEICO$6,186$3,414
Progressive$6,539$6,035
Safeway Insurance$7,271$4,648
Southern Farm Bureau$2,881NA
USAA*$5,245$2,567
*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Powered by:

How to get the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Louisiana

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 Louisiana?

An SR-22 requirement signals to insurers that you’ve had a serious violation. That can be a DUI, reckless driving, or a coverage lapse. Once your violation is on your record, your premiums will reflect it. Even so, rates differ more than you’d expect between insurers, and comparing quotes can go a long way toward keeping costs manageable.

A few other ways to lower what you pay are:

  • Cut your mileage where you can. Using public transport or carpooling may qualify you for pay-per-mile or low-mileage discounts.
  • Make use of every discount you’re eligible for. Bundling policies, signing up for autopay, and taking a defensive driving course are all simple ways to reduce your rate.
  • Keep your record clean going forward. Nothing is more important than maintaining a clean record if you want to lower your rate. A DUI can stay on your record for up to 10 years in many states, but steady, clean driving during that period is what will bring your premiums down over time.

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. 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 51 states, including Washington, D.C., across two distinct driver scenarios to analyze auto insurance rates across the U.S.

Your zip rate is based on a sample driving profile of a 40-year-old male and female with a good insurance score and no violations, driving a Honda Accord LX with a 12-mile commute and 10,000 annual mileage. Drivers opt for a full-coverage policy with coverage limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible. We analyzed 65,756,440 insurance quotes from 195 companies (73 company groups) across 29,159 cities and 34,595 ZIP codes. The national average annual premium is $2,578.

After a violation, the data reflects the same base driving profile – a 40-year-old male and female driving a Honda Accord LX with a 12-mile commute and 10,000 annual mileage, opting for a full-coverage policy with 100/300/100 limits and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible; but for drivers with a violation on their record and an SR-22 filing requirement. For these rates, we analyzed 95,071,152 insurance quotes from 131 companies (41 company groups).

Read more about our research standards and methodology.

author image
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.

ZIP Code Please enter valid ZIP