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. 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.

If you’ve been asked to file an SR-22, you might be worried about the impact on your car insurance costs. An SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance but rather a certificate that proves you meet your state’s minimum car insurance requirements.

It’s often required after serious driving violations, such as a DUI, reckless driving or driving without insurance. Unfortunately, having an SR-22 on your record typically leads to higher premiums, making finding the most affordable options essential.

The cost of SR-22 insurance can vary significantly depending on your location, driving history, and insurance provider. To help you save money, we’ve researched the cheapest SR-22 insurance options in every state.

In Washington, D.C., GEICO offers the most affordable SR-22 insurance policies at $937 per year and Progressive at $1,550 per year.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly policy or just trying to navigate this complex process, this guide has the information you need to get back on the road without breaking the bank.

What’s an SR-22?

An SR-22 is a certificate of responsibility (CFR) that shows you’ve purchased the required minimum liability auto coverage required by your state. If you’re categorized as a higher-risk driver due to traffic violations, a DWI/DUI conviction, or other reasons, your state or a court order may require you to get an SR-22.

You might hear about “SR-22 insurance,” but an SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy – it’s just a term sometimes used to refer to any insurance policy bought by someone who’s required to have an SR-22.

Key Takeaways

  • An SR-22 isn’t a separate insurance policy but a form your insurer files with the state to show you have the minimum coverage.
  • You might need an SR-22 in Washington, D.C. due to DUI, reckless driving, or license suspension/revocation.
  • Filing an SR-22 isn’t expensive, but those with an SR-22 often pay higher premiums.

Do I need to buy SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C.?

As previously mentioned, SR-22 is not an insurance policy but a form your insurance company files with your state’s DMV. This form lets the state know that even though you have certain driving offenses on your record, you have at least the minimum required insurance for your situation. The typical filing cost isn’t much – usually around $25.

Examples of offenses that might require an SR-22:

  • 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 have any of these on your record, you may need an SR-22. After purchasing an insurance plan that meets your state’s requirements, ask your insurer to file the SR-22 form with the DMV.

You typically must maintain an SR-22 for at least three years. If you don’t, you could risk license suspension.

Average SR-22 car insurance cost in Washington, D.C.

The average cost of SR-22 car insurance in Washington, D.C. is $2,065.

This is $1,050 more expensive than the SR-22 insurance in New Hampshire, the least expensive state.

However, it’s also $1,976 cheaper than in Michigan, the most expensive state for SR-22 insurance.

However, several factors can affect the cost of SR-22 insurance, including why you need the SR-22, your driving history and your city.

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 Washington, D.C.

Insurance rates typically increase if you have an SR-22, but not all insurance companies charge the same rates for SR-22 holders. The companies listed below offer some of the lowest rates in Washington, D.C..

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
GEICO$937 $78
Progressive$1,550 $129
Erie Insurance$1,752 $146
State Farm$2,127 $177
Chubb Ltd$2,436 $203
Nationwide$2,449 $204
Allstate$4,130 $344
USAA*$1,230 $103
*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Powered by:

Cheap SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C. by city

As discussed above, where you live greatly affects how much SR-22 insurance costs. Below, you’ll find the cheapest SR-22 insurance rates in major cities across Washington, D.C..

CityAverage annual premium
Washington Navy Yard$937
Washington$937
Powered by:

SR-22 insurance requirements in Washington, D.C.

The Washington, D.C. DMV mandates all drivers in Washington, D.C. to have the following minimum car insurance coverage:

  • $25,000 for injury or death per person
  • $50,000 for injury or death per accident
  • $10,000 for property damage per accident

These are only the minimum requirements. Experts suggest getting more coverage than the mandated coverage levels. While it might increase your premium, the extra coverage can be very helpful if you’re in a costly at-fault accident.

How much does SR-22 in Washington, D.C. cost with a DUI?

Insurance companies charge different premiums for drivers with a DUI.

Note: In the table below, “filing only” means the cost of a policy that includes the SR-22 filing fee but doesn’t take into account why you need the SR-22.

CompanySR-22 with 1 DUISR-22 Filing only
Progressive$1,930 $1,550
GEICO$2,235 $937
State Farm$2,329 $2,127
Erie Insurance$2,661 $1,752
Nationwide$4,511 $2,449
Allstate$4,941 $4,130
Chubb Ltd$5,531 $2,436
USAA*$2,201 $1,230
*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Powered by:

How to get the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C.

You may face sky-high insurance premiums if you need an SR-22 in Washington, D.C.. However, there are ways to save on car insurance whether or not you require an SR-22.

First, shopping around is always a good idea. There can be an enormous difference in the rates you will get from different insurance companies. Some companies specialize in high-risk drivers and offer you better SR-22 rates.

Another way to get the cheapest insurance with an SR-22 is to improve your driving record. Sure, that might be easier said than done, but it can be worth putting in the time if you want a better rate. You can get a quick win by taking a defensive driving course. Ask your insurer if they offer any of these courses and if they can help you qualify for a discount.

You can also ask about safe driving programs. These usage-based programs track your driving habits and may reward you with lower premiums for safe driving.

There are a few ways someone required to get SR-22 insurance can find the most affordable policy while still meeting all the legal requirements.

Sebastian Hov, CEO of 18 Insurance, an insurance agency based in Sacramento, Washington, D.C., recommends the following:

  • Shopping 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.
  • Pay upfront: Paying your premium in full rather than in monthly installments can sometimes result in lower overall costs.
  • Opt for non-owner insurance: If you don’t own a vehicle but need to maintain SR-22 coverage, non-owner car insurance can be a cost-effective option as it is typically 5% to 15% cheaper than a standard policy. Keep reading for more information on non-owner insurance options.

Non-owner SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C.

Another term that’s sometimes used when talking about SR-22 is “non-owner SR-22 insurance.” This usually refers to liability insurance for people who don’t own a car but need to reinstate their license after it is suspended or revoked. This is often a requirement after a DUI, DWI, or several moving violations.

Non-owner insurance provides secondary coverage when driving cars you don’t own, such as a vehicle you borrow or rent.

If you find yourself regularly driving a borrowed or rented vehicle, you should probably apply for a non-owner insurance policy. These policies have certain benefits, like costing less than traditional insurance.

Who needs SR-22 insurance?

Remember that an SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy. Instead, it’s a certificate that shows your state’s DMV that you have at least the minimum insurance coverage required.

For instance, if you have a DUI on your record, the state will require you to prove that you have enough insurance to be financially responsible.

Keep in mind that not all driving offenses require an SR-22. You will be notified if you require an SR-22. If you aren’t sure if you need one, ask your local DMV or an attorney who has experience with traffic laws.

How long do you need SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C.?

You typically need to maintain an SR-22 for three years.

During this period, you must maintain continuous coverage without any lapses. If your policy is canceled or lapses, your insurer must notify the state, which could result in further penalties or a license suspension.

The bottom line on SR-22 in Washington, D.C.

The average SR-22 insurance rate in Washington, D.C. is $2,065, while the average cost of car insurance in Washington, D.C. is $1,904. This means SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C. costs $161 more per year.

Keep in mind that there are numerous factors that affect the auto insurance premiums.

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.

author image
Bob Haegele
Contributing Researcher

 
|
  

Bob Haegele is a personal finance writer. He covers car insurance, health insurance and life insurance. While working in the corporate world he started a personal finance blog. He later left his corporate job and began freelance writing full-time. Since then, he has made it his mission to help people master their money. His work has been featured in Business Insider, Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, FinanceBuzz and others.

ZIP Code Please enter valid ZIP