If you’ve gotten a DUI or got pulled over for reckless driving, you might be required to obtain an SR-22, which is a certificate of financial responsibility.
The bad news is that an SR-22 filing with a DUI can increase your car insurance rates by an average of 120% per year, increasing the cost for a 40-year-old male driver with one DUI from an average of $983 to $3,964 per year, according to a CarInsurance.com rate analysis.
The insurance policy associated with an SR-22 is calculated according to standard rating factors, such as your driving record, your geographical location and the type of vehicle you drive. If your driving record shows that you’re a risky driver, due to a major offense such as a DUI, your rates are likely to be higher, whether or not an SR-22 is required.
The good news is that we can help. Keep reading to learn about the cheapest SR-22 insurance near you.
- Progressive has the cheapest average cost for auto insurance with an SR-22 at $2,981 per year, followed by Travelers and State Farm.
- The states with the greatest average increase in insurance rates when drivers must carry an SR-22 are North Carolina, Hawaii, California, Connecticut and Michigan.
- Alaskan drivers experience the most minor premium increase with an SR-22, followed by New York, South Carolina, Washington, D.C., and Missouri drivers.
Why do I have to carry an SR-22?
All states except Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania require a driver to obtain an SR-22, a certificate of financial responsibility.
Here’s why your state may require an SR-22:
- Failure to carry liability insurance on your vehicle
- Conviction for driving without insurance
- Driving uninsured and being involved in a motor vehicle accident
- DUI, DWI or other major alcohol offense convictions
- Serious moving violation (such as reckless driving) convictions
- Accumulating too many DMV points on your driver’s license
- Being termed a habitual traffic offender
- Needing to apply for a hardship or probationary permit (while license is suspended)
- Reinstating your license after a suspension or revocation
States impose this requirement to ensure drivers with serious infractions in their past carry an auto insurance policy with enough coverage to take on financial responsibility after a car accident. While you’ll still only need to carry your state’s mandatory insurance coverage amount, the SR-22 form is required as a high-risk driver.
Check out our detailed guide on SR-22 insurance and how much it costs
How do you get cheap SR-22 insurance?
If you need SR-22 insurance, use the following steps to find the cheapest rates.
Determine how much coverage you need
While a policy that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements is often the cheapest option, many drivers need a more robust policy to protect their financial situation.
For example, you might opt for car insurance with more liability coverage built-in to help you pay for damages to other vehicles after an accident. Or you might opt for a full coverage policy, with both collision coverage and comprehensive coverage included to help you get back on the road after an accident.
Shop around
Different car insurance companies offer different rates. The only way to find the lowest rates is to get quotes from multiple insurance companies.
Luckily, it’s possible to get free auto insurance quotes from multiple companies to compare rates.
Lock in coverage
Once you find an option that suits your needs, you can lock in your coverage needs by purchasing the insurance policy.
Avoid coverage lapses going forward. Unfortunately, a coverage gap could derail your SR-22 insurance coverage requirements timeline.
Learn more about How to get SR22 auto insurance without a license?
Who has the cheapest insurance rates with an SR-22?
Progressive has the cheapest average cost for auto insurance with an SR-22 at $2,981 per year, followed by Travelers and State Farm. Use the table below to explore average price points at other car insurance companies.
Company | Annual rate without an SR-22 | Annual rate with an SR-22 | $ difference | % difference |
---|---|---|---|---|
Allstate | $2,509 | $5,010 | $2,501 | 100% |
Farmers | $2,387 | $6,350 | $3,964 | 166% |
Geico | $1,763 | $4,522 | $2,759 | 157% |
Nationwide | $1,548 | $3,639 | $2,091 | 135% |
Progressive | $1,998 | $2,981 | $983 | 49% |
State Farm | $1,984 | $3,458 | $1,474 | 74% |
Travelers | $1,606 | $3,005 | $1,399 | 87% |
USAA* | $1,381 | $2,842 | $1,461 | 106% |
Note: USAA is included here because of its competitive rates, but the insurance company only works with military members, veterans and their families.
What are the cheapest SR-22 insurance rates in each state?
The only way to determine precisely how much your SR-22 insurance policy actually costs is to get a personalized quote.
The states with the greatest average price increase when drivers must carry an SR-22 are North Carolina with a 324% increase, Hawaii with a 306% increase, California with a 223% rate increase, Connecticut at 181% and Michigan at 163%.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, drivers in Alaska experience the smallest rate increase at 51%, followed by New Yorkers at 55%, South Carolinans at 61%, Washington, D.C. at 66%, and Missouri at 66%. Most states fall in the 70% to 100% range.
The chart below shows the average yearly car insurance cost by state for filing an SR-22 with one DUI, based on a CarInsurance.com rate analysis.
State | Annual rate without an SR-22 | Annual rate with an SR-22 | $ difference | % difference |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alaska | $1,676 | $2,539 | $862 | 51% |
Alabama | $1,860 | $3,750 | $1,891 | 102% |
Arkansas | $1,957 | $3,879 | $1,922 | 98% |
Arizona | $1,812 | $3,675 | $1,863 | 103% |
California | $2,416 | $7,810 | $5,394 | 223% |
Colorado | $2,337 | $4,831 | $2,493 | 107% |
Connecticut | $1,725 | $4,853 | $3,128 | 181% |
Washington, D.C. | $2,157 | $3,582 | $1,425 | 66% |
Delaware | $2,063 | $4,206 | $2,143 | 104% |
Florida | $2,694 | $5,005 | $2,311 | 86% |
Georgia | $1,970 | $3,906 | $1,936 | 98% |
Hawaii | $1,517 | $6,158 | $4,641 | 306% |
Iowa | $1,630 | $2,725 | $1,095 | 67% |
Idaho | $1,428 | $2,758 | $1,330 | 93% |
Illinois | $1,532 | $2,628 | $1,097 | 72% |
Indiana | $1,515 | $3,094 | $1,579 | 104% |
Kansas | $1,900 | $3,684 | $1,784 | 94% |
Kentucky | $2,228 | $4,417 | $2,189 | 98% |
Louisiana | $2,883 | $5,176 | $2,293 | 80% |
Massachusetts | $1,726 | $3,700 | $1,974 | 114% |
Maryland | $1,746 | $3,221 | $1,476 | 85% |
Maine | $1,175 | $2,465 | $1,290 | 110% |
Michigan | $2,352 | $6,186 | $3,834 | 163% |
Minnesota | $1,911 | $4,632 | $2,721 | 142% |
Missouri | $1,982 | $3,283 | $1,301 | 66% |
Mississippi | $2,008 | $4,010 | $2,002 | 100% |
Montana | $2,193 | $3,786 | $1,592 | 73% |
North Carolina | $1,741 | $7,387 | $5,646 | 324% |
North Dakota | $1,665 | $3,574 | $1,910 | 115% |
Nebraska | $1,902 | $4,412 | $2,509 | 132% |
New Hampshire | $1,265 | $2,291 | $1,025 | 81% |
New Jersey | $1,902 | $4,000 | $2,098 | 110% |
New Mexico | $2,049 | $3,564 | $1,515 | 74% |
Nevada | $2,060 | $3,805 | $1,745 | 85% |
New York | $1,870 | $2,894 | $1,024 | 55% |
Ohio | $1,417 | $2,971 | $1,554 | 110% |
Oklahoma | $2,138 | $3,598 | $1,461 | 68% |
Oregon | $1,678 | $3,088 | $1,410 | 84% |
Pennsylvania | $1,872 | $3,974 | $2,102 | 112% |
Rhode Island | $2,061 | $4,486 | $2,425 | 118% |
South Carolina | $2,009 | $3,226 | $1,216 | 61% |
South Dakota | $2,280 | $4,132 | $1,852 | 81% |
Tennessee | $1,677 | $3,352 | $1,676 | 100% |
Texas | $2,043 | $3,586 | $1,542 | 75% |
Utah | $1,825 | $3,491 | $1,666 | 91% |
Virginia | $1,469 | $3,110 | $1,641 | 112% |
Vermont | $1,319 | $2,867 | $1,548 | 117% |
Washington | $1,608 | $3,054 | $1,446 | 90% |
Wisconsin | $1,664 | $3,370 | $1,706 | 103% |
West Virginia | $2,005 | $4,142 | $2,137 | 107% |
Wyoming | $1,758 | $3,680 | $1,922 | 109% |
Cheapest SR-22 insurance rates by age group
Your driver profile will affect your insurance rates if you have an SR-22. Generally, younger drivers pay more for car insurance. But exact rates vary based on your situation and the insurance company you work with.
See below for the rates from major insurance companies for different driver age profiles.
Company | Annual rates | Monthly rates |
---|---|---|
Allstate | $7,926 | $661 |
Farmers | $10,700 | $892 |
Geico | $4,665 | $389 |
Nationwide | $5,186 | $432 |
Progressive | $8,064 | $672 |
State Farm | $5,869 | $489 |
Travelers | $4,333 | $361 |
USAA* | $3,900 | $325 |
Company | Annual rates | Monthly rates |
---|---|---|
Allstate | $3,208 | $267 |
Farmers | $3,552 | $296 |
Geico | $2,058 | $172 |
Nationwide | $1,854 | $155 |
Progressive | $2,656 | $221 |
State Farm | $2,641 | $220 |
Travelers | $1,881 | $157 |
USAA* | $1,798 | $150 |
Company | Annual rates | Monthly rates |
---|---|---|
Allstate | $2,781 | $232 |
Farmers | $3,175 | $265 |
Geico | $1,786 | $149 |
Nationwide | $1,570 | $131 |
Progressive | $2,224 | $185 |
State Farm | $2,251 | $188 |
Travelers | $1,634 | $136 |
USAA* | $1,421 | $118 |
Company | Annual rates | Monthly rates |
---|---|---|
Allstate | $2,632 | $219 |
Farmers | $2,813 | $234 |
Geico | $1,685 | $140 |
Nationwide | $1,393 | $116 |
Progressive | $2,049 | $171 |
State Farm | $2,014 | $168 |
Travelers | $1,499 | $125 |
USAA* | $1,331 | $111 |
Note: USAA is included here because of its competitive rates, but the insurance company only works with military members, veterans and their families.
Expert tips to lower SR-22 insurance rates
“Consider increasing your deductible and bundling auto with another policy for potential savings,” says Christian Strange, owner of Strange Insurance Agency.
Below are some additional tips for finding lower SR-22 insurance rates:
- Shop around. Shopping around helps you lock in the most affordable options for your situation.
- Ask for a discount. Many insurers offer a suite of discounts to drivers. Find out if you qualify for a discount by checking the insurer’s website and then ask to receive any discount you might qualify for.
- Don’t let your coverage lapse. A coverage gap is a red flag for insurance companies, which can push your rates higher. Even with an SR-22 requirement, you can avoid a lapse in coverage to keep rates lower.
Although it’s tempting to focus only on the sticker price, it’s important to consider an insurance company’s reputation. Check the policy details, including the liability limit, to confirm you have the coverage you need.
“I’ve seen cases where cheaper policies led to frustrations due to poor service,” Strange says.
Discover 10 ways to lower your car insurance and save money in 2025
Frequently asked questions
How much does SR-22 insurance typically cost?
SR-22 insurance costs an average of $3,964 for a 40-year-old male driver with one DUI.
Which states have the lowest SR-22 insurance rates?
On average, drivers in Alaska, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Ohio have the cheapest SR-22 insurance rates.
Does filing SR-22 increase insurance premiums?
The SR-22 filing requirement itself might not lead to higher rates. However, the underlying reason for your SR-22 requirement, like a DUI or reckless driving ticket, will increase your rates.
Can I switch insurance providers if I have an SR-22?
Yes, switching insurance companies is possible even if you have an SR-22. However, your new insurance company must refile your SR-22 forms, and not all insurance companies will insure you with an SR-22. Ensure you have your new coverage in place before canceling your old policy to avoid unnecessary coverage gaps.
Resources & Methodology
Methodology
CarInsurance.com collected SR-22 car insurance rates from Quadrant Information Services for male and female drivers aged 40 with a clean driving record and good insurance scores, carrying a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 deductible.
SR-22 car insurance rates by age group are for the following ages:
- Teen drivers: Aged 18
- Young drivers: Aged 25
- Adult drivers: Aged 40
- Senior drivers: Aged 80
To evaluate the premiums, we compared 53,409,632 insurance quotes from 170 national and regional insurance companies across 34,588 ZIP codes.