SR-22 insurance in Ohio isn’t a type of insurance but rather a certificate of financial responsibility that some drivers must file. It’s often required for individuals who have been convicted of certain driving-related offenses, such as DUI, driving without insurance, reckless driving or multiple traffic offenses.

Your insurer files an SR-22 form with the Ohio DMV to verify that your policy meets the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements. This form is typically required when you need to reinstate driving privileges after they were revoked or suspended due to violations. You must maintain continuous coverage throughout the specific period for compliance with the court or DMV.

This guide outlines what SR-22 insurance covers in Ohio and explains how it impacts your annual premium rates should you require SR-22.

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Written by:
Shivani Gite
Contributing Writer
Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions. When not writing, you can find her reading a book or watching anime.
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Laura Longero
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Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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Who needs an SR-22 in Ohio?

In Ohio, individuals whose driving licenses were suspended or revoked due to certain violations may be required to obtain an SR-22.

Below are the violations that can trigger this requirement:

  • DUI or DWI (driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated) conviction
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving without insurance
  • Multiple traffic offenses within a short period
  • If you’re involved in an accident and don’t have car insurance, the DMV may suspend your license and require you to file an SR-22
  • Nonpayment of fines or penalties if you’re sued after an accident

The SR-22 requirement in Ohio typically lasts 3 years, although it can vary depending on the violation. You must maintain at least the minimum car insurance coverage required by Ohio laws during this period.

Learn more about how to find out if you still need an SR-22

How do I get an SR-22 in Ohio?

Getting insurance in Ohio involves purchasing a car insurance policy and having the insurance company file an SR-22 form with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)on your behalf.

Getting the right car insurance:

Filing the SR-22:

  • Notify your insurer about your need for an SR-22. They will manage the paperwork and submit the form to the DMV on your behalf.
  • Pay the fees. Be prepared to pay a filing fee for the SR-22 and a higher premium.
  • Keep your insurance active. It’s crucial to avoid gaps in coverage.

Remember, an SR-22 requirement could lead to higher premiums based on your driving history. It’s important to shop around for quotes and practice safe driving to help lower the elevated rates.

Discover your options for getting SR-22 insurance without a valid license

How much is SR-22 insurance in Ohio?

In Ohio, full coverage car insurance cost with an SR-22 is $1,670 per year $423 lower than the national average cost in the U.S., which is $2,093 a year. But if you have a DUI, your yearly premium can increase up to $2,971 in Ohio.

In addition to the increased premium, most insurance companies also charge a small fee for filing the SR-22 form. If you’re facing a license suspension, getting an auto insurance policy along with an SR-22 form is typically the only way to reinstate your license.

How much is SR-22 insurance per month in Ohio?

Ohio drivers with a DUI can expect to pay an average of $248 a month for full coverage insurance with an SR-22.

Only some insurance companies provide car insurance for high-risk drivers, so you might need to look around to find one that does. When you do find an insurer, be prepared for higher premiums because of driving violations on your record.

However, by driving responsibly and avoiding speeding tickets, DUIs and other infractions, you can gradually improve your driving record and secure lower insurance rates in the future.

Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in Ohio

Auto-Owners provides the most affordable SR-22 car insurance for drivers in Ohio, with an average annual premium of $1,264 . Erie Insurance and Geico also offer competitive SR-22 insurance rates in Ohio, according to CarInsurance.com data.

After a DUI or other traffic violation in Ohio, getting SR-22 insurance is a requirement. While the SR-22 form doesn’t impact insurance costs, the violations that necessitate it typically result in higher premiums. However, high-risk drivers can still find affordable auto insurance rates in Ohio.

CompanyFull coverage rates without SR-22Full coverage rates after filling SR-22
Auto-Owners1,1091,264
Erie Insurance1,1321,283
Geico1,3731,396
Progressive1,6262,007
Allstate1,9422,128
Farmers1,7942,527
USAA*9941,018

Find out which providers offer the cheapest SR-22 car insurance

How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Ohio?

In Ohio, you are required to have SR-22 coverage for a period of 3 years. This confirms to the Ohio DMV that you have the state-mandated minimum insurance coverage.

SR-22 insurance varies by state and the reason you need it. Usually, it’s required for three years but in some cases, it might be longer. For example, if someone has repeat violations, the requirement could extend out to five years, says Dr. James Brau, Joel C. Peterson professor of finance at Brigham Young University.

What happens if I cancel my insurance?

If you discontinue your SR-22 insurance in Ohio before the mandated period ends, you could face severe consequences.

  • Driver’s license suspension: If your SR-22 policy is canceled, your insurance provider will notify the state. This typically leads to a suspension of your driver’s license since insurance coverage must be maintained for the mandated period.
  • Fines and penalties: In some states, you might face additional fines or penalties for not complying with the SR-22 requirement.
  • Extended probationary period: If your SR-22 is part of a probation period for a driving offense, canceling it might restart your probationary period.
  • Increased insurance costs: A lapse in coverage and violations on your driving record resulting from SR-22 policy cancellation can lead to significantly higher insurance premiums in the future.

It’s important to fulfill the SR-22 requirements for the specified duration without any lapses or cancellations to avoid legal repercussions and maintain driving privileges.

How to get an SR-22 removed in Ohio

The most common way to get your SR-22 removed is to wait until the required filing period is over. In Ohio, the standard SR-22 filing period is 3 years from its filing date.

Brau explains that you should maintain continuous insurance coverage without any lapses. If you cancel your policy or let it expire, the SR-22 will no longer be valid. Wait out the required period. During this time, drive responsibly and maintain your insurance coverage.

“Check with your state’s DMV and confirm the exact duration and any additional requirements for removal. Some states may require you to submit a formal request or provide proof of good driving behavior,” he says.

“Once the required period has passed, ask your insurer to file an SR-26 form with the DMV. This form notifies them that you no longer need an SR-22. After your insurer submits the SR-26, check with the DMV to ensure the SR-22 is officially removed from your record.”

How does an SR-22 affect car insurance rates in Ohio?

Requiring an SR-22 certificate can substantially increase your car insurance premiums. Insurance providers typically categorize drivers with SR-22s as high-risk, which often translates to higher rates.

The specific amount by which your premiums will rise can vary depending on factors like your driving history and the reason for the SR-22 filing.

Car insurance can be more expensive after an SR-22, so it’s a good idea to get quotes from different companies to find the best deal. However, maintaining a clean driving record and adhering to SR-22 obligations can lead to decreased insurance rates.

SR-22 insurance rates by company in state

Select your age, gender and type of violation to see average annual SR-22 insurance rates by company.

CompanyRates without SR-22Rates after filling SR-22SR-22 with speeding ticket
Allstate$5,121$5,918$6,601
Auto-Owners$3,226$3,770$4,015
Erie Insurance$3,146$3,578$3,603
Farmers$8,224$11,493$10,590
Geico$2,818$2,833$5,551
Progressive$7,607$9,603$8,595
Travelers$4,238NA$5,940
USAA*$2,421$2,487$3,097

Note: These rates are for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible.

Non-owner SR-22 insurance for Ohio drivers

If you’re in a situation where you require an SR-22 in Ohio but don’t have a vehicle, non-owner SR-22 insurance can help you reinstate your Ohio driver’s license and fulfill the state requirements.

Non-owner car insurance offers liability coverage for individuals who don’t own a vehicle. An added benefit is that some insurers can file the SR-22 form with the DMV for you, which may be required in certain situations.

Frequently asked questions: SR-22 insurance in Ohio

How do I check my SR-22 status online in Ohio?

There are two ways to check the status of your SR-22. Visit the official website of your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Most states allow you to check your SR-22 status through their online services. You can also contact your state’s DMV directly via phone.

Do I need an SR-1P or SR-22 in Ohio?

Both the SR-22 and SR-1P are forms submitted by your insurance provider to the Ohio DMV to confirm that you meet the minimum liability coverage requirements. The SR-1P is for two-wheelers like motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. If you’ve been cited for riding without insurance or have had your license suspended while operating a motorcycle, you’ll need to file SR-1P.

What happens to your SR-22 insurance in Ohio if you move?

Your SR-22 insurance obligation in Ohio remains even after you move. To comply with legal requirements, find a new insurance provider licensed in your new state. They’ll handle the paperwork to transfer the SR-22 obligation from Ohio to your new location. Keep your coverage active until you get the new SR-22.

The SR-22 requirements in your new state may differ from those in Ohio. It’s important to check with your new insurance provider and the local DMV to learn the state’s requirements.

Does Geico offer SR-22 in Ohio?

Yes, Geico provides SR-22 insurance in Ohio. As a major car insurance provider, Geico can file an SR-22 form with the state on your behalf and offer the required insurance coverage to comply with state laws.

Resources & Methodology

Sources

SR-22 Adviser. “SR-22 Requirements by State.” Accessed November 2024.

Methodology

CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get SR-22 car insurance rates in Ohio. The rates are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record and good insurance score. We have compared 50,73,544 from 138 national and regional car insurance companies across 548 cities and 1,468 ZIP codes to evaluate the premiums.

Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.

Laura Longero

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Laura Longero

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Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.

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Contributing Writer

Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions. When not writing, you can find her reading a book or watching anime.