SR-22 insurance in Virginia is not an insurance policy. Rather, it’s a certificate proving financial responsibility that some drivers must submit to the state. It’s necessary for individuals who are found guilty of specific driving offenses, including DUI, driving without insurance and reckless driving.
The SR-22 form is filed by your insurance company with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to prove that you have the state-required minimum liability coverage. This form verifies that you have the necessary insurance coverage in place. If your driving privileges were suspended or revoked and you must carry an SR-22, you must maintain continuous coverage for the period specified by the court or DMV.
This guide outlines what SR-22 insurance covers in Virginia and explains how it impacts your annual premium rates should you require SR-22.
Who needs an SR-22 in Virginia?
In Virginia, an SR-22 is typically required for individuals whose license was suspended or revoked due to certain violations.
Some examples of violations that may lead to an SR-22 requirement include:
- 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
In Virginia, an SR-22 is generally needed for 3 years, but this duration can differ based on the specific violation. Throughout this period, it’s crucial to maintain at least the minimum car insurance required by Virginia law.
Learn more about how to find out if you still need an SR-22
How do I get an SR-22 in Virginia?
Getting insurance in Virginia 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:
- Reach out to your current insurance company: Most insurers file SR-22s, but your auto insurance rate increase will depend on the carrier.
- Compare quotes from other insurers: Shop around and compare quotes from different car insurance carriers who offer SR-22 coverage. Be transparent about your need for SR-22 to get accurate quotes.
- Meet state minimum liability requirements: Virginia mandates a minimum of 30/60/20.
Filing the SR-22:
- Inform your insurer about your SR-22 requirement. They’ll handle the paperwork and submit the form to the DMV.
- Pay any associated fees. Expect an SR-22 filing fee from your insurance company on top of the increased premium for your high-risk status.
- Maintain continuous insurance. A lapse in coverage may result in the DMV suspending your license again.
Having an SR-22 may increase your car insurance costs because it signifies a riskier driver. To minimize the impact, compare quotes from different insurers and focus on safe driving habits to get lower rates in the future.
Discover your options for getting SR-22 insurance without a valid license
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How much is SR-22 insurance in Virginia?
The cost of car insurance in Virginia is $1,723 per year for full coverage with an SR-22, which is $370 lower than the national average of $2,093 annually. However, having a DUI on your driving record can significantly increase your premium to an average of $3,110 per year for full coverage.
Besides the higher premium, many insurance companies charge a small fee to submit the SR-22 form. If your license is suspended, your only option for getting it reinstated is to buy car insurance and file the SR-22 form.
How much is SR-22 insurance per month in Virginia?
Drivers in Virginia who have a DUI on their record can expect to pay $259 per month for a full coverage policy, which includes an SR-22.
Not all insurance companies provide car insurance for high-risk drivers, so you may need to look into various insurers to find the one that does. But be prepared to pay higher premium costs due to driving infractions 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.
Affordable SR-22 insurance companies by state
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Geico offers the cheapest SR-22 car insurance rates to Virginia drivers at an average annual premium of $1,406. Erie Insurance and Auto-Owners also offer affordable SR-22 car insurance rates in Virginia, based on an in-depth analysis by CarInsurance.com.
Following a traffic violation like a DUI in Virginia, getting SR-22 insurance becomes mandatory. Although the SR-22 doesn’t directly affect insurance rates, most violations requiring it often lead to premium hikes.
| Company | Full coverage rates without SR-22 | Full coverage rates after filling SR-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | 1,382 | 1,406 |
| Erie Insurance | 1,288 | 1,492 |
| Auto-Owners | 1,405 | 1,591 |
| State Farm | 1,479 | 1,744 |
| Allstate | 2,021 | 2,367 |
| Progressive | 2,120 | 2,406 |
| USAA* | 1,192 | 1,222 |
Find out which providers offer the cheapest SR-22 car insurance
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Virginia?
In Virginia, you are required to have SR-22 coverage for a period of 3 years. This confirms to the Virginia 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 Virginia 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.
Failing to maintain continuous SR-22 coverage for the mandated period can result in legal consequences and the suspension of your driving privileges.
How to get an SR-22 removed in Virginia
The most common way to get your SR-22 removed is to wait until the required filing period is over. In Virginia, 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 Virginia?
The requirement of an SR-22 certificate can increase your car insurance premiums significantly. Most insurance companies consider drivers with SR-22 high risk, resulting in premium hikes.
Your specific increase in rates will vary based on various factors, including your driving record and the reason for the SR-22.
Don’t settle for the first offer. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to get the best deal on car insurance with an SR-22. If you stay violation-free and comply with the SR-22 requirements, your rates could go down over time.
Select your age, gender and type of violation to see average annual SR-22 insurance rates by company.
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 Virginia drivers
If you don’t have a car but require an SR-22 in Virginia, non-owner SR-22 insurance can help you reinstate your driving privileges and meet the SR-22 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 Virginia
How do I check my SR-22 status online in Virginia?
You can visit the official Virginia DMV website and use their online services to check your SR-22 status. Besides, you can contact the Virginia DMV directly via phone and inquire about your SR-22 status. They should be able to provide you with the necessary information.
Do I need an SR-1P or SR-22 in Virginia?
The SR-22 and SR-1P are forms your insurance company files with the Virginia DMV to show you have the minimum required liability coverage. SR-1P is for two-wheelers, such as motorcycles, mopeds and scooters – if you’ve been caught riding without insurance or had your license suspended, you’ll need an SR-1P.
What happens to your SR-22 insurance in Virginia if you move?
Your SR-22 insurance in Virginia doesn’t disappear when you move. You’ll need to find a new insurance company licensed in your new state to file an SR-22 on your behalf. They’ll likely need to file forms with the Virginia DMV and your new state’s DMV to transfer the requirement. Don’t cancel your Virginia insurance until you have the new SR-22 in place to avoid a lapse in coverage.
Your new state’s SR-22 requirements might differ from Virginia’s. You’ll need to consult with your new insurer and the DMV in the state to understand what’s needed.
Does Geico offer SR-22 in Virginia?
Yes, Geico offers SR-22 in Virginia. It is one of the major car insurance companies that file SR-22 with the state on your behalf, along with providing the necessary insurance coverage to meet the state’s requirements.
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 Virginia. 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.
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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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Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of Virginia