SR-22 insurance in Washington 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.
Your insurer files an SR-22 form with the Washington 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 provides an overview of what SR-22 insurance covers in Washington and how it can influence your annual premiums.
Who needs an SR-22 in Washington?
In Washington, 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 requirement to carry an SR-22 in Washington usually lasts for a period of 3 years, which may vary based on the severity of the offense. During this period, you must carry at least the minimum car insurance required by Washington law.
Learn more about how to find out if you still need an SR-22
How do I get an SR-22 in Washington?
Getting insurance in Washington 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:
- Contact your current insurance provider: Many insurers can handle SR-22 filings, but remember that your rates may change. It’s important to confirm whether they offer an SR-22 and if it will affect your premiums.
- Shop for quotes: It’s important to compare quotes from different insurers that offer SR-22 coverage. Disclose your need for an SR-22 so you get accurate estimates.
- Meet state minimum liability limits: Make sure that your coverage meets Washington’s required minimums, which is 25/50/10.
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.
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 Washington?
The cost of car insurance in Washington is $1,765 per year for full coverage with an SR-22, which is $328 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 $3,054 per year for full coverage.
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 Washington?
Drivers in Washington who have a DUI on their record can expect to pay $255 per month for a full coverage policy, which includes an SR-22.
Not all insurance companies offer car insurance for high-risk drivers, so you might need to shop around to secure coverage. When you do find an insurer, expect to pay higher premiums.
However, by practicing responsible driving and steering clear of speeding, DUI and other violations, you can improve your driving record and possibly reduce your insurance premiums over time.
Affordable SR-22 insurance companies by state
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For drivers in Washington looking for cheap SR-22 insurance, Geico offers the lowest rates at $1,196 annually. While not the least expensive, Nationwide and Allstate offer affordable rates in Washington, based on CarInsurance.com data.
Following a traffic violation like a DUI in Washington, 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 | 1,171 | 1,196 |
| Nationwide | 1,658 | 1,673 |
| Allstate | 1,766 | 1,947 |
| American Family | 1,750 | 2,014 |
| Farmers | 1,714 | 2,043 |
| State Farm | 1,794 | 2,061 |
| Progressive | 2,554 | 2,902 |
| USAA* | 853 | 879 |
Find out which providers offer the cheapest SR-22 car insurance
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Washington?
You will need an SR-22 in Washington for a period of 3 years. This document proves to the Washington DMV that you are maintaining state-mandated 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 car insurance?
If you cancel your car insurance in Washington before the required period mandated by the state, it can lead to serious consequences.
- Driver’s license suspension: Your Washington insurance provider is legally required to inform the state if your insurance is canceled. This likely triggers a driver’s license suspension, as you must still maintain SR-22 coverage for the mandated period.
- Fines and penalties: In addition to suspension, some states may impose additional fines or penalties for failing to comply with the SR-22 requirement.
- Extended probationary period: If your Washington SR-22 requirement was part of a probation period for a driving offense, cancellation might restart the clock.
- Increased insurance costs: Future attempts to purchase insurance might be costly due to the lapse in coverage and driving record violations.
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 Washington
To get rid of your SR-22, you must wait until the required time period is up. In Washington, this period is typically 3 years from when you first filed the SR-22.
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 Washington?
An SR-22 requirement can significantly impact your car insurance rates in Washington. Insurance companies often view drivers with an SR-22 as high-risk, which can lead to higher premiums.
The specific rate increase can vary depending on several factors, including the insurance company’s policies, driving record, the reason for needing the SR-22, and other personal factors.
It’s important to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the most affordable coverage when dealing with an SR-22 requirement. Over time, insurance rates may gradually decrease as the driver maintains a clean driving record and complies with the SR-22 requirements.
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 Washington drivers
If you find yourself in a situation where you need an SR-22 in Washington but don’t own a car, there is a solution. Non-owner SR-22 insurance can help you reinstate your Washington driver’s license and meet the requirements.
Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage in case you get into an accident while borrowing or renting a vehicle. This protects you from having to pay for damages or injuries to others caused by an accident. Since not all companies offer non-owner insurance and SR-22, it’s important to shop around and compare options in your state to find the right coverage for your needs.
Frequently asked questions: SR-22 insurance in Washington
How do I check my SR-22 status online in Washington?
You can easily check your SR22 status by visiting the official website of the Washington DMV and using their online services. Alternatively, you can contact the Washington DMV by phone to inquire about your SR-22 status, and they can provide you with the required information.
Do I need an SR-1P or SR-22 in Washington?
Both the SR-22 and SR-1P are forms your insurance company submits to the Washington DMV, ensuring you meet the mandated liability coverage. For motorcycle riders, mopeds, and scooter users, the SR-1P is the relevant form. If you’ve been caught riding your two-wheeler without insurance or have had your license suspended, you’ll require an SR-1P.
What happens to your SR-22 insurance in Washington if you move?
An SR-22 requirement stays even when you move to a new state. Find a new insurance company licensed in your current state to file a new SR-22. They must submit the form with both the Washington DMV and your new state’s DMV to transfer the requirement. Maintain continuous coverage until the new SR-22 is in effect.
SR-22 requirements can vary from state to state, so it’s essential to consult with your new insurance company and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your new state to determine the necessary steps.
Does Geico offer SR-22 in Washington?
Geico provides SR-22 in Washington, ensuring you meet the state’s insurance requirements and offer adequate coverage required by the state.
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 Washington. 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 Washington