Rachael Brennan

Licensed Auto Insurance Agent

Rachael Brennan has been working in the insurance industry since 2006 when she began working as a licensed insurance representative for 21st Century Insurance, during which time she earned her Property and Casualty license in all 50 states. After several years she expanded her insurance expertise, earning her license in Health and AD&D insurance as well. She has worked for small health in...

Licensed Auto Insurance Agent

Elijah Black

Lead Insurance Writer

Elijah Black is a Greenville, South Carolina native with a B.A. English from Coastal Carolina University. He is a fiction writer and also works as a freelance writer and editor. He’s worked as a Production Assistant for WYFF 4 and has been published in several publications and websites across the United States.

Lead Insurance Writer

UPDATED: Mar 26, 2024

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Don't Forget These Facts

  • High-risk drivers who need to file an SR-22 form will pay higher-than-average car insurance rates
  • SR-22 insurance rates differ based on an individual’s driving history
  • You can find cheap SR-22 insurance by comparing quotes and exploring discount options

If you are court-ordered to file an SR-22 form, it can be difficult to find cheap car insurance. Luckily, finding affordable SR-22 insurance is doable with a bit of research.

In some states, drivers convicted of serious driving offenses may need to file an SR-22 form. The SR-22 form functions as a certificate proving to the state that the driver has coverage up to the state minimum liability. Typically, high-risk drivers must file an SR-22 form, which can be expensive. Rates for SR-22 insurance can be more than twice safe drivers’ rates.

If you’re willing to do some research, getting cheap SR-22 insurance is doable. Finding a company that offers cheap SR-22 car insurance requires comparing quotes. 

You should compare car insurance quotes side by side from a handful of top insurance companies to find affordable coverage that meets your state’s SR-22 filing requirements.

What is SR-22 insurance?

An SR-22 is used in some states to ensure that a high-risk driver has minimum liability insurance. If the state requires you to file an SR-22 form, you likely received a conviction for DUI, reckless driving, or another driving offense.

Searching for affordable car insurance can be discouraging if you have SR-22 filing requirements. You may be asking, “Is there any way to find cheap SR-22 insurance?” While it is more difficult to find cheap insurance for high-risk drivers, it is possible.

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How do you find cheap SR-22 insurance?

Some states have a state-assigned risk pool where high-risk drivers can get paired with an insurance company. The insurance companies in state-assigned risk pools specialize in working with high-risk drivers. If you apply to one of these insurance companies, you will likely be accepted.

Working through the state to secure insurance leaves you less opportunity to compare quotes. The best way to save money on insurance is by comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies. Comparing quotes allows you to see a range of coverage options to find one that fits your budget. When comparing quotes is no longer an option, you might get stuck with overpriced car insurance.

Before you go to the DMV and request coverage through the state-assigned risk pool, you should compare quotes independently. Comparing quotes online allows you to weigh your options. 

Which companies offer cheap SR-22 insurance?

It can be challenging for high-risk drivers to find an insurance company willing to work with them. When you fill out an application for car insurance online, most companies ask if you require an SR-22 form or certificate of financial responsibility.

If you answer “yes” to this question, you might not be able to get your quote upfront. Usually, the insurance company will provide you with a phone number to connect with a live agent to assess your situation and provide you with a quote.

Comparing cheap SR-22 insurance quotes can also be challenging. To estimate the rates you will pay for SR-22 insurance, we collected quotes for average SR-22 rates across the United States.

Average Rates for Standard and SR-22 Auto Insurance by State
StatesAverage Annual Auto Insurance RatesAverage Monthly Auto Insurance RatesAverage Annual SR-22 Auto Insurance RatesAverage Monthly SR-22 Auto Insurance Rates
Alabama$1,304$109$2,470$205.83
Alaska$1,246$104$1,945$162.08
Arizona$1,399$117$3,579$298.25
Arkansas$1,556$130$2,732$227.67
California$1,783$149$5,119$426.58
Colorado$1,675$140$2,992$249.33
Connecticut$1,980$165$3,113$259.42
District of Columbia$1,887$157$2,945$245.42
Delaware$1,838$153$3,525$293.75
Florida$2,250$188$3,780$315.00
Georgia$1,815$151$3,378$281.50
Hawaii$1,255$105$4,464$372.00
Idaho$1,019$85$1,799$149.92
Illinois$1,176$98$2,217$184.75
Indiana$1,057$88$1,561$130.08
Iowa$1,073$89$1,915$159.58
Kansas$1,412$118$2,310$192.50
Kentucky$1,611$134$2,714$226.17
Louisiana$2,228$186$3,612$301.00
Maine$884$74$1,331$110.92
Maryland$1,541$128$2,025$168.75
Massachusetts$1,616$135$3,198$266.50
Michigan$2,368$197$8,324$693.67
Minnesota$1,339$112$2,611$217.58
Mississippi$1,504$125$2,531$210.92
Missouri$1,288$107$2,237$186.42
Montana$1,589$132$2,726$227.17
Nebraska$1,287$107$2,307$192.25
Nevada$1,578$132$2,489$207.42
New Hampshire$1,156$96$2,008$167.33
New Jersey$1,419$118$3,851$320.92
New Mexico$1,498$125$2,735$227.92
New York$1,214$101$1,854$154.50
North Carolina$1,170$98$5,563$463.58
North Dakota$1,123$94$2,003$166.92
Ohio$959$80$1,700$141.67
Oklahoma$1,469$122$2,198$183.17
Oregon$1,325$110$2,296$191.33
Pennsylvania$1,438$120$2,330$194.17
Rhode Island$2,011$168$3,627$302.25
South Carolina$1,353$113$2,379$198.25
South Dakota$1,250$104$2,247$187.25
Tennessee$1,339$112$2,348$195.67
Texas$1,644$137$2,701$225.08
Utah$1,212$101$2,009$167.42
Vermont$1,166$97$1,786$148.83
Virginia$993$83$1,693$141.08
Washington$1,307$109$2,211$184.25
West Virginia$1,467$122$2,767$230.58
Wisconsin$1,147$96$1,794$149.50
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Depending on your situation, you may find the cheapest SR-22 insurance by choosing a policy through GEICO or USAA. USAA auto insurance is only available for veterans, active service members, and families.

Which SR-22 certificate do you need?

There are several SR-22 certificate types: the operator’s, owner’s, and owner-operator’s certificates. The definitions for these different types of SR-22 insurance filing options are pretty straightforward.

SR-22 Operator’s Certificate

An operator’s certificate covers the driver or operator of a motor vehicle. When holding an operator’s certificate, the driver will have coverage for their actions. The operator’s certificate does not insure the car they drive but allows the driver to operate any vehicle. If you must file an operator’s certificate, purchasing non-owner SR-22 insurance may be the most affordable option.

SR-22 Owner’s Certificate

An SR-22 owner’s certificate covers the cars owned by the driver required to file an SR-22. An owner’s certificate covers the driver’s vehicles but does not cover any other car the driver operates.

SR-22 Owner-Operator’s Certificate

An owner-operator’s certificate combines the operator’s and owner’s certificate coverage requirements. The driver and any car they drive must be covered when filing an owner-operator’s certificate.

If you are searching for cheap SR-22 compliance insurance, you have quite a few options. The cheapest insurance to meet your needs would be non-owner SR-22 insurance with an operator’s certificate. Non-owner insurance might not give you the coverage you need, but it’s significantly less expensive than an owner-operator’s certificate.

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Who needs SR-22 insurance?

There are various reasons somebody might need to file an SR-22 form. Generally, drivers convicted of serious traffic offenses must file SR-22 forms. Such driving offenses include:

  • Driving under the influence or driving while impaired
  • Reckless driving
  • Multiple car accidents
  • Driving without a license
  • Driving without insurance
  • Multiple traffic offenses over a short time

Not all SR-22 filing orders result from risky driving behavior. In some states, drivers may need to file an SR-22 if they fail to pay court-ordered child support.

SR-22 forms are a way for the state to guarantee that an individual has the minimum car insurance coverage required by law. Whether this is due to a history of reckless driving behavior or fiscal irresponsibility depends on an individual’s situation.

What is the cheapest insurance for SR-22 coverage?

Not all states require high-risk drivers to file an SR-22. In states with this filing requirement, the time you need to hold an SR-22 varies by location and individual circumstances. Typically, states require drivers to carry an SR-22 certificate for three to five years., though personal circumstances may differ.

If you’re looking to get the cheapest SR-22 insurance, you should consider a few crucial factors.

First, remember that the cheapest rates do not always yield the best policy. If you are skimping on coverage for affordable rates, you need to ensure that the policy you are purchasing meets the requirements ordered by the court, usually the state’s minimum insurance requirements. However, the court may require you to hold additional coverage depending on your situation.

You should evaluate your situation to see which policy type is best for you. If you do not own a vehicle, then non-owner SR-22 insurance might be your best option for saving money. 

Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance

Non-owner insurance is only available to individuals who meet a few basic eligibility requirements. A driver seeking non-owner SR-22 insurance must not own a car, and such a driver may not live in a household with anybody who owns a vehicle. 

Non-owner SR-22 insurance is most suitable for individuals who do not drive often and occasionally borrow a friend’s car or rent a car.

Usage-Based SR-22 Insurance

Additional options exist if you own a vehicle but don’t drive very often. You might be able to get minimum liability usage-based car insurance. Usage-based car insurance is also known as pay-as-you-go or pay-per-mile car insurance. 

This policy type isn’t always available to high-risk drivers. You should ensure that you drive less than the national average if it’s available — typically around 10,000 miles per year. Since you’re only paying for the miles you drive, you have the opportunity to save quite a bit of money by purchasing a usage-based car insurance policy.

Minimum Liability SR-22 Insurance

Minimum liability car insurance is cheaper than full coverage car insurance, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best. Still, if you’re looking to save money upfront, liability is cheaper than more comprehensive coverage.

You should ensure that minimal liability is enough coverage for you and that you have the savings to pay out of pocket for damages not covered by your policy. If you don’t, then shelling out the extra monthly rates is advisable.

Discounts for Cheap SR-22 Insurance

You might be able to find discounts to get cheap SR-22 insurance. If you can work with a company that offers safe driver discounts, you could minimize your monthly rates. Of course, entering a safe driving discount policy can be difficult if you already have a history of reckless driving. 

High-risk drivers might be able to prove to the insurance company that they are improving their driving behavior. If they purchase a safe driver policy, they can prove this directly. This policy relies on telematics or black box devices to track your driving behavior in real-time. You will not get discounts upfront, but you might save money on renewal after six months to a year of safe driving.

Compare Cheap SR-22 Insurance

The best way to find cheap SR-22 insurance is by comparing quotes. If you can compare quotes from multiple companies, you can see which company can offer you the best deal. You might not be able to get quotes as quickly as a driver with a clean record, but investing your time in this search can save you quite a bit of money. 

There are hundreds of car insurance companies to choose from nationwide, so settling with the first to accept your application can be costly.