SR-22 insurance is a certificate of financial responsibility required by many states for high-risk drivers, such as those with a DUI or multiple violations, to legally drive. It’s not a separate type of car insurance, but rather a filing that proves you carry your state’s minimum liability coverage.
In practice, any auto policy that meets state requirements can become an “SR-22 policy” once your insurer files the SR-22 form for you. High-risk drivers typically need SR-22 coverage to reinstate a suspended license or fulfill court-mandated insurance orders.
As Business Insider notes, “SR-22 insurance isn’t a specific type of insurance – it’s a court- or state-ordered filing requirement for certain high-risk drivers to drive legally.”
For drivers shopping for SR-22 insurance, major carriers like State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, and Nationwide now offer affordable quotes and easy online filing services. In fact, a WalletHub analysis of 26 insurers found GEICO and AAA provide the cheapest SR-22 insurance, on average. Meanwhile, large insurers such as State Farm, Allstate, and Nationwide consistently rank among the top providers for SR-22 coverage. Below, we explain SR-22 requirements and coverages, then review the 10 best car insurance companies for SR-22 filings, based on price, service, and coverage options.
What is SR-22 Insurance?
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility, not a policy itself. It is filed by your insurance company with the state’s DMV as proof that you have the legally required auto insurance. In simple terms, SR-22 insurance means your policy meets the state’s minimum liability limits while you’re under a high-risk license restriction. Most states require drivers who’ve committed serious violations to carry SR-22 insurance for a set period (commonly 3 years) to ensure continuous coverage. For example, Nationwide reports that “in most states, an SR-22 is required for three years” and warns that canceling your policy early will trigger a license.
SR-22 filings vary by state. Florida and Virginia use an FR-44 form instead (a stricter version with higher liability limits for DUI offenders). Otherwise, the SR-22 serves the same role across the U.S.: guaranteeing the state that you maintain minimum auto insurance. GEICO explains it best: “An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility required for some drivers by their state or court order.” It serves as proof that your auto insurance policy meets the minimum liability coverage required by state law.
Key SR-22 Filing Details
Filing Process: Your insurer will electronically file the SR-22 with the DMV on your behalf. Most carriers handle this automatically once you request it. Liberty Mutual notes, “Yes, Liberty Mutual offers SR-22 insurance… [and] will file an SR-22 form with the state on a customer’s behalf”. Expect a one-time filing fee (typically $15–$25).
Duration: SR-22 requirements generally last 1–5 years, depending on the violation and state. The norm is 3 years of continuous. If your SR-22 lapses or is canceled prematurely, the insurer must notify the DMV – often leading to license suspension until you refile
Costs: SR-22 status will raise premiums. On average, policies increase by about 18% after adding an SR-22. Insurers may require you to pay the full annual premium upfront. Rest assured that SR-22 itself is just the certificate; you still shop for any standard auto policy that covers you.
SR-22 auto insurance covers the same basics as regular liability insurance: bodily injury and property damage. You must meet whatever minimum limits your state mandates. For instance, Wisconsin’s SR-22 rule requires at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $10,000 for property.
(Full coverage options like collision and comprehensive are optional add-ons. If you don’t own a vehicle, you can even buy a “non-owner SR-22” policy to meet the requirement. This provides liability coverage when you drive a borrowed car and satisfies the SR-22 filing.
Why Do You Need SR-22 Insurance?
You only need SR-22 insurance if a court or state mandates it. In practice, that means you’ve been deemed a high-risk driver by committing one or more serious driving violations. The common triggers include:
DUI or DWI Convictions: Almost every state will require an SR-22 after a drunk or drugged driving offense. Even a first DUI can carry multi-year SR-22 obligations. (In effect, the SR-22 becomes your “DUI insurance” certificate.
Driving Without Insurance: Getting caught driving uninsured typically forces you to prove future financial responsibility. An SR-22 is usually required immediately after such a convictionReckless Driving or Major Traffic Violations: Multiple speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or reckless driving charges in a short time can flag you as high-risk. Some states require an SR-22 for reckless driving or multiple offenses.
License Suspension/Reinstatement: If your license has been revoked or suspended (for DUI, serious tickets, or even unpaid fines/child support), you’ll often need SR-22 to regain driving privileges. SR-22 filings are a must to reinstate a suspended license
Unpaid Child Support: In certain states, falling behind on child support can lead to an SR-22 requirement until the arrears are
In short, high-risk driver insurance – SR-22 – is required only if you’ve given the courts or DMV a reason to doubt your future insurance compliance. If you’re unsure, the DMV or court paperwork will explicitly state an SR-22 filing requirement.
Facts to Remember
The cheapest SR-22 insurance (across the U.S.) comes from GEICO and
The best SR-22 insurers (for balance of cost, service, and coverage) include State Farm, GEICO, Allstate, and Nationwide
Filing fees and coverage limits vary: most insurers charge $15–$25 for SR-22 filing, and states have their own liability minimums (e.g., Wisconsin 25/50/10)
Keeping continuous SR-22 coverage is critical: canceling early can restart your suspension and require a brand new SR-22 form
SR-22 Coverage Options and Requirements
An SR-22 policy must at least cover your state’s liability minimums, but you have flexibility beyond that. Common coverage options include:
Liability Only: The SR-22 form confirms you maintain the state-required liability limits for bodily injury and property damage. This is the minimum to file the form.
Full Coverage: You can also add comprehensive and collision, or higher liability limits, if you want better protection. (This will raise your premiums.)
Non-Owner SR-22: If you don’t own a car, you can buy a non-owner SR-22 policy that covers you when borrowing or renting vehicles. GEICO notes that this is a great alternative for drivers who do not own a
FR-44 Upgrade: In Florida/Virginia for DUI offenders, you’ll need an FR-44 instead of an SR-22. FR-44 requires much higher coverage (e.g., Virginia demands $50k/$100k bodily injury than a standard SR-22.
Each state sets SR-22 requirements (how much coverage, how long to file) in its financial responsibility laws. For example, Wisconsin requires SR-22 holders to carry at least $25,000/$50,000 (bodily injury) and $10,000 (property damage) if a suspension has occurred. Most states simply mirror their basic liability rules for SR-22. Always check your state’s DMV rules to confirm your exact liability minimums and filing duration.
Tips for Filing an SR-22
Let Your Insurer File: Almost all major auto insurers (State Farm, GEICO, Liberty Mutual, etc.) will file your SR-22 automatically if you add it to your policy. For instance, Liberty Mutual explicitly states it will handle the SR-22 filing for you.
Watch the Clock: Don’t let any lapses occur. The insurer is obliged to notify the DMV if your policy is canceled. Even a short lapse can reset your SR-22 obligation and suspend your license again.
Keep Rates in Check: Ask about SR-22 discounts (good driver courses, defensive driving, multi-car) and consider higher deductibles or dropping extras to offset the high-risk premium.
Compare Quotes: SR-22 quotes vary widely. Use free online quotes or speak to multiple agents. GEICO and AAA routinely top the list for lowest average SR-22 rates, so be sure to get quotes from them.
Top 10 SR-22 Insurance Providers
The following insurers are highly recommended for drivers needing SR-22 coverage, based on affordability, statewide availability, and SR-22 service. Each offers SR-22 filing and caters to high-risk drivers:
1. State Farm – Best Overall. State Farm is a market leader with a huge agent network. It consistently ranks #1 for overall SR-22. State Farm agents can file your SR-22 locally, and the company offers discounts for multi-vehicle, safe drivers. Too offset high-risk rates. According to autoinsurance.
Org, State Farm provides one of the cheapest SR-22 rates in Washington (about $62/month) and earns top marks for customer Their broad coverage options and large discount program make State Farm a top pick for high-risk drivers.
2. GEICO – Cheapest Online SR-22. GEICO is known for low rates and easy online account management. WalletHub found GEICO offers the cheapest SR-22 insurance on average ($512/year GEICO’s website allows you to request an SR-22 certificate online, and they offer many discounts (military,
employee, safety features) to reduce your premium. While GEICO has fewer local agents, its efficient digital platform makes filing the SR-22 straightforward. For drivers who prefer online service and low quotes, GEICO is a top choice.
3. AAA – Low-Cost with Extras. AAA car insurance is another budget-friendly SR-22 option, especially for members. WalletHub ranks AAA second-cheapest (about $529/year AAA not only provides the SR-22 filing, but it also bundles roadside assistance and travel benefits, which many high-risk drivers find valuable. (Note: AAA requires club membership.) Though AAA’s premium isn’t the absolute lowest, its combination of benefits and positive reviews makes it a solid SR-22 provider.
4. Progressive – Good Discounts for High-Risk. Progressive is a popular choice for high-risk drivers due to its flexible discounts and claims service. It offers competitive SR-22 rates (WalletHub: ~$574/year on average) and runs the “Name Your Price” tool to fit your budget.
Progressive also offers a non-owner SR-22 policy. Drivers praise Progressive’s quick claims and extensive discount programs (for safe drivers and safety features). If you have a not-too-bad driving record apart from your SR-22, Progressive’s rewards for any good habits can help lower the cost.
5. Allstate – Many Policy Options. Allstate is a large insurer with nationwide coverage. It provides SR-22 policies in all states and offers many add-on options (roadside help, accident forgiveness, etc.) that high-risk drivers can add if needed. AutoInsurance.org notes Allstate among the +. Allstate’s local agents can handle SR-22 filings in person.
While Allstate’s SR-22 premiums (around $781/year) may be higher than the cheapest, its extensive network and flexible discounts make it a good choice if you value local support and customizable coverage.
6. Nationwide – Excellent Customer Service. Nationwide is praised for customer service and is SR-22 capable in all states. It often appears on “best of” lists and received strong reviews in SR-22 surveys.
Nationwide agents can walk you through your state’s SR-22 requirements, and the insurer offers usual discounts (including one for safe drivers If you prefer an established name and solid financial strength, Nationwide is worth a quote.
7. The General – Designed for High-Risk Drivers. The General Auto Insurance specializes in policies for drivers with suspended or revoked licenses, including SR-22 clients. It’s frequently listed as a top SR-22 provider for its willingness to cover high-risk profilesautoinsurance.org.
(In fact, AutoInsurance.org ranked The General #10 for the cheapest SR-22 in Washington.) The General has simple quotes and often approves drivers who’ve been denied elsewhere. While premiums are typically higher, The General’s focus on SR-22 filings and flexible underwriting makes it a reliable fallback option if other insurers decline you.
8. USAA – Best for Military Families. USAA is highly rated but limited to military members and families. For those eligible, USAA offers exceptionally good rates and service even for SR-22 drivers. WalletHub notes that USAA has cheaper SR-22 rates than most competitors for qualified members. USAA’s policies come with many discounts (for safe driving, bundling, etc.) and excellent claims service. If you qualify, USAA should be at the top of your SR-22 shopping list.
9. Liberty Mutual – Nationwide Availability. Liberty Mutual provides SR-22 insurance in all 50 states and is willing to work with high-risk drivers. According to WalletHub, “Liberty Mutual offers SR-22 insurance… [and] will file an SR-22 form with the state on a customer’s behalf.”
Liberty Mutual has thousands of agents nationwide and a decent discount program. Its SR-22 premiums tend to be modestly higher than those of GEICO/AAA, but Liberty Mutual’s broad availability makes it a good backup if others aren’t available in your area.
10. Grange Insurance – Good Regional Option. Grange is a smaller insurer available in about a dozen Midwestern states. For drivers in Grange’s footprint, it offers very competitive SR-22 rates and strong customer service. WalletHub highlights that “Grange Insurance has very good rates for SR-22 insurance” with wide coverage options. If you live where Grange operates (e.g., Ohio, Michigan, Indiana), it should be on your SR-22 shortlist.
Each of the above companies will file your SR-22 for the required term and provide at least the state’s minimum liability coverage. When choosing, compare quotes from several to find the best combination of price, coverage options, and customer service.
Many drivers get the best SR-22 rates by shopping online and using free comparison tools. For example, GEICO and AAA consistently top “cheapest SR-22,” so be sure to get quotes from both.
Conclusion
High-risk driver insurance (SR-22 insurance) doesn’t have to break the bank. The top providers listed above have proven track records with SR-22 filers: they handle the paperwork and offer competitive SR-22 quotes. Remember that SR-22 requirements and premiums vary by state and individual profile.
Always verify your state’s specific requirements (coverage limits and filing period) before committing. As WalletHub advises, an SR-22 will typically raise premiums by about 18%, so any discounts or high deductibles you can use will help.
In summary, major insurers like State Farm, GEICO, Allstate, Progressive, and AAA are generally the best bets for SR-22 coverage, thanks to their affordability and service.
At the same time, specialty companies such as The General or a regional carrier like Grange can offer competitive rates for high-risk profiles. Then file your SR-22 as soon as possible to reinstate your driving privileges.
We hope this guide has helped demystify SR-22 insurance. Have more questions? Please leave a comment below, and consider sharing this article on social media to help others who need SR-22 coverage. Safe driving!
