Like many auto insurance policyholders, you may have wondered, "What is an SR-22?" or, "What is SR-22 insurance?" An SR-22 is not a type of insurance but rather an important form that certifies an insured individual has at least their state's minimum mandated auto insurance liability coverage. These forms can also be referred to as "certificates of financial responsibility."
If you have a DUI or another serious offense on your driving record, you may be required to obtain an SR-22 form. So, contrary to popular phrasing, "SR-22 insurance" is actually just a legal form or certificate indicating a driver carries enough coverage to avoid state penalties like fines. In this article, we'll answer popular questions such as, "What is an SR-22?" and when and why someone would need this form.
Key Takeaways - SR-22 Insurance in 2026
An SR-22 form provides evidence of car insurance to your state.
You might need an SR-22 form if you've been convicted of a DUI, reckless driving, driving without insurance, or another related offense.
The average policy rate increase after adding an SR-22 is $1,511 per year.
Many states require you to have an SR-22 on file for three years.
Working with a local independent insurance agent is strongly recommended, as they can shop and compare SR-22 insurance rates from the non-standard market and help you find the most affordable coverage.
Who Needs an SR-22?
If you've been convicted of a DUI, DWI, or another serious offense, you might be required to have your insurance carrier fill out an SR-22 form. You can ask your carrier or independent insurance agent about an SR-22 after a DUI. Additionally, an SR-22 is also required for hardship or probationary licenses.
The meaning of an SR-22 is to allow a driver to keep their driving privileges or reinstate their driving privileges after they've racked up at least one serious offense or have repeated offenses on their record. An SR-22 is used to provide proof to an insurance department or state motor vehicle association that a driver is insured and will remain so for a set period of time.
Drivers who don't maintain coverage could have their licenses suspended or revoked after the state is alerted by their insurance carrier. You might also need to fill out an SR-22 form if you've ever been at fault for an accident while you were driving uninsured, if you failed to pay court-ordered child support, or if you've been ticketed several times within a few months. In this case, you'll need SR-22 insurance for license reinstatement.
However, there are some scenarios related to the conviction and state that may require you to fill out a similar form known as an FR-44 instead. Regulations vary by state, however, and not all states require drivers to complete either of these forms.
How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost in 2026?
An SR-22 filing fee is about $25, while the average annual SR-22 insurance premium is $1,511. Your SR-22 insurance cost may vary depending on why you need coverage in the first place, such as a specific type of offense on your record.
SR-22 filing fee vs. premium increase
The SR-22 filing fee ranges from $15 to $50 per term, which is paid at each renewal. An SR-22 increases your auto insurance premium by an average of 73% after a DUI. However, this increase varies widely by carrier, with Progressive's average increase at 36% and Amica's at 205%.
SR-22 insurance cost by violation type
The table below compares the average cost of SR-22 high-risk insurance by driving violation type for 2026.
| Type of Violation | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single Accident Under $2,000 | $64 | $772 |
| Two Speeding Tickets | $156 | $1,873 |
| Racing | $179 | $2,151 |
| DUI | $184 | $2,212 |
| Hit-and-Run Accident | $188 | $2,257 |
Average SR-22 cost by state
Have you been asking, "How much will an SR-22 increase my insurance?" The answer varies by state. The table below compares average SR-22 insurance costs by state and the amount you can expect your premium to increase in 2026.
| State | Average Annual Car Insurance Cost Before SR-22 | Average Annual SR-22 Insurance Cost (After a DUI) | Percentage Increase After SR-22 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $1,676 | $2,380 | 42% |
| Alabama | $1,860 | $3,751 | 102% |
| Arkansas | $1,957 | $3,879 | 98% |
| Arizona | $1,812 | $3,674 | 103% |
| California | $2,416 | $7,808 | 223% |
| Colorado | $2,337 | $4,830 | 107% |
| Connecticut | $1,725 | $4,851 | 181% |
| Washington, D.C. | $2,157 | $3,581 | 66% |
| Delaware | $2,063 | $4,206 | 104% |
| Florida | $2,694 | $5,005 | 86% |
| Georgia | $1,970 | $3,907 | 98% |
| Hawaii | $1,517 | $6,158 | 306% |
| Iowa | $1,630 | $2,724 | 67% |
| Idaho | $1,428 | $2,759 | 93% |
| Illinois | $1,532 | $2,630 | 72% |
| Indiana | $1,515 | $3,095 | 104% |
| Kansas | $1,900 | $3,684 | 94% |
| Kentucky | $2,228 | $4,417 | 98% |
| Louisiana | $2,883 | $5,176 | 80% |
| Massachusetts | $1,726 | $3,699 | 114% |
| Maryland | $1,746 | $3,222 | 85% |
| Maine | $1,175 | $2,466 | 110% |
| Michigan | $2,352 | $6,187 | 163% |
| Minnesota | $1,911 | $4,632 | 142% |
| Missouri | $1,982 | $3,283 | 66% |
| Mississippi | $2,008 | $4,010 | 100% |
| Montana | $2,193 | $3,785 | 73% |
| North Carolina | $1,741 | $7,386 | 324% |
| North Dakota | $1,665 | $3,575 | 115% |
| Nebraska | $1,902 | $4,411 | 132% |
| New Hampshire | $1,265 | $2,290 | 81% |
| New Jersey | $1,902 | $4,000 | 110% |
| New Mexico | $2,049 | $3,565 | 74% |
| Nevada | $2,060 | $3,805 | 85% |
| New York | $1,870 | $2,893 | 55% |
| Ohio | $1,417 | $2,970 | 110% |
| Oklahoma | $2,138 | $3,599 | 68% |
| Oregon | $1,678 | $3,088 | 84% |
| Pennsylvania | $1,872 | $3,975 | 112% |
| Rhode Island | $2,061 | $4,486 | 118% |
| South Carolina | $2,009 | $3,225 | 61% |
| South Dakota | $2,280 | $4,131 | 81% |
| Tennessee | $1,677 | $3,353 | 100% |
| Texas | $2,043 | $3,585 | 75% |
| Utah | $1,825 | $3,491 | 91% |
| Virginia | $1,469 | $3,111 | 112% |
| Vermont | $1,319 | $2,868 | 117% |
| Washington | $1,608 | $3,054 | 90% |
| Wisconsin | $1,664 | $3,371 | 103% |
| West Virginia | $2,005 | $4,142 | 107% |
| Wyoming | $1,758 | $3,681 | 109% |
SR-22 vs. FR-44: What's the Difference?
FR-44 forms are only required in two states, Florida and Virginia, and are typically only used for drivers who have been convicted of DUIs and DWIs. In Florida, FR-44 limits are 100/300/50, while in Virginia, FR-44 limits are 50/100/40.
If a driver is ordered to fill out an FR-44, they must obtain greater auto insurance liability coverage than their state's mandated minimums, whereas drivers who have to fill out SR-22s can keep a minimum required amount of coverage. FR-44 insurance typically applies for three years.
Which States Require an SR-22 in 2026?
There are only eight states without SR-22 filings: Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. Check the table below for the specific SR-22 and FR-44 requirements by state.
| State | SR-22 Required | FR-44 Required |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | No |
| Alaska | Yes | No |
| Arizona | Yes | No |
| Arkansas | Yes | No |
| California | Yes | No |
| Colorado | Yes | No |
| Connecticut | Yes | No |
| D.C. | Yes | No |
| Delaware | No | No |
| Florida | Yes | Yes |
| Georgia | Yes | No |
| Hawaii | Yes | No |
| Idaho | Yes | No |
| Illinois | Yes | No |
| Indiana | Yes | No |
| Iowa | Yes | No |
| Kansas | Yes | No |
| Kentucky | No | No |
| Louisiana | Yes | No |
| Maine | Yes | No |
| Maryland | Yes | No |
| Massachusetts | Yes | No |
| Michigan | Yes | No |
| Minnesota | No | No |
| Mississippi | Yes | No |
| Missouri | Yes | No |
| Montana | Yes | No |
| Nebraska | Yes | No |
| Nevada | Yes | No |
| New Hampshire | Yes | No |
| New Jersey | Yes | No |
| New Mexico | No | No |
| New York | No | No |
| North Carolina | No | No |
| North Dakota | Yes | No |
| Ohio | Yes | No |
| Oklahoma | No | No |
| Oregon | Yes | No |
| Pennsylvania | No | No |
| Rhode Island | Yes | No |
| South Carolina | Yes | No |
| South Dakota | Yes | No |
| Tennessee | Yes | No |
| Texas | Yes | No |
| Utah | Yes | No |
| Vermont | Yes | No |
| Virginia | Yes | Yes |
| Washington | Yes | No |
| West Virginia | Yes | No |
| Wisconsin | Yes | No |
| Wyoming | Yes | No |
What Is an FR-44?
An FR-44 form is another type of official document that provides proof that a driver is carrying at least a certain amount of required auto liability insurance and that their coverage is active. Though similar to an SR-22 form, an FR-44 form includes higher liability coverage limit requirements than those required by either the state or an SR-22.
Florida's FR-44 insurance limits are 100/300/50, while Virginia's are 50/100/40 for liability coverage. You might need to get an FR-44 form if you've been convicted of a DUI or DWI or of injuring others while you were under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
How Much Is the SR-22 Filing Fee?
Usually, you can expect to pay a flat fee of $25 to file an SR-22. Costs vary by state, however, and there may be other fees you're required to pay. SR-22 filing fees can range from $15 to $50 by state and insurer, and are paid at each renewal.
Also, you can expect your car insurance rates to increase as a result of having to file an SR-22 and the violation that led to the requirement. SR-22 forms and FR-44 forms are valid and last as long as your car insurance policy remains active.
How Much Will an SR-22 Increase My Car Insurance?
On average, an SR-22 can cause a $1,511 increase to your existing car insurance per year after a DUI. However, the largest increase to your insurance premium comes from the violation itself, not the SR-22.
Many car insurance carriers consider drivers who must fill out SR-22s or FR-44s to be high risk, and their coverage premiums must be more expensive to compensate for the increased risk. The exact percentage of increase you'll experience varies based on your state's regulations, the type of vehicle you have, your exact violation, your driving and insurance history, and various additional factors.
How to Get SR-22 Insurance: Step by Step
It's easy to get an SR-22 in just a few simple steps:
- Confirm SR-22 requirement: First, confirm that an SR-22 form is required to add to or reinstate your car insurance.
- Contact your carrier or agent: Your independent insurance agent or car insurance company can help you add an SR-22 to your existing policy or get new SR-22 insurance.
- Purchase or update your policy: If you already have car insurance, you can add the SR-22 to it; otherwise, you can purchase SR-22 insurance.
- Pay the filing fee: You'll need to pay the SR-22 filing fee, which can range from $15 to $50 by insurer and location.
- Carry proof at all times: Once you have an SR-22, you'll need to carry proof of it along with your car insurance ID card.
An independent insurance agent can easily help you get SR-22 insurance from a top-rated carrier near you.
How Long Do You Need an SR-22?
Most states require you to have an SR-22 for three years. It ranges from one year in states like Georgia, Kansas, and North Dakota, to five years in Ohio for repeat offenders. The clock typically starts on your filing data, and a coverage lapse will reset it in most states. Your independent insurance agent can also help you determine how long you need SR-22 insurance.
Types of SR-22 Forms
There are three main forms of SR-22:
- Owner: Covers your vehicles only.
- Owner-operator: Covers your vehicles and others' vehicles that you drive.
- Non-owner: Covers cars that you drive that are owned by others.
Your independent insurance agent can help you get set up with the right type of SR-22 insurance.
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Wondering how to get SR-22 insurance without a car? Non-owner SR-22 insurance covers the driver of a rental or borrowed vehicle. You might need non-owner car insurance if you frequently drive but don't own a vehicle of your own. Your independent insurance agent can help you find cheap SR-22 insurance for non-owned vehicles.
Which Car Insurance Companies File an SR-22?
Not all of the best car insurance companies offer SR-22 forms. Many auto insurance carriers aren't willing to take on the extra risk to cover drivers with prior violations, so it's important to shop with an experienced independent insurance agent. However, you can likely get a policy and an SR-22 form from the following car insurance companies:
- Travelers
- Nationwide
- Progressive
- USAA
- Erie
- Bristol West
- Dairyland
- The General
Your independent insurance agent can help you find auto insurance coverage and an SR-22 form from a carrier near you.
What Happens if Your SR-22 Lapses
Insurance companies are required to report SR-22 lapses to the state, which can result in your license being suspended or revoked. It also restarts the SR-22 clock and can trigger reinstatement fees. Ask your independent insurance agent about the specific SR-22 lapse penalty in your state.
FAQs About SR-22 Insurance
What if I need an SR-22 in a state I don't live in?
If you got a traffic violation while driving in or visiting a different state, you might need an SR-22 form for that state, even if you don't live there. Drivers usually keep the SR-22 on file in the original state until the requirement expires. If you're required to fill out a form for a state that's not the same as the one that issues your auto insurance policy, contact your car insurance company directly to see how you can file your form.
How do I get an SR-22?
To obtain a car insurance SR-22 form, first make sure you have an active car insurance policy. Next, contact your carrier or agent to request the SR-22, FR-44 form, or another appropriate certificate of financial responsibility for your state. Finally, your insurance company will start the process of filing the SR-22, FR-44, or other appropriate form for you.
How do I know when my SR-22 is up?
Your SR-22 will remain valid for as long as your auto insurance policy is active. As long as you maintain your car insurance, you don't have to worry about your SR-22 expiring. However, most states only require the SR-22 to be on file for three years. After that period, it is no longer needed.
How to get an SR-22 without a car?
Even if you don't own a vehicle, you might still be required to fill out an SR-22 or FR-44 form to get your driver's license reinstated. Sometimes, a car insurance company will file an SR-22 or FR-44 for you if you purchase non-owner car insurance through them.
How do I get my SR-22 removed?
Any driver who wants their SR-22 removed must ask their insurance company to do so. SR-22s don't automatically get removed after they're no longer necessary. Drivers must request the removal of an SR-22 in writing once the state requirement ends.
You must keep your auto insurance policy active while you have an SR-22 to avoid having your driver's license suspended. After your SR-22 is removed, it's possible your auto insurance rates will decrease, though this isn't always the case.
How much does an SR-22 cost per month in 2026?
The average increase is about $125 per month on top of your base car insurance premium after adding an SR-22.
Which company has the cheapest SR-22 insurance?
Travelers, Erie, and Progressive are commonly considered to be the cheapest SR-22 insurance carriers. However, an independent insurance agent can help shop multiple high-risk markets to find the most affordable SR-22 insurance for you.
Will my insurance get canceled if I need an SR-22?
It depends. Some carriers don't renew your existing policy after your term ends due to the underlying violation that triggers the need for an SR-22. In this case, work with a local independent insurance agent to find coverage from the non-standard market.
What happens to my SR-22 if I move to another state?
Drivers typically must keep the SR-22 on file in the original state until the requirement expires. Some states require a new SR-22 form to be filed there.
How an Independent Insurance Agent Can Help with Your SR-22
If you're in need of SR-22 insurance, there's no one better equipped to help you get it than a local independent insurance agent. These agents can shop multiple carriers, file the SR-22 form, manage compliance, and re-shop for the best coverage for you after the SR-22 is removed. Your agent will also still be there if you ever need to file an auto insurance claim.
Sources
https://www.insurance.com/auto-insurance/sr22-insurance.html#FAQ_SR22_insurance
https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/cheapest-sr-22-insurance/
https://wallethub.com/edu/ci/non-owner-sr22-insurance/89411