- Understanding SR-22 insurance in Alabama
- How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Alabama?
- Average SR-22 insurance cost in Alabama by violation
- Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Alabama
- How long do you need an SR-22 in Alabama?
- Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Alabama
- Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Alabama
- Methodology
- SR-22 insurance in Alabama: FAQ
- Compare Alabama SR-22 rates with other states
Understanding SR-22 insurance in Alabama
SR-22 insurance isn't a type of insurance. It's a form your insurance company files with the state to prove you have the minimum car insurance required to drive in Alabama. SR-22 insurance generally refers to auto insurance coverage that requires an SR-22 filed by your insurance company for you.
Most drivers in Alabama don't need SR-22 insurance. Drivers who do need an SR-22 have been convicted of serious violations like reckless driving, DUIs, or multiple offenses in a short time. If you are required to file an SR-22, you will be informed of how long you need to keep it.
"Certain things trigger the requirement for an SR-22 filing, such as a DUI, having a lot of points on your license, getting into an accident without insurance, or having your license suspended or revoked. But in every case, the driver is notified by the DMV that they are required to have this form. You would have to check the box that you are required to have an SR 22 filing. The insurance company typically charges a fee to file or maintain that filing, which varies by insurance company," says Dorothy Cato with Skyway Insurance Services LLC in Monroe, North Carolina.
How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Alabama?
While filing an SR-22 form is typically inexpensive, the associated fines and increased insurance rates are costly. On average, SR-22 insurance in Alabama is $2,278 but varies significantly based on the driver and infraction.
Keep in mind that insurance rates vary from company to company, so shop around to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance available.
Average SR-22 insurance cost in Alabama by violation
The SR-22 itself isn't the reason your insurance rates will go up. The SR-22 is required because of a violation, and it's that violation that determines the impact on your rates.
For example, an SR-22 may be required for a DUI or driving without insurance. The rate increase will be based on the infraction, not the SR-22 itself.
This table shows the average rates for violations requiring an SR-22. As you can see, rates vary significantly based on violation.
| Violation | Average annual premium |
|---|---|
| Driving without insurance | $2,345 |
| DUI/DWI first offense | $3,282 |
| DUI/DWI second offense | $4,634 |
| Reckless driving | $3,304 |
| SR22 Filing Only | $2,278 |
| SR22 with 1 DUI | $3,787 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for a first DUI
After a single DUI, the cheapest company on average is State Farm with average rates of $1,934. Affordable SR-22 coverage with a DUI is a little harder to find, but shopping around can help. Some insurance companies are willing to view the first DUI as a one-time mistake, offering more affordable rates than others.
The table below shows how average insurance rates change after one DUI, based on the company. Insurance rates do go up after a DUI, but the increase isn't as high as it is for multiple violations.
| Company | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,934 | $161 |
| Travelers | $2,166 | $181 |
| Nationwide | $2,825 | $235 |
| Progressive | $2,880 | $240 |
| Allstate | $2,899 | $242 |
| Geico | $3,498 | $292 |
| Auto-Owners | $3,981 | $332 |
| Farmers | $5,293 | $441 |
| USAA | $3,093 | $258 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving
The cheapest company for SR-22 insurance with a reckless driving conviction is State Farm at an average annual rate of $1,934. A reckless driving ticket may be handed out for a variety of driving behaviors, such as excessive speed, running traffic lights, texting while driving or tailgating. No matter the reason, reckless driving in Alabama leads to fines, higher car insurance rates and an SR-22.
Compare average rates for reckless driving from various insurers below.
| Company | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,934 | $161 |
| Travelers | $2,166 | $181 |
| Nationwide | $2,825 | $235 |
| Allstate | $2,899 | $242 |
| Progressive | $3,406 | $284 |
| Geico | $3,498 | $292 |
| Auto-Owners | $3,981 | $332 |
| Farmers | $5,548 | $462 |
| USAA | $2,224 | $185 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance
The cheapest company for car insurance after getting a ticket for driving without insurance is Nationwide, with an average rate of $1,699 annually.
In Alabama, drivers must have at least the minimum required auto insurance. If you don't, you can face fines, higher insurance rates and an SR-22.
Below are the car insurance rates by company for drivers with a lapse in coverage.
| Company | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | $1,699 | $142 |
| Travelers | $1,907 | $159 |
| State Farm | $1,934 | $161 |
| Geico | $2,024 | $169 |
| Progressive | $3,309 | $276 |
| Farmers | $3,563 | $297 |
| USAA | $1,685 | $140 |
Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Alabama
Alabama may require you to file an SR-22 form even if you don't own a vehicle as a prerequisite for reinstating your license. Drivers who sometimes borrow or rent a car can buy non-owner SR-22 insurance, which provides state minimum auto insurance coverage. A non-owner car insurance policy meets the legal requirements, and an SR-22 can be filed based on that policy.
It's important to note that non-owner car insurance only acts as secondary liability coverage when driving someone else's car. If you buy a car, you will need the proper insurance to drive it in Alabama.
How long do you need an SR-22 in Alabama?
In Alabama, drivers usually need to keep an SR-22 for three years. If you don't maintain insurance during this time, the consequences can be serious. You'll be breaking the law and could face more fines and penalties.
Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Alabama
Most Alabama drivers don't need to file an SR-22. However, drivers who exhibit careless behaviors may be required to file an SR-22, which is typically required when the driver has to prove that they have the minimum liability insuranceLiability insurance covers sums that an insured becomes legally obligated to pay because of bodily injuries or property damage, or financial losses caused to other people. required by the state," says Cato.
You may need an SR-22 in Alabama for reasons like:
- DUI
- Reckless driving
- Several traffic violations in a short time
- Not maintaining auto insurance
- Refusing a breathalyzer test
- At-fault accidents involving severe injuries or death
Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Alabama
Although your insurance will increase if you need an SR-22, there are still ways to find affordable coverage.
Ways to lower auto insurance costs with an SR-22 include:
- Take advantage of all available discounts. Most insurers allow you to bundle discounts to maximize savings.
- Raise your deductible. Increase the amount you pay before insurance kicks in to lower rates.
- Take a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer a discount for taking a course, and some states remove points from your license, which can lower your insurance rates.
- Sign up for a usage-based program. If you can demonstrate good driving habits while they are being tracked, you could earn a discount.
- Shop around for SR-22 insurance. Compare rates from multiple companies to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Alabama.
Methodology
Insurance.com commissioned car insurance rates from Quadrant Information Services in late 2023 for a full coverage car insurance policy with coverage of 100/300/100 in liability and $500 deductibles. Rates are based on a 40-year-old driver with good credit driving a 2023 Honda Accord LX, with violations requiring an SR-22: One DUI, two DUIs, reckless driving and driving without insurance
SR-22 insurance in Alabama: FAQ
What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in Alabama?
If you don't keep your insurance and maintain your SR-22 filing, the consequences can be serious. You might face:
- Losing your driver's license
- Paying fines
- Higher car insurance costs
- Restarting your SR-22 time period
- Getting your car taken away
- Jail time
Can I switch insurance providers while I have an SR-22 filing?
Yes, you can switch auto insurers while you have an SR-22. However, your new insurance company must refile the SR-22, and you need to have insurance in place with your SR-22 filed before canceling your previous policy.
Compare Alabama SR-22 rates with other states
Helpful auto insurance tools and calculators
You might also be interested in- Alabama car insurance laws and requirements: What is changing in 2025
- Alabama DUI and insurance: How much does a DUI raise your insurance?
- Speeding ticket calculator in Alabama
- Non-owner car insurance in Alabama: Best and cheapest companies
- Alabama gap insurance: Everything you need to know
- Low-income car insurance in Alabama: What you need to know
- Alabama car insurance guide
- Cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers in Alabama
- Cheapest home and auto insurance bundle in Alabama
- Best cheap car insurance in Alabama for 2024
