Understanding SR-22 insurance in Alaska

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 Alaska. SR-22 insurance generally refers to auto insurance coverage that requires an SR-22 filed by your insurance company for you.

Most drivers in Alaska 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 Alaska?

While filing an SR-22 form is typically inexpensive, the associated fines and increased insurance rates are costly. On average, SR-22 insurance in Alaska is $1,759 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 Alaska 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.

ViolationAverage annual premium
Driving without insurance$1,564
DUI/DWI first offense$2,307
DUI/DWI second offense$2,929
Reckless driving$2,406
SR22 Filing Only$1,759
SR22 with 1 DUI$2,446

SR-22 insurance cost by company for a first DUI

State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance for drivers after a single DUI at $1,819. Finding affordable SR-22 insurance after a DUI can be tough, but shopping around helps. Some insurance companies see a first DUI as a one-time mistake and may offer lower 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.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
State Farm$1,819$152
Progressive$2,264$189
GEICO$2,483$207
Allstate$2,931$244
USAA$2,191$183

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 $1,819. 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 Alaska leads to fines, higher car insurance rates and an SR-22.

Compare average rates for reckless driving from various insurers below.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
State Farm$1,819$152
Progressive$2,870$239
GEICO$2,882$240
Allstate$2,931$244
USAA$1,783$149

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 GEICO, with an average rate of $1,608 annually.

In Alaska, 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.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
GEICO$1,608$134
USAA$1,513$126

Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Alaska

Alaska 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 Alaska.

How long do you need an SR-22 in Alaska?

In Alaska, 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 Alaska

Most Alaska 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.

Reasons you may need an SR-22 in Alaska include:

  • DUI
  • Reckless driving
  • Multiple infractions in a short amount of time
  • Failure to maintain auto insurance
  • Refusing a breathalyzer
  • At-fault accidents involving severe injuries or death

Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Alaska

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 Alaska.

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 Alaska: FAQ

What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in Alaska?

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.

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