SR-22 insurance in Arkansas

Understanding SR-22 insurance in Arkansas

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

Most drivers in Arkansas 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 Arkansas?

While filing an SR-22 form is typically inexpensive, the associated fines and increased insurance rates are costly. On average, SR-22 insurance in Arkansas is $2,299 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 Arkansas 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	$2,410
DUI/DWI first offense	$3,340
DUI/DWI second offense	$4,846
Reckless driving	$3,397
SR22 Filing Only	$2,299
SR22 with 1 DUI	$3,788

Data updated in 2024

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SR-22 insurance cost by company for a first DUI

State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance for drivers after a single DUI at $2,194. 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.

Take a look at the table below to see how average insurance rates after one DUI vary by company. While insurance rates increase after a DUI, the increase isn't as severe as with multiple infractions.

Company	Average annual premium	Average monthly premium
State Farm	$2,194	$183
Travelers	$2,195	$183
Progressive	$2,685	$224
Geico	$3,264	$272
Nationwide	$3,333	$278
Allstate	$3,588	$299
Farmers	$5,062	$422
USAA	$2,113	$176

Data updated in 2024

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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 $2,194. 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 Arkansas 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	$2,194	$183
Travelers	$2,195	$183
Geico	$3,264	$272
Nationwide	$3,333	$278
Progressive	$3,535	$295
Allstate	$3,588	$299
Farmers	$5,102	$425
USAA	$1,891	$158

Data updated in 2024

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SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance

The cheapest company for car insurance after being ticketed for driving without insurance is Travelers at an average yearly rate of $1,928.

In Arkansas, 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
Travelers	$1,928	$161
Nationwide	$1,983	$165
Geico	$2,103	$175
State Farm	$2,194	$183
Farmers	$3,087	$257
Progressive	$3,352	$279
USAA	$1,298	$108

Data updated in 2024

Read our methodology

Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Arkansas

Arkansas might require you to file an SR-22 form even if you don't own a car as a prerequisite to get your license back. If you borrow or rent a car occasionally, you can get non-owner SR-22 insurance, which meets legal requirements, and the SR-22 can be filed with that policy.

It is important to note that non-owner car insurance only provides extra liability coverage when you drive someone else's car. If you buy a car, you will require the right insurance to legally drive it in Arkansas.

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

Typically, Arkansas drivers must maintain an SR-22 for three years. However, if you fail to maintain insurance during this time, the consequences can be severe. Not only will you be in violation of the law, but you may also face additional fines and penalties.

Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Arkansas

Most Arkansas 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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas

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 Arkansas.

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 Arkansas: FAQ

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

The consequences may be severe if you don't retain insurance and fail to maintain your SR-22 filing. Possible consequences include:

Revoked driver's license
Fines
Increased auto insurance
Restarting your SR-22 time period
Having your car impounded
Jail time

Can I switch insurance providers while I have an SR-22 filing?

Yes, you can switch auto insurance companies if you have an SR-22. Yours new insurer must refile the SR-22 for you. Also, make sure your new policy is active with the SR-22 before canceling your old one.