Understanding SR-22 insurance in Arkansas

SR-22 insurance isn't a specific type of insurance. Instead, an SR-22 is a form your insurance company files with the state showing you have at least the minimum required car insurance to be on the road in Arkansas. SR-22 insurance refers to auto insurance coverage where an SR-22 has been filed by the company on your behalf.

Most Arkansas drivers don't need SR-22 insurance. Drivers who need an SR-22 form have been convicted of significant violations, such as reckless driving, DUIs and multiple infractions in a short amount of time. You will be informed if you are required to file an SR-22 and for how long.

"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

Your insurance rates don't go up because of the SR-22. The state requires the SR-22 due to a violation, and that violation is what causes your rates to increase.

For example, you may need an SR-22 if you get a DUI or drive without insurance. The increase in your car insurance rate will depend on the violation, not the SR-22 itself.

This table shows the average costs for violations that require an SR-22. The rates vary based on the type of violation.

ViolationAverage 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

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 $2,194. 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.

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.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage 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

SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving

The cheapest company for SR-22 insurance after a reckless driving conviction is State Farm, with an average annual rate of $2,194. Drivers can get reckless driving tickets for many reasons, such as excessive speeding, running red lights, texting while driving, or tailgating. No matter the reason, reckless driving in Arkansas results in fines, an SR-22 requirement, and increased car insurance rates.

Check the table below to see how average insurance rates for reckless driving compare across different companies.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage 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

SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance

Travelers offers the cheapest car insurance after a ticket for driving without insurance at $1,928 per year.

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.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage 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

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, usually if it's needed to get your license back. If you occasionally borrow or rent a car, you can buy non-owner SR-22 insurance, which meets the legal requirements, and your insurance company can file the SR-22 with that policy.

It's important to remember that non-owner car insurance only gives you extra liability coverage when you drive someone else's car. If you buy a car, you'll need to get the proper insurance to drive it legally in Arkansas.

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

In Arkansas, drivers typically need to keep an SR-22 for three years. If you don't keep your insurance active during this period, you'll be breaking the law and could face serious fines and other 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.

Reasons you may need an SR-22 in Arkansas 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 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

research logo

170+

insurance companies analyzed

research logo

34,000+

ZIP codes examined

research logo

53M+

insurance quotes analyzed

National and state average rates are based on three coverage levels: state minimum, 50/100/50 liability-only, and full coverage with 100/300/100 liability and $500 deductibles.

All base rate averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:

  • Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
  • Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
  • Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
  • 40-year-old driver
  • Honda Accord LX
  • Good credit
  • A clean driving record
  • 12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage

Our data is then adjusted to reflect the rate increase from this base rate for the following infractions requiring an SR-22

  • One DUI
  • Two DUIs
  • Reckless driving
  • 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.

Tip icon You might also be interested in