- Understanding SR-22 insurance in Colorado
- How long do you need an SR-22 in Colorado?
- Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Colorado
- How much is SR-22 insurance in Colorado?
- Average SR-22 insurance cost in Colorado for different violations
- Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Colorado
- Auto insurance FAQs
Understanding SR-22 insurance in Colorado
An SR-22 is required to reinstate your license after it’s been suspended. In some cases, you might need an SR-22 even though you don’t own a car, or if you need to register a car while still under suspension. There are several forms of SR-22 filings available in Colorado:
- Operator
- Owner
- Owner-operator
If you need to reinstate your license but don’t own a car, you will need to purchase non-owner car insurance to get the SR-22 filed.
How long do you need an SR-22 in Colorado?
The average length of an SR-22 requirement is three years. If you need the SR-22 for a longer period of time, you’ll be informed by the DMV or the court.
If you fail to maintain an insurance policy throughout the duration of your SR-22 period, the insurance company will inform the Colorado DMV of the lapse in coverage. A lapse will result in an extension of the SR-22 insurance duration.
Further serious moving violations during the SR-22 period may also result in an extension of the SR-22 requirement.
Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Colorado
An SR-22 is required in Colorado for several reasons. They include:
- DUI
- Driving without insurance
- Being involved in an at-fault accident while uninsured
- Too many points on your license
- Reckless driving
You will be informed by the DMV or the court handling your conviction of any SR-22 insurance requirements.
How much is SR-22 insurance in Colorado?
The cost of insurance with an SR-22 will vary depending on the violation that resulted in the need for an SR-22. The insurance company will charge you a filing fee that is usually between $25 and $50. On top of that, your insurance rates will go up. Here are a few examples:
- The average cost of DUI first offense and SR-22 insurance in Colorado is $3,002 per year
- The average cost of DUI second offense and SR-22 insurance in Colorado is $4,264 per year
- The average cost of insurance with an SR-22 in Colorado after a reckless driving conviction is $3,016 per year
- The average cost of driving without insurance and SR-22 in Colorado is $2,151 per year
The main factors affecting SR-22 insurance cost in Colorado are the violation itself and what else is on your driving record. The cost of insurance for multiple traffic violations and SR-22 insurance, or at-fault accidents on your record will skyrocket.
How much you pay for insurance with an SR-22 will also depend on:
- The type of car you drive
- Where you live
- How you use your car
- Your coverage limits
Minimum coverage limits are the cheapest, but may not provide enough coverage. "Minimum coverage limits are just that; the absolute minimum you’re required to carry, but perhaps insufficient to adequately protect you in the event of an accident. You should carefully review the amount of coverage you’re being quoted and determine whether it offers the protection you need," says Rick Kautzer, director of product management at Dairyland Insurance, an insurer offering SR-22 filings.
Average cost of SR-22 insurance in Colorado by violation
Below are average car insurance rates for three different violations that require an SR-22.
| Violation | Average annual premium |
|---|---|
| DUI first offense | $3,002 |
| DUI second offense | $4,264 |
| Reckless driving | $3,016 |
| Driving without insurance | $2,151 |
Average SR-22 insurance cost in Colorado for different violations
See the tables below to compare rates from top companies for an SR-22 with various violations.
SR-22 insurance cost by company for DUI, first offense
Below are average car insurance rates by company for a first offense DUI that requires an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,753 | $146 |
| Progressive | $2,231 | $186 |
| Geico | $2,655 | $221 |
| USAA* | $2,682 | $223 |
| Nationwide | $2,717 | $226 |
| Allstate | $2,905 | $242 |
| Farmers | $3,345 | $279 |
| Auto-Owners | $3,737 | $311 |
| American Family | $3,781 | $315 |
| Kemper | $4,210 | $351 |
*USAA offers car insurance only to military members, veterans and their families.
SR-22 insurance cost by company for DUI, second offense
Below are average car insurance rates by company for a second offense DUI that requires an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,753 | $146 |
| Progressive | $3,378 | $282 |
| USAA* | $3,732 | $311 |
| Nationwide | $3,763 | $314 |
| Allstate | $3,949 | $329 |
| Geico | $4,037 | $336 |
| American Family | $4,170 | $347 |
| Farmers | $4,482 | $373 |
| Kemper | $5,943 | $495 |
| Auto-Owners | $7,429 | $619 |
*USAA offers car insurance only to military members, veterans and their families.
SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving
Below are average car insurance rates by company for reckless driving with an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,753 | $146 |
| USAA* | $2,007 | $167 |
| Geico | $2,500 | $208 |
| Progressive | $2,626 | $219 |
| Nationwide | $2,717 | $226 |
| Allstate | $2,905 | $242 |
| Farmers | $3,405 | $284 |
| Auto-Owners | $3,737 | $311 |
| Kemper | $4,210 | $351 |
| American Family | $4,302 | $358 |
*USAA offers car insurance only to military members, veterans and their families.
SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance
Below are average car insurance rates by company for driving without insurance with an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| USAA* | $1,292 | $108 |
| Geico | $1,516 | $126 |
| Nationwide | $1,690 | $141 |
| State Farm | $1,753 | $146 |
| Progressive | $1,915 | $160 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,260 | $188 |
| Kemper | $2,396 | $200 |
| Allstate | $2,443 | $204 |
| Farmers | $2,468 | $206 |
| American Family | $3,781 | $315 |
*USAA offers car insurance only to military members, veterans and their families.
Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Colorado
Because the need for an SR-22 follows a major violation, car insurance after an SR-22 is expensive. The good news is that many of the methods for getting cheaper car insurance still apply after an SR-22. They include:
- Raising your deductible
- Working to improve your driving record (and avoid any further tickets or accidents)
- Discounts, including for bundling your auto and home insurance
- Usage-based programs that monitor your driving habits in return for a discount
- Shopping around
Shopping around is the quickest and easiest way to get cheaper Colorado car insurance, even with an SR-22.
Auto insurance FAQs
What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in Colorado?
If your insurance lapses, the insurance company will report it to the DMV. Your license will be suspended or even revoked permanently.
Can I switch insurance providers while I have an SR-22 filing?
Yes. Switching insurance providers with an SR-22 filing is permitted. Just make sure there is no lapse in coverage and that the new insurance company files the SR-22 form.
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