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.

ViolationAverage 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.

CompanyAvg. annual premiumAvg. 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.

CompanyAvg. annual premiumAvg. 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.

CompanyAvg. annual premiumAvg. 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.

CompanyAvg. annual premiumAvg. 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.

Tip icon You might also be interested in