Understanding SR-22 insurance in Colorado

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

Most drivers in Colorado 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 Colorado?

Filing an SR-22 form is inexpensive, but the fines and higher insurance rates will be pricey. On average, SR-22 insurance in Colorado costs $3,150, but rates depend on the driver and the violation.

Insurance rates vary from company to company, so it's best to shop around to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance available.

Average SR-22 insurance cost in Colorado 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$2,678
DUI/DWI first offense$4,054
DUI/DWI second offense$5,664
Reckless driving$4,044
SR22 Filing Only$3,150
SR22 with 1 DUI$4,780

SR-22 insurance cost by company for a first DUI

State Farm offers the lowest car insurance rate for drivers after a single DUI at $2,081 yearly. Finding affordable SR-22 insurance after a DUI can be challenging, but comparing quotes can help. Some insurance companies view 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$2,081$173
GEICO$2,835$236
Progressive$3,439$287
Allstate$3,465$289
Kemper$4,172$348
Auto-Owners$4,659$388
Farmers$6,994$583
USAA$3,264$272

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 rate of $2,081 per year. Reckless driving tickets can be given for different reasons, like speeding, running red lights, texting while driving or tailgating. No matter the cause, reckless driving in Colorado leads to fines, an SR-22 requirement and higher car insurance rates.

Check the table below to compare average insurance rates for reckless driving from different companies.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
State Farm$2,081$173
GEICO$2,800$233
Allstate$3,465$289
Progressive$4,031$336
Kemper$4,172$348
Auto-Owners$4,659$388
Farmers$7,021$585
USAA$2,437$203

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 $1,715 annually.

In Colorado, drivers must carry at least the minimum required auto insurance. If you don't, you could face fines, higher insurance rates, and the need to file an SR-22.

The table below shows car insurance rates by company for drivers who had a lapse in coverage.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
GEICO$1,715$143
State Farm$2,081$173
Kemper$2,375$198
Auto-Owners$2,945$245
Farmers$4,060$338

Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Colorado

Colorado 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 Colorado.

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

Typically, Colorado 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 Colorado

"Most Colorado 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 Colorado for reasons such as:

  • Getting a DUI
  • Reckless driving
  • Receiving several traffic violations in a short period
  • Failing to keep auto insurance
  • Refusing to take a breathalyzer test
  • Causing an at-fault accident that results in serious injuries or death

Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Colorado

Although your insurance rates will go up if you need an SR-22, you can still find affordable coverage by shopping around.

You can lower your auto insurance costs with an SR-22 by:

  • Using all available discounts. Most insurance companies let you bundle discounts to help you save more.
  • Raising your deductible. Increase the amount you pay before insurance kicks in to lower rates.
  • Taking a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer a discount for completing the course, and some states remove points from your license, which can help lower your insurance rates.
  • Signing up for a usage-based program. If you show good driving habits while being monitored, you could earn a discount.
  • Shopping around for SR-22 insurance. Compare quotes from several companies to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Colorado.

Methodology

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170+

insurance companies analyzed

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34,000+

ZIP codes examined

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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 Colorado: FAQ

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

If you don't keep your insurance active and maintain your SR-22 filing, you could face serious consequences. You might face:

  • Losing your driver's license
  • Paying fines
  • Increased car insurance rates
  • Restarting your SR-22 period
  • Jail time
  • Getting your car's registration revoked

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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