Understanding SR-22 insurance in Connecticut

SR-22 insurance isn't a separate type of insurance. It's a form your insurance company files with the state to show that you carry the minimum car insurance required to drive in Connecticut. When people say SR-22 insurance, they're generally talking about car insurance that includes an SR-22 filing by the insurance company on your behalf.

Most drivers in Connecticut don't need SR-22 insurance. The drivers who do need it usually have serious violations, such as DUIs, reckless driving, or several offenses within a short period. If you're required to file an SR-22, the state will tell you 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 Connecticut?

Filing an SR-22 form doesn't cost much, but the fines and increased insurance rates can be expensive. On average, SR-22 insurance in Connecticut costs $1,995 per year, but the actual rate depends on the driver and the specific violation.

Insurance companies charge different rates, so it's smart to shop around and find the cheapest SR-22 insurance available.

Average SR-22 insurance cost in Connecticut 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$2,070
DUI/DWI first offense$4,344
DUI/DWI second offense$7,617
Reckless driving$3,925
SR22 Filing Only$1,995
SR22 with 1 DUI$4,851

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 $1,858 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.

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$1,858$155
Progressive$1,971$164
Kemper$2,491$208
Allstate$3,143$262
Nationwide$3,760$313
GEICO$4,178$348
Farmers$5,522$460
Amica$9,789$816
USAA$1,222$102

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 $1,858. 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 Connecticut 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$1,858$155
Progressive$2,330$194
Kemper$2,491$208
GEICO$3,081$257
Allstate$3,143$262
Nationwide$3,760$313
Farmers$5,522$460
Amica$7,249$604
USAA$840$70

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 State Farm, with an average rate of $1,858 annually.

In Connecticut, 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
State Farm$1,858$155
Kemper$2,377$198
Progressive$2,844$237
Amica$2,978$248
USAA$697$58

Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Connecticut

Connecticut 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 Connecticut.

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

In Connecticut, drivers usually need to keep an SR-22 for three to five years. If you don't maintain insurance during this time, the consequences can be serious. You'll be breaking the law and could face more fines and penalties.

Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Connecticut

"Most Connecticut 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 Connecticut 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 Connecticut

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 Connecticut.

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 Connecticut: FAQ

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

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 insurance companies if you have an SR-22. Your new insurer must file the SR-22 on your behalf. Make sure your new policy, along with the SR-22, is active before you cancel your old one.

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