Understanding SR-22 insurance in Idaho

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 Idaho. 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 Idaho 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 Idaho?

While filing an SR-22 form is typically inexpensive, the associated fines and increased insurance rates are costly. On average, SR-22 insurance in Idaho is $1,554 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 Idaho 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$1,559
DUI/DWI first offense$2,153
DUI/DWI second offense$3,373
Reckless driving$2,036
SR22 Filing Only$1,554
SR22 with 1 DUI$2,481

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 $1,205. 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$1,205$100
Travelers$1,757$146
Auto-Owners$2,078$173
Farmers$2,197$183
Allstate$2,598$217
Nationwide$3,341$278
GEICO$3,596$300
USAA$1,556$130

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 $1,205. 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 Idaho 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$1,205$100
Travelers$1,757$146
Auto-Owners$2,078$173
Farmers$2,307$192
GEICO$2,527$211
Allstate$2,598$217
Nationwide$3,341$278
USAA$1,113$93

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 $1,205 annually.

Idaho requires that drivers carry at least a minimum amount of auto insurance. Failing to do so leads to fines, increased insurance rates, and an SR-22. Because failing to maintain minimum car insurance shows a lack of responsibility, insurers raise rates significantly.

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

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
State Farm$1,205$100
Travelers$1,537$128
Farmers$2,039$170
Nationwide$2,065$172
USAA$938$78

Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Idaho

Idaho may require you to file an SR-22 form even if you don't own a vehicle as a prerequisite for reinstating your license. Drivers who sometimes borrow or rent a car can buy non-owner SR-22 insurance, which provides state minimum auto insurance coverage. A non-owner car insurance policy meets the legal requirements, and an SR-22 can be filed based on that policy.

It's important to note that non-owner car insurance only acts as secondary liability coverage when driving someone else's car. If you buy a car, you will need the proper insurance to drive it in Idaho.

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

In Idaho, drivers typically need to keep an SR-22 for one year for the first offense and three years for every subsequent offense. 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 Idaho

"Most Idaho 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 Idaho 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 Idaho

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 Idaho.

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 Idaho: FAQ

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

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. 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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