Understanding SR-22 insurance in Missouri

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 Missouri. 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 Missouri 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 Missouri?

While filing an SR-22 form is typically inexpensive, the associated fines and increased insurance rates are costly. On average, SR-22 insurance in Missouri is $2,319 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 Missouri by violation

Your insurance rates don't increase because of the SR-22. The SR-22 is required because of a violation, and it's the violation that increases your rates.

For instance, you may require an SR-22 for a DUI or driving without insurance. The car insurance rate increase will be based on the infraction, not the SR-22.

This table shows the average costs for violations requiring an SR-22. The rates vary depending on the violation.

ViolationAverage annual premium
Driving without insurance$2,300
DUI/DWI first offense$2,990
DUI/DWI second offense$3,833
Reckless driving$3,058
SR22 Filing Only$2,319
SR22 with 1 DUI$3,328

SR-22 insurance cost by company for a first DUI

After a single DUI, the cheapest company on average is Travelers with average rates of $2,135. 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
Travelers$2,135$178
Progressive$2,162$180
State Farm$2,242$187
Nationwide$2,817$235
Auto Club Enterprises (AAA)$3,614$301
Allstate$3,735$311
GEICO$5,865$489
USAA$1,936$161

SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving

The cheapest company for SR-22 insurance after a reckless driving conviction is Travelers, with an average rate of $2,135 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 Missouri 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
Travelers$2,135$178
State Farm$2,242$187
Progressive$2,649$221
Nationwide$2,817$235
Auto Club Enterprises (AAA)$3,614$301
Allstate$3,735$311
GEICO$5,898$492
USAA$1,668$139

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 Nationwide, with an average rate of $1,705 annually.

Missouri 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
Nationwide$1,705$142
Travelers$1,901$158
State Farm$2,242$187
Progressive$2,437$203
Auto Club Enterprises (AAA)$3,201$267
GEICO$3,768$314
USAA$1,305$109

Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Missouri

Missouri 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 Missouri.

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

Typically, Missouri 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 Missouri

"Most Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri

Although your insurance will increase if you need an SR-22, there are still ways to find affordable coverage.

Ways to lower auto insurance costs with an SR-22 include:

  • Take advantage of all available discounts. Most insurers allow you to bundle discounts to maximize savings.
  • Raise your deductible. Increase the amount you pay before insurance kicks in to lower rates.
  • Take a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer a discount for taking a course, and some states remove points from your license, which can lower your insurance rates.
  • Sign up for a usage-based program. If you can demonstrate good driving habits while they are being tracked, you could earn a discount.
  • Shop around for SR-22 insurance. Compare rates from multiple companies to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Missouri.

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 Missouri: FAQ

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

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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