Understanding SR-22 insurance in New Hampshire

SR-22 insurance isn't a specific type of insurance. Instead, an SR-22 is a form your insurance company files with the state showing you have at least the minimum required car insurance to be on the road in New Hampshire. SR-22 insurance refers to auto insurance coverage where an SR-22 has been filed by the company on your behalf.

Most New Hampshire drivers don't need SR-22 insurance. Drivers who need an SR-22 form have been convicted of significant violations, such as reckless driving, DUIs and multiple infractions in a short amount of time. You will be informed if you are required to file an SR-22 and for how long.

"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 New Hampshire?

Filing an SR-22 form is inexpensive, but the fines and higher insurance rates will be pricey. On average, SR-22 insurance in New Hampshire costs $1,619, 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 New Hampshire 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$1,536
DUI/DWI first offense$2,042
DUI/DWI second offense$2,732
Reckless driving$2,044
SR22 Filing Only$1,619
SR22 with 1 DUI$2,337

SR-22 insurance cost by company for a first DUI

After a single DUI, the cheapest company on average is Auto-Owners with average rates of $1,400. 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.

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
Auto-Owners$1,400$117
The Hanover$1,484$124
State Farm$1,513$126
Progressive$1,534$128
Nationwide$2,604$217
Allstate$2,684$224
GEICO$2,819$235
Farmers$3,048$254
USAA$1,384$115

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 $1,359. 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 New Hampshire 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$1,359$113
Auto-Owners$1,469$122
The Hanover$1,578$132
Progressive$1,930$161
Nationwide$2,604$217
Allstate$2,684$224
GEICO$2,819$235
Farmers$3,048$254
USAA$1,168$97

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 Auto-Owners, with an average rate of $1,075 annually.

In New Hampshire, drivers must have at least the minimum required auto insurance. If you don't, you can face fines, higher insurance rates and an SR-22.

Below are the car insurance rates by company for drivers with a lapseWhen your auto insurance coverage ends because you missed a payment or did not renew it on time. A lapse in auto insurance coverage may result in paying higher premiums for a new policy. in coverage.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
Auto-Owners$1,075$90
GEICO$1,401$117
Nationwide$1,562$130
The Hanover$1,578$132
Progressive$1,869$156
Farmers$2,585$215
USAA$984$82

Non-owners SR-22 insurance in New Hampshire

New Hampshire might require you to file an SR-22 form even if you don't own a car, usually if it's needed to get your license back. If you occasionally borrow or rent a car, you can buy non-owner SR-22 insurance, which meets the legal requirements, and your insurance company can file the SR-22 with that policy.

It's important to remember that non-owner car insurance only gives you extra liability coverage when you drive someone else's car. If you buy a car, you'll need to get the proper insurance to drive it legally in New Hampshire.

How long do you need an SR-22 in New Hampshire?

Typically, New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire

"Most New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire

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 New Hampshire.

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 New Hampshire: FAQ

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

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. Yours new insurer must refile the SR-22 for you. Also, make sure your new policy is active with the SR-22 before canceling your old one.

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