Understanding SR-22 insurance in Ohio

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 Ohio. SR-22 insurance refers to auto insurance coverage where an SR-22 has been filed by the company on your behalf.

Most Ohio 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 Ohio?

While filing an SR-22 form is typically inexpensive, the associated fines and increased insurance rates are costly. On average, SR-22 insurance in Ohio is $1,703 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 Ohio 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$2,068
DUI/DWI first offense$2,514
DUI/DWI second offense$3,806
Reckless driving$2,556
SR22 Filing Only$1,703
SR22 with 1 DUI$2,962

SR-22 insurance cost by company for a first DUI

Erie Insurance offers the lowest car insurance rate for drivers after a single DUI at $1,814 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 vary by company after one DUI. Insurance rates do increase after a DUI, but the rise isn't as steep as it is for multiple violations.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
Erie Insurance$1,814$151
Progressive$2,032$169
Travelers$2,128$177
Auto-Owners$2,222$185
Allstate$2,661$222
GEICO$3,326$277
Farmers$3,643$304
USAA$1,498$125

SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving

The cheapest company for SR-22 insurance after a reckless driving conviction is Erie Insurance, with an average annual rate of $1,231. 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 Ohio 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
Erie Insurance$1,231$103
Travelers$2,128$177
Auto-Owners$2,222$185
Allstate$2,661$222
Progressive$2,849$237
GEICO$3,326$277
Farmers$3,808$317
USAA$1,353$113

SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance

The cheapest company for car insurance after being ticketed for driving without insurance is Erie Insurance at an average yearly rate of $1,231.

Ohio 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
Erie Insurance$1,231$103
GEICO$1,596$133
Travelers$1,856$155
Farmers$2,277$190
Allstate$2,407$201
Progressive$2,590$216

Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Ohio

Ohio 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 Ohio.

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

In Ohio, drivers typically need to keep an SR-22 for three years. 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 Ohio

"Most Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio

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 Ohio.

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 Ohio: FAQ

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

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

  • Losing your driver's license
  • Paying fines
  • Higher car insurance costs
  • Restarting your SR-22 time period
  • Getting your car taken away
  • 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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